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SB 56

State Correctional Facilities - Incarcerated Individuals - Costs of Telephone Communications

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jeff Waldstreicher

Maryland bill to reduce or reform telephone communication costs for incarcerated individuals in state prisons, potentially affecting family contact and legal access.

First Reading Judicial Proceedings
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Bill Summary · SB 56

Legislative bill overview

SB 56 addresses the costs of telephone communications for incarcerated individuals in Maryland's state correctional facilities. The bill, sponsored by Senator Jeff Waldstreicher, proposes modifications to how these communication costs are handled within the state prison system. The measure is currently in early legislative stages, having been referred to the Judicial Proceedings committee.

Why is this important

Prison phone calls are typically very expensive for incarcerated individuals and their families, sometimes costing $5-15 per call or more depending on the facility and provider. These high costs can strain family relationships, limit legal communication with attorneys, and create financial hardship for already-vulnerable families. The bill addresses a documented problem that advocates argue affects rehabilitation outcomes and family stability during incarceration.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost allocation: Whether the state should subsidize phone costs (reducing revenue from current phone service contracts) or whether costs should remain on incarcerated individuals and their families
  • Provider contracts: The bill may affect existing private contracts with phone service providers that generate revenue for correctional facilities
  • Fiscal impact: State budget implications of implementing any subsidies or reducing current phone service revenues that support facility operations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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