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HB 1953

TO PROVIDE FOR A SURCHARGE TO BE ASSESSED ON INMATE PHONE CALLS TO OFFSET THE COSTS OF SECURITY NEEDS ASSOCIATED WITH INMATE COMMUNICATIONS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Randy Torres and 1 co-sponsor

House Bill 1953 proposed a surcharge on inmate phone calls to fund security measures for inmate communications, impacting inmates and enhancing funding for corrections.

Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HB 1953

Summary of House Bill 1953

Bill Number: HB 1953
Title: To Provide for a Surcharge to be Assessed on Inmate Phone Calls to Offset the Costs of Security Needs Associated with Inmate Communications
Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment
Introduced: April 01, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1953 aimed to establish a surcharge on inmate phone calls to help cover the costs associated with security needs related to inmate communications. The bill was introduced with the intent to ensure that the Department of Corrections and county sheriffs could collect funds specifically for enhancing security measures tied to inmate communications.

Key Provisions

  1. Surcharge Implementation:

    • The bill authorized the Secretary of the Department of Corrections to assess a surcharge on all inmate calls.
    • County sheriffs were also granted the authority to impose a similar surcharge for calls made from county jails.

  2. Use of Collected Funds:

    • Funds collected from the surcharge would be allocated exclusively to offset security-related expenses associated with inmate communications.
    • The Board of Corrections was tasked with establishing guidelines for the use of these funds.

  3. Amendments to Existing Laws:

    • The bill proposed amendments to Arkansas Code § 12-29-119, which governs inmate telephone calls, to include the surcharge as part of the cost structure for inmate communications.
    • It specified that the surcharge would be added to the cost of each phone and video call, collected by the service vendor, and deposited into the Division of Correction Nontax Revenue Receipts Fund.

  4. Determination of Surcharge Amount:

    • The amount of the surcharge would be determined by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, in consultation with the Arkansas Legislative Audit and the Division of Correction, and would require approval from the Governor.

Affected Parties

  • Inmates: The bill would directly impact inmates making phone calls, as they would incur additional costs due to the surcharge.
  • Department of Corrections and County Sheriffs: These entities would benefit from the additional funding to enhance security measures related to inmate communications.
  • Service Vendors: Companies providing inmate communication services would be responsible for collecting the surcharge.

Legislative Timeline

  • April 01, 2025: Bill filed.
  • April 02, 2025: Bill read for the first time, rules suspended, read a second time, and referred to the House Judiciary Committee.
  • May 05, 2025: Bill died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.

Conclusion

House Bill 1953 sought to address the financial needs associated with the security of inmate communications by implementing a surcharge on phone calls made by inmates. Despite its introduction and referral to committee, the bill ultimately did not progress beyond the committee stage before the legislative session concluded.

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

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