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New York to make phone calls free in its state prisons
NEW YORK, JUL 22 – The policy will save 30,000 families an estimated $13.3 million annually and aims to reduce tension in prisons by improving family connections, officials said.
- In a sweeping shift, NY prisons will offer free calls, video chats, and emails starting Aug. 1, benefiting incarcerated individuals and their families.
- The Federal Communications Commission announced on June 30 that it would delay rollout until April 1, 2027, citing implementation challenges.
- The Hochul administration said the state would pay Securus Technologies 1.5 cents per minute and allocate about $9 million, funded through DOCCS’ operating budget, with studies showing reduced recidivism.
- Worth Rises said 30,000 families will save $13.3 million annually, county sheriffs warn funding is insufficient for 12,000 prisoners, and Allison Hollihan called the change `a huge win for children and families`.
- As the first state to take executive action, New York enacts free prison calls, and officials predict it will ease tensions, reduce violence, and improve reentry outcomes.
31 Articles
31 Articles
NY Makes Prison Phone Calls Free, Via Direct Negotiations With Securus
Beginning August 1, the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) will make phone calls free for everyone in custody. New York will be only the fourth state to make prison phone calls free, and the first to do so through a non-legislative process. DOCCS announced the change July 22. “This significant policy change eliminates financial barriers to communication and aims to strengthen the vital connections between …
New York funding free calls for incarcerated people as FCC stalls
ALBANY, N.Y. — The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision announced Tuesday that phone calls from state correctional facilities will cost nothing to people who are incarcerated starting August 1. DOCCS said its operating budget will fund the new free call service. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! This new policy removes barriers to communication, which advocat…
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The Center SquareNew York budgets $9M for ‘free’ phone calls for state prisoners
(The Center Square) — New York has become the latest Democratic-led state to authorize free phone calls for inmates in state prisons and correctional facilities with a policy change touted by state officials to improve conditions in the facilities.
U.S. Bishops Call on FCC to Reduce Prison Costs
Bishop William Byrne, seen here delivering a homily in 2021, has requested to the FCC that they make sure it’s affordable for those incarcerated to communicate with loved ones. (Photo: CNS/Mary Jeanne Tash) The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has called on the Federal Communications Commission to reverse course on delaying the implementation of a law that makes it more affordable for those incarcerated to communicate with their fami…
‘Finally, Relief Is on Its Way’: NY to End Prison Phone Fees
In a sweeping shift years in the making, people locked up in state prisons will soon be able to make free phone calls to family members and loved ones, the state prison system announced Tuesday. People behind bars can use their tablets or facility phones without any fees starting on Aug. 1, according to the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. The move follows the lead of New York City, which in 2019 became the first juri…
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