State Correctional Facilities - Incarcerated Individuals - Costs of Telephone Communications

SB 56 requires Maryland state correctional facilities to pay for telephone services used by incarcerated individuals, eliminating charges to inmates or their families. The bill establishes a 10:1 ratio of inmates to telephones and prohibits facilities from charging inmates, third parties, or replacing in-person visitation with phone access. It creates a 17-member advisory committee - including currently and formerly incarcerated individuals, advocates, and correctional staff - to oversee implementation. The law directly affects all incarcerated people in Maryland state facilities, correctional facilities (which must cover costs), and phone service providers (who cannot bill inmates). It takes effect upon enactment, with the committee tasked to report on phone access costs within one year.