Turnbull Brockmeyer Law Group

17 hours ago

Maryland Bill SB56 & HB401: Should Taxpayers Cover Inmate Phone Calls? 📞💰

🚨 Maryland lawmakers are proposing a significant shift in funding for prison phone calls. Currently, inmates and their families bear the costs of these communications. However, under SB56 and HB401, this financial responsibility would transition to taxpayers.

🔹 What the Bills Propose:
• Eliminate charges for inmate phone calls: Inmates and their families would no longer incur fees for telephone services.
• State-funded communication: The state would assume all associated costs, removing the financial burden from inmates’ commissary accounts.
• Establishment of an advisory committee: A committee would be formed to evaluate prison and jail phone systems, reporting findings by December 31, 2025.

🔹 Sponsorship Details:
• SB56: Sponsored by Senator Jeff Waldstreicher.
• HB401: Backed by Delegates Roberson, Amprey, Kaufman, Long, Pasteur, Wilkins, and Woods.

📞 Current Financial Landscape:
• No state commissions: Unlike some states, Maryland does not receive a portion of the fees from inmate calls; profits go to private companies.
• Call costs: A 15-minute intrastate call costs approximately $0.48, making Maryland the third most affordable state for prison phone rates.
• Inmate earnings: Wages range from $0.17 to $1.16 per hour, making even minimal call charges burdensome.

💰 Financial Implications for Taxpayers:
• Estimated annual cost: Implementing these bills could cost taxpayers around $8 million per year to provide free phone services to inmates.

💬 The Debate:

📢 Supporters Argue:
• Reduced recidivism: Regular family contact can decrease the likelihood of reoffending.
• Alleviating financial strain: High call costs disproportionately impact low-income families.
• Curbing private profits: Private companies currently benefit from fees charged to inmates and their families.

⚠️ Opponents Counter:
• State budget concerns: Maryland faces financial challenges; adding this expense may exacerbate issues.
• Precedent in other states: Many states require inmates to pay for calls; Maryland’s shift could be seen as an exception.
• Victims’ perspectives: There are concerns about taxpayer funds being used for inmate privileges.

🔥 Your Opinion Matters:

Should the financial responsibility for inmate phone calls shift from families to taxpayers?

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