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Lowering Prison Phone Call Costs: Ensuring Just Rates for Families.

This Act mandates "just and reasonable" maximum rates for phone and video communication services from confinement facilities, significantly reducing costs for families and support systems. It bans site commission payments, which previously inflated prices, aiming to strengthen relationships and decrease recidivism. The FCC is required to set these permanent maximum rates based on average industry costs within 18 months.
Key points
Immediate interim rate caps are set for voice calls from facilities: $0.04 per minute (debit/prepaid) and $0.05 per minute (collect calling).
Total prohibition of site commissions (kickbacks) paid by communication providers to correctional facilities.
Elimination of per-communication or per-connection charges; all charges must be assessed solely on a per-minute basis for the actual duration of the call.
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Expired
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Additional Information
Print number: 117_HR_2489
Sponsor: Rep. Rush, Bobby L. [D-IL-1]
Process start date: 2021-04-13
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Summarized by: gemini-flash-latest
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Martha Wright Prison Phone Justice Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_HR_2489.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2021-04-13.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Immediate interim rate caps are set for voice calls from facilities: $0.04 per minute (debit/prepaid) and $0.05 per minute (collect calling).
  • Total prohibition of site commissions (kickbacks) paid by communication providers to correctional facilities.
  • Elimination of per-communication or per-connection charges; all charges must be assessed solely on a per-minute basis for the actual duration of the call.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Rush, Bobby L. [D-IL-1].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2026-01-02.

CATEGORIES

Courts and Law Family