Ban on Private Prisons and Lower Inmate Call Fees
This act aims to eliminate private prisons and detention centers, transferring their control to the government. Additionally, it introduces regulations on financial and communication service fees for individuals in correctional and detention facilities to ensure fairness. The act also prohibits the detention of families and establishes alternative support programs.
Key points
End of Private Prisons: Within two years, federal, state, and local prisons and detention centers will be directly controlled by the government, not private companies.
Lower Call Fees: The act sets maximum rates for phone calls from correctional and detention facilities, reducing costs for families and loved ones.
Oversight of Money Transfer Fees: Fees for sending money to incarcerated individuals must be reasonable and proportional to the service cost, under the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's oversight.
Prohibition on Family Detention: The act forbids detaining and separating families, promoting community-based support programs instead.
Increased Transparency and Oversight: It mandates regular inspections and public access to detention facility documents, with financial penalties for non-compliance.
Private Right of Action: Citizens can sue entities that violate this act, providing a means to enforce their rights.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 117_HR_994
Sponsor: Rep. Grijalva, Raúl M. [D-AZ-3]
Process start date: 2021-02-11