HB 3118
Requires the Department of Corrections to enter into a contract, or renegotiate an existing contract, with a third party to provide voice communications services at no cost to persons confined at a Department of Corrections institution.
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
98%
Oppose
2%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill requires Oregon’s Department of Corrections (DOC) to secure a contract with a third party to provide free voice communications services – including phone calls, video calls, and text messaging – to people held in DOC institutions. The department is prohibited from receiving any financial compensation from the provider for these services. The bill also mandates reporting on the implementation and usage of these communications services to the Legislative Assembly.
Key provisions
- The Department of Corrections must contract with a third party for free voice communications services.
- Communications services must be provided at no cost to incarcerated individuals or their contacts.
- The department cannot receive financial or in-kind compensation from the communications service provider.
- The department must submit a progress report to the Legislative Assembly by February 1, 2026.
- The department must submit a biennial report with data on communications service usage to the Legislative Assembly.
- Access to in-person visitations and communications services cannot be limited to offset the cost of this legislation.
- ‘Communications services’ includes voice, video, and text communication technologies.
- A report detailing the contract and expenditures must be submitted to the Legislative Assembly.
Who is affected
- Oregon Department of Corrections
- Persons confined in Oregon Department of Corrections institutions
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
Rep Neron
Cosponsor
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of the bill emphasize the importance of maintaining connections between incarcerated individuals and their support networks, highlighting the emotional benefits of regular communication and its role in rehabilitation. Personal experiences shared by testifiers illustrate how phone calls have helped families cope with the challenges of incarceration, including improved mental health outcomes, strengthened relationships, and reduced recidivism rates. The financial burden of high phone call costs is also a significant concern, with estimated annual expenses totaling $9 million in Oregon alone. Advocates argue that providing free or subsidized communication services would alleviate this financial strain, allowing individuals to stay connected with loved ones and support their rehabilitation without undue burden on families. By addressing this critical barrier to reintegration, supporters believe that improved prison call affordability can lead to better outcomes for both inmates and society as a whole.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of the bill express concerns that it lacks a comprehensive fiscal impact statement, which would provide a clear understanding of the expected costs and revenue implications. They also question the bill's administrative structure, citing uncertainty about how programs will be implemented and managed. Furthermore, critics argue that the bill's provisions may place an undue burden on taxpayers, potentially leading to increased taxes or reduced services. These concerns are rooted in a desire for transparency and accountability, as well as a commitment to protecting taxpayer interests.