The bill requires penal telecommunications service providers
(providers) who provide penal telecommunications services (services) to correctional facilities (facilities) to maintain data and records (data) related to the services provided to those facilities. The bill requires providers to submit the data and a report on the services provided to the public utilities commission (commission) on a quarterly basis. The
commission is required to publish the data and report on its website in a format accessible by the public.
The commission shall establish a maximum per-minute rate for
in-state debit, prepaid, and collect calls to or from facilities, and shall conduct trial tests to ensure accountability and transparency.
Current law exempts providers and the services provided from
oversight by the commission. The bill grants the commission authority over providers and the services provided.
