Bipartisan Legislation Passes House to Strengthen US Criminal Justice System

Strategic Insights -

The Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act, introduced by U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Rob Portman (R-OH), has passed the U.S. House of Representatives by voice vote. This legislation aims to regulate intrastate phone rates and charges in correctional facilities, making it more affordable for families to stay in touch with their incarcerated loved ones. According to studies, this can help reduce recidivism rates and save taxpayer dollars. The bill has garnered bipartisan support, with organizations from across the political spectrum backing it.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act aims to regulate intrastate phone rates and charges in correctional facilities to ensure they are just and reasonable.
  • The bill was introduced by U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Rob Portman (R-OH) and has passed the U.S. House of Representatives by voice vote.
  • The legislation has bipartisan support, with organizations such as the National Sheriffs' Association and Color Of Change backing it.
  • Intrastate rates and charges in correctional facilities are considered unjust and unreasonable, with some calls costing individuals up to $1 per minute.
  • FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel described the rates as "unconscionable" and has expressed support for the legislation.
  • Former FCC Chair Ajit Pai also testified that intrastate providers are charging "egregiously high intrastate rates" and advocated for the regulation of these rates.
  • Martha Wright-Reed, the bill's namesake, advocated for more affordable phone rates for over 20 years and was a key factor in the FCC's decision to cap interstate prison phone call rates in 2013.
  • The amended version of the bill that was favorably reported by the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee has garnered support from across the political spectrum.
  • Organizations supporting the bill include the National Sheriffs' Association, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Color Of Change, and the National Disability Rights Network.

Statistics:

  • Intrastate prison phone call rates can cost individuals up to $1 per minute.
  • The price for individual calls in correctional facilities can be as high as the cost of unlimited monthly plans.
  • The FCC has capped interstate prison phone call rates since 2013.

Sources:

  • Duckworth, Tammy. "Bipartisan legislation strengthens US criminal justice system." Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth, 2023.
  • National Sheriffs' Association. "Supporting the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act."
  • Portman, Rob. "Bipartisan legislation aims to strengthen US criminal justice system." U.S. Senator Rob Portman, 2023.
  • Rosenworcel, Jessica. "Statement on the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act." FCC, 2023.
  • Pai, Ajit. "Testimony before the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee." FCC, 2023.