HB 1484

Bill Subjects

Correction, Institutions And Inmates Human Services Telecommunications, Telephone, Television, Radio, And Internet

Abstract

Provides that a rate for intrastate: (1) collect calling; (2) debit calling; (3) prepaid calling; or (4) prepaid collect calling; in connection with inmate calling services shall not exceed the rate cap for the comparable interstate service, as set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and in effect at the time the call is initiated. Prohibits a provider from charging an ancillary service charge for an intrastate inmate calling service call, other than those ancillary service charges permitted by the FCC for interstate or international inmate calling service calls at the time the call is initiated. Provides that a rate for a permitted ancillary service charge for an intrastate inmate calling service call shall not exceed the rate for the comparable ancillary service charge permitted by the FCC for interstate or international inmate calling service calls at the time the call is initiated. Prohibits a provider of inmate calling services from impeding the completion of, or otherwise degrading, intrastate collect calling based on the lack of a billing relationship with the called party's communications service provider. Prohibits a provider from charging any taxes or fees in connection with intrastate inmate calling service calls, except for: (1) authorized fees; and (2) mandatory taxes and fees. Provides that: (1) authorized fees; and (2) mandatory taxes and fees; may not include a markup, unless the markup is specifically authorized by a federal, state, or local statute, rule, or regulation. Prohibits a provider from: (1) imposing a per call or per connection charge for any intrastate inmate calling service call; or (2) offering flat rate calling for intrastate inmate calling services. Provides that after June 30, 2021, a provider shall not enter into or renew a contract for the provision of inmate calling services at a correctional facility in Indiana unless the terms of the contract comply with these provisions. Provides that any term, condition, or provision that: (1) is included in such a contract; and (2) violates these provisions; is void. Provides that a provider that violates these provisions: (1) commits a deceptive act that is actionable by the attorney general or by a consumer under the deceptive consumer sales act (act); and (2) is subject to the remedies and penalties under the act.