By Bob Katzen

House 26-130, rejected an amendment that would repeal the state’s 2023 No-Cost Calls Law, which provides $10 million to fund unlimited phone calls for inmates at county and state correctional facilities, and would redirect the $10 million to support unrestricted local aid for cities and towns. The amendment would also establish a commission to study and develop recommendations for a fiscally constrained and sustainable alternative to the No-Cost Calls Law.

“The state’s sheriffs have collectively raised concerns about the No-Cost Calls Program’s rising costs, which Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick McDermott recently testified has already cost taxpayers $12.5 million this fiscal year,” said sponsor Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading). “By redirecting the money allocated to this program to unrestricted general government aid, we can assist our cities and towns that are struggling to pay for essential municipal programs and services. I also believe it’s critical to have a commission study the No-Cost Calls Program to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used more efficiently and effectively.”

Rep. Michael Day (D-Stoneham) said that the No-Cost Calls Law works because when prisoners are able to communicate with their families, to talk outside of the walls, it results in better success rates and less recidivism. He argued that this $10 million is well-spent and means we have to spend less money on our criminal justice system.

(A “Yes” vote is for redirecting the $10 million to fund unlimited phone calls to instead fund $10 million in unrestricted local aid for cities and towns. A “No” vote is for keeping the $10 million funding for the No-Cost Calls Law.)

Rep. Christine Barber No Rep. Mike Connolly No Rep. Paul Donato No Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven Didn’t Vote