This is a special guest blog post from Azam Chaudry, a third-year law student, and student attorney, in the Communications and Technology Law Clinic at Georgetown University Law Center, in Washington, D.C. Azam helped prepare testimony in support of HB 1366 with other student attorneys and testified on our behalf in Annapolis on March 7, 2024.
March 7th, 2024, was a remarkable day as I found myself in the halls of the Maryland General Assembly House Judiciary Committee, a place where crucial decisions are made, voices are heard, and lives are impacted. Here, I bore witness to the collective strength of a community rallying for House Bill 1366, which champions the right to free communication for incarcerated persons. In a society where freedom is cherished, we often overlook the small liberties until they are stripped away.
For many Marylanders behind bars, the simple act of a phone call is a luxury they and their families cannot afford. This bill seeks to rectify that, recognizing that connection to loved ones is not just a privilege but a necessity that sustains the human spirit. I am Azam Chaudry, a third-year law student from Georgetown, representing the United Church of Christ’s Media Justice Ministry. My purpose? To testify in strong support of a bill that could reshape the futures of many by providing free phone calls to incarcerated persons.
Before the official hearings commenced, the Maryland Connecting Families Coalition set the stage with a press conference at noon. State Delegate Kent Roberson’s presence was a beacon of hope. He passionately advocated for House Bill 1366, speaking fervently about providing this necessary relief to Maryland’s communities and improving the lives of all Marylanders. We recognize his leadership with gratitude.
Qiana Johnson, with her resonant narrative, exemplified the bill’s profound impact. As the Founder and Executive Director of Life After Release and a formerly incarcerated woman, she shared her lived experience with costly prison communication. Her testimony, rich with personal strife and triumph, underscored the dire need for this legislation.
Heather Warnken, leading the Center for Criminal Justice Reform at the University of Baltimore School of Law, illustrated the multifaceted benefits of free communication. She eloquently explained how familial support is pivotal for successful reentry, enhancing the ability to secure housing and employment upon release.
Presenting my testimony taught me the importance of carefully selecting every word with care and constructing succinct arguments. Within that brief span of two minutes, I applied my legal studies to advocate passionately and empathetically for a meaningful cause. It went beyond a simple exercise in academia; it was an active contribution to a campaign aimed at bringing real improvements to the lives of Marylanders. This experience highlighted the necessity of precise, impactful communication and thoughtful strategy, which are foundational to successful legal advocacy.
I learned the significance of efficiency in speech, a skill that will influence my legal career as I aim to drive forward justice and societal progress. Reflecting on the weeks leading up to the testimony, I’m inspired by the diverse organizations that came together to form a coalition for a common cause. Their collaboration is a testament to the power of unity and the strength found in shared goals. Moments like these remind us of our capacity to influence change and the importance of accessible communication as a cornerstone of rehabilitation and societal reintegration.
Though the bill did not pass, our resolve remains unshaken. This effort is only the beginning of a longer journey toward change. We stand hopeful that Maryland will recognize the intrinsic value of maintaining family ties, even from behind bars. It’s not just a call for justice; it’s a call for compassion, progress, and the recognition that every voice deserves to be heard.