On Wednesday, June 26 — just a week after 91 civil rights and advocacy organizations representing individuals and communities across the country submitted a letter supporting low ra to Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel expressing their support for the federal regulator’s efforts to adopt new, lower rate caps for incarcerated communications services — the Chairwoman unveiled the July 2024 Open Meeting Agenda.
It is expected that the Commission will vote later this month on rules that would end exorbitant charges for phone and video calls made by incarcerated people in correctional facilities throughout the United States following the passage of the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act that was signed into law by President Biden in early 2023.
Cheryl A. Leanza, policy advisor of the United Church of Christ Ministry, said, “For years, UCC Media Justice has worked with members of Congress and the Federal Communications Commission to address predatory rates for communications with incarcerated individuals held in jails and detention centers. Following the bipartisan passage of the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act, the FCC is set to implement the new law and adopt new rate caps, eliminate unjust fees, and implement other important rules to keep families connected.
This is a monumental step forward in bringing relief to incarcerated people and their loved ones. Congratulations to the FCC for the strong draft and thanks to advocates, allies and policymakers who have played an important role in getting to this major achievement. We look forward to a positive vote.
UCC Media Justice will remain vigilant of legal challenges that may try to block the new, more affordable costs or require families to pay for security costs that are rightfully the responsibility of incarcerating institutions.”
The proposed draft rules the FCC will vote on later this month include:
- The adoption of new rate caps, which will include only the minimum, necessary security monitoring costs and costs required by federal law.
- The elimination of all fees: the rate consumers pay will be the per-minute rate.
- Banning site commissions, permitting local facilities to recover only legitimate costs for services they provide to communications companies so they can offer communications service.
- A ban on any state or local law that would cause the rate to exceed the established rate caps.
- Additional comprehensive consumer disclosures and protections.
- The rules will be phased in between January and June 2025.
In Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus explains that we show our love of God by the way we treat “the least of these” among us, including those in prison. “I was in prison, and you visited me,” Jesus says. “When did we visit you?” asked his followers. Jesus replies: “As you did it to one of the least of these, brothers and sisters, so you did it to me.” The right to communicate throughout incarceration is not only humane; it is essential for improving people’s ability to successfully re-enter their communities, supporting family stability, facilitating access to community support and job opportunities, and other meaningful resources.
We will keep you updated on this issue following the FCC’s historic vote.
Learn more about UCC Media Justice’s work toward open and affordable communications here.