State regulators adopted a resolution asking the FCC to address...
State regulators adopted a resolution asking the FCC to address high prison call charges, at NARUC’s meeting in Baltimore. The telecom committee showcased the high rates that exist in many states. New Mexico prison calls amounted to $6 a minute…
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before reform, said Public Regulation Commission Commissioner Jason Marks, adding they're now down to 65 cents a minute at state facilities. Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Secretary Gary Maynard has had oversight in four different states and described deriving revenue from the calls. CenturyLink provides for some prison calls, but it’s “hard to make excessive profits” in the business, said Assistant Vice President Jeff Lanning. No organizations complained to the prisons, Maynard said, saying the Association of State Correctional Administrators will likely look at developing best practices due to these concerns. The FCC has struggled with a proceeding for 11 years, said attorney Lee Petro, of Drinker Biddle, describing his fight against the charges. Commissioners initially worried the resolution would cause misinterpretation or create confusion over jurisdiction but passed it 12-2 in the telecom committee. Despite multiple no votes and one abstention, the NARUC board adopted the resolution Tuesday.