Arkansas HB1953: TO PROVIDE FOR A SURCHARGE TO BE ASSESSED ON INMATE PHONE CALLS TO OFFSET THE COSTS OF SECURITY NEEDS ASSOCIATED WITH INMATE COMMUNICATIONS

What the bill says

An act to be entitled an act to provide for a surcharge to be assessed on inmate phone calls to offset the costs of security needs associated with inmate communications; and for other purposes. subtitle to provide for a surcharge to be assessed on inmate phone calls to offset the costs of security needs associated with inmate communications.

From the introduced text:

An Act To Be Entitled AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR A SURCHARGE TO BE ASSESSED ON INMATE PHONE CALLS TO OFFSET THE COSTS OF SECURITY NEEDS ASSOCIATED WITH INMATE COMMUNICATIONS; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Subtitle TO PROVIDE FOR A SURCHARGE TO BE ASSESSED ON INMATE PHONE CALLS TO OFFSET THE COSTS OF SECURITY NEEDS ASSOCIATED WITH INMATE COMMUNICATIONS. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ARKANSAS: SECTION 1. DO NOT CODIFY. Legislative findings and intent. (a) The General Assembly finds that the Secretary of the Department of Corrections may add a surcharge to all inmate calls to offset the cost of equipment and operations for security needs associated with inmate communications. (b) The General Assembly intends: (1) The department to assess a surcharge on inmate calls to be used to pay for certain expenses to offset the cost of security needs associated with inmate communications; and (2) To authorize a county sheriff in charge of a county jail to assess a surcharge on inmate calls to offset the cost of security needs associated with inmate communications. SECTION 2. Arkansas Code § 12-27-128, concerning the Division of *CEB264* 04/01/2025 1:17:40 PM CEB264 HB1953 Correction Nontax Revenue Receipts Fund, is amended to add an additional subsection to read as follows: (d)(1) Moneys collected under § 12-29-119 shall be …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Randy Torres (R, 17) · primary sponsor
• David Wallace (R, 19)

Latest actions

1. May 5, 2025: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
2. April 1, 2025: Read the first time, rules suspended, read the second time and referred to the Committee on JUDICIARY COMMITTEE- HOUSE
3. April 1, 2025: Filed

Common questions

What is HB1953?

HB1953 is a bill in the Arkansas Legislature (95th General Assembly (2025 Regular)): TO PROVIDE FOR A SURCHARGE TO BE ASSESSED ON INMATE PHONE CALLS TO OFFSET THE COSTS OF SECURITY NEEDS ASSOCIATED WITH INMATE COMMUNICATIONS.

What does HB1953 do?

In its own words: An act to be entitled an act to provide for a surcharge to be assessed on inmate phone calls to offset the costs of security needs associated with inmate communications; and for other purposes. subtitle to provide for a surcharge to be assessed on inmate phone calls to offset the costs of security needs associated with inmate communications.

What is the status of HB1953?

Failed as of May 5, 2025. Latest action: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. (May 5, 2025).

Who sponsored HB1953?

Randy Torres (R, 17), with 1 co-sponsor.

Where is the official record for HB1953?

On the Arkansas Legislature website: https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R&measureno=HB1953