§ 53.1-127.2 — Fees for telephonic communication systems and electronic visitation and messaging systems for prisoners in local correctional facilities

Virginia § 53.1-127.2

• Jurisdiction: Virginia
• Title 53.1: Prisons and Other Methods of Correction
• Ch. 3: Local Correctional Facilities
• Art. 6: Duties of Sheriffs

Text

Each sheriff or jail superintendent who operates a local correctional facility that utilizes a telephonic communication system, an electronic visitation system, or electronic messaging system, including Voice-over-Internet Protocol technology and web-based communication systems, for communication between prisoners and third parties is authorized to provide for the establishment and collection of a fee for the system utilized. However, no fee shall be charged for communication between prisoners and third parties within any local correctional facility or appurtenance thereto operated or controlled by the sheriff or jail superintendent. The net profits from the operation of such systems shall be used within each facility respectively for educational, recreational, or medical purposes for the benefit of the inmates to include behavioral health, substance abuse, reentry, and rehabilitative services for the benefit of inmates and may be expended to pay for the training, salaries, and benefits of employees or contractors whose primary job is to provide such programs and services to the inmates.

This section does not apply to telephonic communication systems or to electronic video or audio communication systems used in judicial proceedings.

Legislative History

2011, c. 532; 2013, c. 449; 2024, c. 402.