§ 53.1-127.2 Fees for telephonic communication systems and electronic visitation and messaging systems for prisoners in local correctional facilities
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.
History
This law was first created in 2011. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 532 of that year’s edition of “Acts of Assembly,” the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. It has been modified 2 times. Those modifications are cataloged by “The Acts of Assembly,” a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly’s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 2013, chapter 449; in 2024, chapter 402.
2011, c. 532; 2013, c. 449; 2024, c. 402.