                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

ELECTRONIC VISITATION AND MESSAGING WITH INMATES (§ 53.1-35.1)

The Director is authorized to prescribe reasonable rules regarding electronic
visitation systems or electronic messaging systems, including
Voice-over-Internet Protocol technology and web-based communication systems, for
communication between prisoners and third parties and collection of a fee for
the system utilized. Any state correctional facility that utilizes such systems
shall establish such systems using the lowest available rates. Any state
correctional facility that utilizes such systems shall establish such system
allowing for the security needs of the facility. Any state correctional facility
that utilizes such system (i) shall not prohibit in-person visitation and (ii)
shall not receive any commission for installation or operation of the system.
The Department may temporarily limit the use of this system during periods of
heightened security or emergencies.
		This section does not apply to telephonic communication systems or to
electronic video and audio communication systems used in judicial proceedings.

HISTORY: 2018, c. 66; 2024, c. 455.