"The No-Cost Calls, which was signed into law in 2023, was designed to help inmates stay connected with their families for free and reduce recidivism. However, lawmakers and sheriffs argue that without limits, the program is becoming unsustainable both financially and operationally."
"All we're doing is asking that the IG include the no-cost calls program in an investigation that he's already being compelled to perform," Rep. Ken Sweezey, a first-term Republican and co-author of the letter, told Boston.com."
"The investigation was prompted by sheriffs overspending their budget by an estimated $162 million for fiscal year 2025. Lawmakers are withholding the funds until the Inspector General's investigation is complete, with an interim report expected by the end of February 2026."
""If the program is going to exist, taxpayers deserve full transparency on its costs, the impact on facility operations, and whether the current model is sustainable," the letter said."
A no-cost inmate phone call program signed into law in 2023 allows inmates at state and county facilities to call family members for free to reduce recidivism. Republican House members and county sheriffs are seeking an investigation and potential restrictions amid concerns over escalating costs, operational strains, and reduced inmate participation in rehabilitation programs. A coalition of GOP lawmakers sent a letter on Nov. 25, 2025, asking the Inspector General to include the program in a probe after sheriffs reportedly overspent their budget by about $162 million for fiscal year 2025. Lawmakers have withheld funds pending an interim report expected by February 2026.
Read at Boston.com
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