SB1227: Electronic visitation and messaging with prisoners; sheriffs, etc., to charge fee for use.


SENATE BILL NO. 1227
Senate Amendments in [ ] -- February 1, 2011
A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 6 of Chapter 3 of Title 53.1 a section numbered 53.1-127.2, relating to electronic visitation and messaging with prisoners; fees.
Patrons Prior to Engrossment--Senator Howell; Delegate: Albo

Referred to Committee on Rehabilitation and Social Services

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1.  That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Article 6 of Chapter 3 of Title 53.1 a section numbered 53.1-127.2 as follows:

§ 53.1-127.2. Fees for electronic visitation and messaging with prisoners in local correctional facilities.

Each sheriff  [ or jail superintendent  ] who operates a correctional facility that utilizes an electronic visitation system or electronic messaging system for communication between prisoners and third parties is authorized to provide for the establishment and collection of a fee for the system utilized. The fee shall not exceed the actual costs of establishing and operating such a system and the proceeds may not be used for any purpose other than to offset the costs of establishing and operating a system.

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

SENATE BILL NO. 1227
Offered January 12, 2011
Prefiled January 12, 2011
A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 6 of Chapter 3 of Title 53.1 a section numbered 53.1-127.2, relating to electronic visitation and messaging with prisoners; fees.
Patrons-- Howell; Delegate: Albo

Referred to Committee on Rehabilitation and Social Services

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1.  That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Article 6 of Chapter 3 of Title 53.1 a section numbered 53.1-127.2 as follows:

§ 53.1-127.2. Fees for electronic visitation and messaging with prisoners in local correctional facilities.

Each sheriff who operates a correctional facility that utilizes an electronic visitation system or electronic messaging system for communication between prisoners and third parties is authorized to provide for the establishment and collection of a fee for the system utilized. The fee shall not exceed the actual costs of establishing and operating such a system and the proceeds may not be used for any purpose other than to offset the costs of establishing and operating a system.

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