The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) announced on Apr. 9 the adoption of permanent rate caps for calling services used by incarcerated individuals in California. The decision sets a maximum intrastate calling rate of $0.045 per minute for debit, prepaid, and collect calls, while also maintaining limits on ancillary fees.
The new rules are intended to make communication more affordable for people in correctional facilities and their families. The CPUC said these protections apply to all telephone companies providing intrastate calling services to incarcerated individuals in California facilities not already covered by state policies offering free calls.
Under the adopted requirements, providers must adhere to the $0.045 per minute cap and continue prohibitions on single-call, paper bill, live agent, and automated payment fees. Third-party financial transaction fees are limited to pass-through costs capped at $6.95 per transaction, with government taxes allowed only as pass-through charges without markup. Additional ancillary service charges are banned unless explicitly approved by the CPUC.
A study submitted in a Federal Communications Commission proceeding found that family contact can improve outcomes after release and reduce recidivism among formerly incarcerated individuals.
“Maintaining communication with family members is critical for rehabilitation and successful reentry into society,” said CPUC Commissioner Darcie L. Houck, who is assigned to the proceeding. “By establishing permanent rate protections, the CPUC is helping ensure that incarcerated Californians and their loved ones can stay connected without facing unreasonable costs. This decision extends rate protections to all local and federal facilities in California, ensuring that people held in these facilities are charged just and reasonable rates.”
CPUC President John Reynolds said: “For too long, the families of incarcerated Californians have faced unnecessarily high costs just to stay in touch with their loved ones. This decision establishes clear, permanent safeguards that prevent excessive rates and hidden fees while ensuring that communication services remain accessible and fair for the people who rely on them most.”
The CPUC began examining telecommunications rates for incarcerated people in 2020 following efforts by federal regulators. Interim caps were put into place at $0.07 per minute in 2021 while additional data was collected about provider costs and market conditions.
Providers must now implement these new requirements statewide where calls are not already free under state law; they will also be required to notify customers about changes.
