Mont. House Joins Senate Passing Inmate Calling Bill

A Montana bill to reduce intrastate phone rates for inmates received unanimous approval in both legislative chambers. The House voted 96-0 Friday to pass SB-7 after the Senate passed it 49-0 last month. The bill would allow county jails to join state prison contracts or create their own contract if they don’t charge more than the current per-minute rate allowed by the FCC -- or 21 cents at most (see 2301260021).