Mass. Gov. Signs FY24 Budget, Making Calls Free for Incarcerated Individuals

Massachusetts will give incarcerated individuals access to free phone calls, video calls and e-messaging, effective Dec. 1, Gov. Maura Healey (D) announced after signing the FY24 budget Wednesday. The implementation date of the provision was extended by five months to "make sure the policy can be thoughtfully implemented and is affordable," per a news release. Several advocacy groups welcomed the announcement. "We applaud the Massachusetts legislature and Governor on the passage and signing of this budget that will make the promise of stronger families a reality, especially because it is the first state to make all prison and jail communication free," said Worth Rises Executive Director Bianca Tylek. The provision "sets a national standard for human rights for incarcerated people," said Michael Collins, Color of Change senior director-state and local government affairs. "It's been an uphill battle to say the least, but one worth fighting for,” said African American Coalition Committee Chairman William Ragland.