New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer (D) signed two telecom bills on inmat...
New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer (D) signed two telecom bills on inmate payphone services and VoIP E-911. One permanently kills commissions to the state on inmate payphone calls from state prisons. HB-3397 codifies an April Spitzer executive order ending…
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the 57.5% commission added to inmate payphone rates, costing the state about $20 million in annual revenue but halving inmate collect call rates. The law bars the state from ever charging commissions on inmate payphone calls and requires that any contract for the service awarded after April 2008 go to the lowest-rate bidder. The law requires prisons to offer inmates the choice of debit card or collect calling. Spitzer also signed SB-4611, requiring VoIP providers to tell customers of limitations on 911 service. The law requires 911 limitation disclosures in all TV, radio and print ads, sales materials, live customer service contacts, installation kits and service contracts. Customers must sign acknowledgments that they know of limitations on basic or enhanced 911. VoIP providers lacking 911 capability must disclose this fact in prominent ways and issue warning stickers for customer phones. The law requires VoIP providers employing foreign exchange services to take all reasonable steps to ensure 911 calls are routed to the correct public safety answering point. VoIP providers breaking the law risk fines of $1,000 per violation.