Clyburn Undecided on Contraband Cellphone Item Proposed by Pai

she met with a top correctional official there, plus former Republican Gov. Nikki Haley, about the problem. “I want to make sure that whatever managed system that we have in place is directly targeted to the problems that exist,” Clyburn said. “I lived next door to a community that was adversely impacted when the last system was put in place and it was too broad and it disrupted home services in a neighboring community. This is a community where my parents live -- that is not so far from them. I would not want them or anybody else in a community to be adversely impacted by any item. So I will, again, read this for a second and third time.” Clyburn said security protocols and public safety are very important to her. “We also have to keep in mind that the safety of the surrounding communities and the integrity of their phone systems are vital, too,” she said. Clyburn said she's sympathetic to arguments that prisoners and their families shouldn't have to bear the costs of systems set up to keep the devices out of correctional facilities (see 1703130062). “I do not think it would be fair for the families who are seeking rate justice to be unfairly financially burdened,” she said. “If the costs are proportional to that particular class, then we can have a conversation. But they should not, I don’t believe, compensate for overarching security protocols if indeed that cannot be directly shown to be appropriate for inmate calling.” Clyburn said some contraband cellphones have been used to facilitate crimes, but that shouldn’t drive up the cost of calling to and from correctional facilities. Clyburn spoke to reporters after speaking at a Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council Lifeline event (see 1703210045).