Active Campaign
New Jersey
Families and allied advocates are organizing to pass legislation that would make prison and jail communication free
Families in New Jersey are struggling to maintain critical connections with their incarcerated loved ones simply because they cannot afford the excessive cost of phone calls.
The impact is devastating:
New Jersey families spend $13 million annually to stay connected with incarcerated loved ones.
One in three families with an incarcerated loved one goes into debt to afford communication services and visits.
87% of those carrying this burden are women — largely Black and brown women.
One in 28 children have a parent incarcerated, and many cannot afford to hear “I love you”.
Strong family connections and community ties improve facility safety, support rehabilitation, and increase successful reentry — or, in other words, they boost public safety. We should be encouraging communication and connecting families — not exploiting it.
S436 and A2601 would make communication free in New Jersey prisons and jails for incarcerated people and their families.
These bills require a modest budget appropriation. With community support, New Jersey can fund this practical, evidence-based step to strengthen families and promote public safety.
