Keeping Families Connected: New Illinois Bill Seeks to Cap Prison Mail Costs and Protect In-Person Visits

For families navigating the criminal justice system, the cost of staying in touch with an incarcerated loved one is often an overwhelming financial burden. A new piece of legislation introduced in the Illinois General Assembly, House Bill 4235, aims to dismantle these financial barriers and protect the right to physical visitation.

Introduced on January 14, 2026, by Representative Rita Mayfield, this bill proposes significant amendments to the Unified Code of Corrections. If enacted, it would fundamentally change how the Department of Corrections (DOC) handles—and charges for—communication services. Here is what families, advocates, and incarcerated individuals need to know about HB4235.

Cutting the Cost of Communication.

The core of HB4235 is a mandate to stop price gouging on mail and scanning services. Currently, third-party vendors often charge high fees to digitize or deliver mail. This bill ensures that neither the DOC nor its vendors can charge more than the standard postage rate set by the United States Postal Service (USPS).

Specific financial protections include:

• Incoming Mail: The Department is prohibited from charging any fee or surcharge for mail addressed to and received by an incarcerated person. This specifically includes materials processed through "mail scanning services".

• Outgoing Mail: If an incarcerated person sends mail (or has it scanned), the cost cannot exceed the standard USPS postage rate.

• Scanning Services: The bill defines "mail scanning" as the digitization of documents to be printed or viewed electronically. The bill explicitly caps the costs for these services, ensuring they are not used as a loophole to charge families extra fees.

Removing the Profit Motive

Perhaps the most significant change for advocates is the ban on revenue generation. HB4235 explicitly states that the Department of Corrections "shall not receive revenue, directly or indirectly" from the provision of communication services.

This applies to:

• Voice communications (phone calls)

• Mail communication and scanning

• Video calls and electronic messaging

By removing the ability for the DOC to profit from these services, the bill aims to shift the focus from revenue generation back to rehabilitation and family connection.

Protecting In-Person Visits

A common fear among families is that the introduction of video calls and digital mail will be used as an excuse to eliminate in-person visitation. HB4235 addresses this fear directly. The bill contains a protective clause stating that the Department "shall not use the provision of voice communication services, mail communication, mail scanning services, or any other communication services to supplant in-person contact visits". Technology is meant to be a supplement to connection, not a replacement for human contact.

Demanding Transparency and Accountability

To ensure these rules are followed, the bill imposes strict reporting requirements. Beginning July 1, 2027, the DOC must submit an annual report to the General Assembly and publish it on their website.

This report must include:

• Contract Details: The status of communication contracts and efforts to consolidate them to save money.

• Renegotiation Efforts: Details on how the DOC is working to lower rates for incarcerated persons and their families.

• Follow the Money: A detailed accounting of how funds appropriated for communication services are actually spent.

• Usage Data: Statistics on how much these services are being used, including call and message volumes.

What Happens Next?  Please submit a witness slip as a PROPONENT in support of HB4235 by 4:00 PM on Tuesday, February 17.

HB4235 is currently in the legislative process during the 104th General Assembly. If passed and signed into law, the bill would become effective immediately, bringing instant relief to thousands of Illinois families paying to stay connected.

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Note: This article is based on the text of HB4235 as introduced. Legislative details are subject to change as the bill moves through the General Assembly.

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