Republican Attorneys General Challenge FCC's Inmate Phone Bill Reductions

Fourteen Republican state attorneys general, led by Arkansas and Indiana, have filed a lawsuit contesting the FCC's June decision to reduce inmate phone call charges. They argue the rule limits necessary funding for jails and prisons, while the FCC supports it as a measure to reduce financial burdens on inmates' families.

Fourteen Republican state attorneys general, with Arkansas and Indiana at the forefront, filed a lawsuit on Wednesday challenging the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) June decision to drastically cut inmate phone call bills in U.S. prisons and jails.

The states contend that the FCC's rule unlawfully restricts the amount of money that jails and prisons can charge inmates for phone calls. They argue that this limit compromises the financial support essential for these facilities to mitigate risks and aid in crime resolution.

FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel defended the rule in June, stating it addresses the 'unconscionable rates families of the incarcerated pay for communications,' aiming to alleviate the financial burdens on inmates' families.

(With inputs from agencies.)