Bill to make prison calls free for inmates clears committee

(WTNH) - A bill to give Connecticut prison inmates free phone calls cleared committee Tuesday.

It now heads to the House.

Right now, inmates or their families pay just under $5 for calls of up to 15 minutes.

Opponents say the cost pays for monitoring phone calls and should be paid by inmates.

Supporters say free calls would encourage family communication and help inmates reintegrate into society.