Carson City — The Assembly Ways and Means Committee heard SB323, a bill to continue a pilot program that provides 15 minutes of free daily phone calls to inmates at Florence McClure Women’s Correctional Center.

Sen. Melanie Scheibel, presenting on behalf of a colleague, told the committee the pilot followed the 2023 session and produced improvements: corrections staff reported fewer fights, calmer housing units and better contact between incarcerated people and family and community supports. Sponsor testimony emphasized the program’s behavioral and safety benefits and argued the small state cost is outweighed by reduced staff time spent on incidents and by potential lower recidivism.

Fiscal note and mechanics

The Department of Corrections’ fiscal note estimated a worst‑case cost of roughly $500,000 in the biennium if the department cannot negotiate discounted rates with the phone contractor and if every eligible call minute is used. Sponsor and department witnesses said negotiations and lower per‑minute rates achieved in the pilot could reduce the actual cost.

Testimony and outcome

No public opposition or neutral testimony appeared in the hearing. Committee members had few questions and the sponsor waived closing remarks. The committee record shows the bill was presented with a request to continue the pilot; the department said reprint language included appropriations handled in Senate‑side amendments.

Why it matters

Advocates and corrections staff testified the daily free minutes improved facility atmosphere and family connections — outcomes the sponsor argued can reduce recidivism and support reentry. The committee will consider the appropriation in the context of the overall corrections budget and any negotiated contract prices for phone minutes.