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Panel advances bill to require confidential phone/video access so attorneys can reach clients in jail and DOC facilities
Summary
House Judiciary passed HB 1049 to Appropriations (9‑1), adopting an amendment to extend access to the attorney's broader defense team. Sponsors said modest one‑time costs are outweighed by savings from reduced travel and docket delays; DOC sought clarifications on operational details.
The House Judiciary Committee voted 9‑1 on May 20 to send House Bill 1049 to Appropriations after adopting an amendment that extends electronic communication access to members of an attorney's defense team.
The bill clarifies that people detained in county jails and Department of Corrections facilities must be permitted confidential phone or audio‑visual communications with their lawyers so attorneys can prepare for court without long drives or repeated continuances. An amendment (L001) broadened access to include other authorized members of a defense team such as paralegals or interpreters.
"This is not about granting people rights they don't already have. The Constitution guarantees…
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