Item Description:
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Amd 9 to Agmt A153963 with Securus Technologies, LLC to provide resident phone and video visitation services at the Adult Detention Center, the Adult Correctional Facility and Juvenile Detention Center, ext end date to 12/31/28, incr NTE by $1,000,000 for a new NTE of $2,500,000
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that Amendment 9 to Agreement A153963 with Securus Technologies, LLC providing resident telephone and video visitation services to the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office Adult Detention Center, the Department of Community Corrections and Rehabilitation's Adult Correctional Facility, and video visitation services at the Juvenile Detention Center, extending the contract period through December 31, 2028 and increasing the not to exceed amount by $1,000,000 for a new total not to exceed amount of $2,500,000 be approved; and that the Chair of the Board be authorized to sign the amendment on behalf of the County and that the Controller be authorized to disburse funds as directed.
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Background:
The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) and the Department of Community Corrections and Rehabilitation (DOCCR) have provided resident access to the Securus Technologies, LLC telephone system at the Adult Detention Center (ADC), and the Adult Corrections Facility (ACF) since 2015.
Over the last six years, the original Agreement A153963, for phone services has been amended to add remote video visitation at the ADC, the ACF and the Juvenile Detention Center (JDC). Last year, this agreement was extended through 2026 and included language to align with proposed Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations (to be implemented in 2025), which lowered call costs paid by facility residents and their families, (from fourteen to seven cents per minute) but prohibited vendors from providing free services. The Agreement also included remote video visitation at the ACF and ADC at a rate of $4 for a 20-minute session. Remote video visitation at the JDC is provided without charge.
In July 2025, the proposed federal regulations were stayed until 2027, pending a review of economic impacts on correctional facilities and the calling industry. On-site video visitation, phone calls with attorneys, social workers and probation officers continue to be provided without charge at the facilities.
The requested amendment will provide a two-year extension and will lock in a low call rate (seven cents per minute) through 2028. To the extent allowed by future regulations, it also provides for one vendor paid phone call per week at the ADC, one free video visit per week at the ACF and free system tools. The ACF has paid for resident phone calls since 2024 and will continue to do so. This amendment includes language that will automatically align the phone/video visitation pricing to federal standards.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval