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‘Unlimited is unreasonable’: House Republicans, sheriffs call for limits on free inmate phone calls
The program, designed to help inmates stay connected with their families, is drawing scrutiny over rising costs, operational challenges, and declining participation in rehab programs.
A group of Republican House members and county sheriffs are calling for an investigation and restrictions on Massachusetts’ no-cost inmate phone call program.
The No-Cost Calls, which was signed into law in 2023, was designed to help inmates stay connected with their families for free and reduce recidivism. However, lawmakers and sheriffs argue that without limits, the program is becoming unsustainable both financially and operationally.
On Nov. 25, 2025, a coalition of GOP lawmakers sent a letter to Massachusetts Inspector General Jeffrey Shapiro requesting an investigation into the program’s growing costs be included in his probe of the county sheriff’s spending.
“All we’re doing is asking that the IG include the no-cost calls program in an investigation that he’s already being compelled to perform,” Rep. Ken Sweezey, a first-term Republican and co-author of the letter, told Boston.com.
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The investigation was prompted by sheriffs overspending their budget by an estimated $162 million for fiscal year 2025. Lawmakers are withholding the funds until the Inspector General’s investigation is complete, with an interim report expected by the end of February 2026.
The 22 legislators who signed the letter were concerned that the program’s success has created “negative consequences,” including a decline in inmate participation in rehabilitation programs.
“If the program is going to exist, taxpayers deserve full transparency on its costs, the impact on facility operations, and whether the current model is sustainable,” the letter said.
Concerns over the cost and impact of no-cost calls
The no-cost calls program allows inmates at both state and county correctional facilities to communicate with their families without any charges.
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However, according to Bristol County Sheriff Paul Heroux, the program’s implementation has created a significant financial burden.
At Heroux’s jail, the cost of the program has ballooned to nearly $2 million annually, up from a previous $100,000 in commissions the jail once earned on commissions from phone calls. Across the state, the program is expected to cost taxpayers about $12 million in fiscal year 2026, Heroux said.
Since its implementation in 2023, phone call volume has increased 139%, call durations are up 152%, and electronic communications have soared 560%, Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick McDermott said at a Joint Committee on Ways and Means hearing in August.
This sudden increase in costs and usage has added pressure to sheriff’s budgets, which are already precarious. In addition to financial concerns, some sheriffs reported a rise in criminal activity facilitated by phone calls.
“We have seen a spike in gang coordination, the attempts at fake account creations, and even family disruptions, sometimes involving children,” McDermott said at the summer hearing. Heroux added that he sees inmates engaging in more witness intimidation over the phone and violating restraining orders.
Decline in program participation
The shift to unlimited phone access has also had a negative impact on inmate participation in rehabilitation programs, Heroux and Sweezey said.
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Heroux pointed out that many inmates are spending more time on their tablets, chatting on the phone, and neglecting educational, vocational, and behavioral programs.
“We know that inmates are participating a little bit less in programs because they’re spending more time on the phone. We see it happening. We know it’s happening,” Heroux said.
The House Republicans’ letter calls for reforms to the program, including setting limits on phone call durations and frequencies – a move Heroux supports – to encourage more participation in programming.
Will the law be amended?
In response to these concerns, Rep. Adam Scanlon, a Democrat from North Attleboro, has filed a bill (HD.5305) that would establish limits on inmate phone calls. The proposed legislation would guarantee inmates at least 15 minutes of call time each day, with a maximum of 60 minutes. Local sheriffs would have the discretion to adjust these limits based on the needs of their facilities.
“I support the idea of giving inmates access to keep in touch with their family,” Heroux said. “I think that’s important to facilitate prisoner reentry, but I’ve always thought unlimited is unreasonable.”
The bill was referred to the committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security on Nov. 11. The committee has yet to schedule a hearing to consider the bill.
What’s next?
With the Inspector General’s investigation underway and legislative proposals on the table, the future of the program remains uncertain.
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Advocates for the program argue that maintaining family connections is crucial to reducing recidivism. The Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) has stated that the no-cost calls are essential to the rehabilitation process. The DOC did not respond to requests for comment.
However, critics like Heroux warn that without adjustments, the program could face public backlash.
“Amend the law, put some guardrails on it, before the public revolts and wants it repealed,” Heroux said. “To protect the program, we have to strike a nice middle ground.”
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