PRISONERS: ELECTRONIC DEVICES, ID CARDS
Sponsored By: Rebecca Himschoot (Not)
Became Law
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
New rules for inmate electronics and media
Prisoners may use a computer or tablet only if the facility approves it. Use is limited to reentry, case plans, rehab, jobs, school, legal materials, visits, health care, or other approved goals. In‑person visits cannot be replaced by computer or tablet visits, and electronic programs can only supplement existing ones. Prisoners may not keep cassette players, VCRs, or telephones in their cells. Only basic cable is allowed. Movies rated R, X, or NC‑17 are banned. Printed or photo materials that are obscene, incite hatred, aid escape, or teach how to make drugs or weapons are banned. Publishing or broadcasting needs prior department approval.
No obstructed‑view prison living quarters
Prisoners may not be housed in living quarters with an obstructed view. The department does not have to renovate facilities used as prisons on August 27, 1997, or buildings built before the department acquired them.
Standard ID card at release
Before release, the department must give a prisoner an ID card like a driver’s license in format and security. It shows a unique number, full name, date of birth, a photo, and a signature or signature space. If under 21, it says “UNDER 21.” It states “for identification purposes only” and cannot be used to buy alcohol.
Cap on prison food spending
The law caps per‑prisoner food spending at 90% of the per‑capita food spending for enlisted U.S. Army personnel stationed in Alaska. This limit applies in state‑run prisons.
Fees for e‑mail and video visits
State prisons may charge fees for electronic mail and electronic visitation services. The law sets no fee cap. The rule applies to services used on or after the law’s effective date.
Stricter limits on inmate property and conduct
Prisoners cannot smoke or use tobacco. They cannot have free weights or take part in boxing, wrestling, judo, karate, or similar activities or instruction the department deems likely to promote violence. A cell may not have more than three electrical appliances, and coffee pots, hot plates, or any food‑heating device are banned. Prisoners must follow facility rules for dress, hygiene, and grooming.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Rebecca Himschoot
Not • House
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
(H) EFFECTIVE DATE(S) OF LAW 11/5/25
8/19/2025House(H) LAW W/O GOV SIGNATURE 8/7 CHAPTER 25 SLA 25
8/19/2025House(H) 9:05 A.M. 7/15/25 TRANSMITTED TO GOVERNOR
7/30/2025House(H) CONCUR AM OF (S) Y28 N12
5/20/2025House(H) TITLE CHANGE: SCR 8
5/20/2025House(H) CONCUR MESSAGE RECEIVED AND TAKEN UP
5/20/2025House(S) VERSION: SCS CSHB 35(JUD)
5/20/2025Senate(S) TRANSMITTED TO (H) AS AMENDED
5/20/2025Senate(S) PASSED Y20 N-
5/20/2025Senate(S) READ THE THIRD TIME SCS CSHB 35(JUD)
5/20/2025Senate(S) ADVANCED TO THIRD READING 5/20 CAL
5/19/2025Senate(S) JUD SCS ADOPTED UC
5/19/2025Senate(S) READ THE SECOND TIME
5/19/2025Senate(S) RULES TO CALENDAR 5/19/2025
5/19/2025Senate(S) FN1: ZERO(COR)
5/16/2025Senate(S) NR: TOBIN
5/16/2025Senate(S) DP: CLAMAN, MYERS, KIEHL
5/16/2025Senate(S) TITLE CHANGE: SCR 8
5/16/2025Senate(S) JUD RPT SCS(JUD) 3DP 1NR NEW TITLE
5/16/2025Senate(S) Moved SCS CSHB 35(JUD) Out of Committee
5/14/2025Senate(S) JUDICIARY at 01:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
5/14/2025SenateAudio/Video
5/14/2025House(S) Minutes (SJUD)
5/12/2025Senate(S) Heard & Held
5/12/2025Senate(S) JUDICIARY at 01:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
5/12/2025Senate
Bill Text
Enrolled HB 35
5/20/2025
SCS CSHB 35(JUD)
5/16/2025
CSHB 35(STA)
4/9/2025
CSHB 35(CRA)
3/14/2025
HB 35
1/22/2025