HB461
Require jails, prisons provide teletypewriters to certain inmates
Current Status: In House Committee (Local Government)
Summary
The bill requires municipal and county correctional facilities and state correctional institutions in Ohio to provide inmates who are deaf, hard of hearing, or severely speech impaired with access to teletypewriters at no cost. It prohibits these facilities from denying access to such communication devices for the specified inmates.
Rationale
The bill supports the rights of individuals with disabilities to communicate, aligning with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty and expression. However, it mandates government action, which may conflict with the Libertarian emphasis on minimal government intervention.
Risks and Concerns
- Increased government spending on mandated services
- Potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies
- Possibility of setting a precedent for further government mandates