Dhaka, July 23 -- New York will eliminate charges for phone calls made from state prisons beginning August 1, state officials announced Tuesday. Currently, incarcerated individuals are allowed three free 15-minute calls per week, after which they are charged 2.4 cents per minute.

The state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision said in a statement that removing the cost aims to strengthen family connections, which helps reduce tensions and conflicts inside correctional facilities.

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Daniel Martuscello, commissioner of the department, emphasized the importance of maintaining family ties during incarceration. "Strong family support plays a vital role in im...