Family Rights and Advocacy in Minnesota | InmateAid
In 2023, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed SF 2909, making phone calls from Minnesota state prisons **free**. Minnesota became the fourth state in the country to do so, following Connecticut, California, and Colorado. Families had previously been paying more than $4.5 million collectively each year just to speak with their incarcerated loved ones.
The fight continued in 2025. Worth Rises and Minnesota partners filed testimony in April 2025 supporting SF 666 (included in SF 3054) to extend free communications to video calls and electronic messaging. As of that testimony, video calls at Minnesota DOC were still charged at $0.23 per minute and electronic messages at $0.40 per message. Verify whether the 2025 legislation passed through mn.gov/doc or Worth Rises (worthrises.org).
Minnesota also launched an **electronic visiting application process** effective August 4, 2025 for all adult correctional facilities. The old paper-based process is gone. Visiting applications are now submitted electronically.
Visit application questions: **VAU at 320-358-0466**. Important: visiting status cannot be disclosed over the phone -- to get any information about a visiting list, you must present picture ID at any MCF location in person.
Minnesota has an independent **Office of the Ombuds for Corrections (OBFC)** -- mn.gov/obfc -- that monitors prison conditions and advocates for improvements. The OBFC published the "Cost of Connection" report in September 2023 that drove the free calls legislation. The OBFC is a resource for families.
Minnesota DOC phone contact: through mn.gov/doc.
GTL/ViaPath is the DOC's phone vendor (calls are now free at state facilities).
What Families Are Facing in Minnesota
Minnesota DOC operates multiple correctional facilities (MCF) across the state. Major facilities:
- **MCF-Stillwater** -- Stillwater, Washington County (near Twin Cities; maximum security; one of Minnesota's oldest and largest prisons)
- **MCF-Oak Park Heights** -- Oak Park Heights, Washington County (near Stillwater; maximum security; Minnesota's highest-security facility)
- **MCF-Faribault** -- Faribault, Rice County (southeastern Minnesota; about 50 miles south of Twin Cities)
- **MCF-St. Cloud** -- St. Cloud, Stearns County (central Minnesota; about 65 miles northwest of Twin Cities)
- **MCF-Lino Lakes** -- Lino Lakes, Anoka County (suburban north of Twin Cities; relatively accessible)
- **MCF-Moose Lake** -- Moose Lake, Carlton County (northeastern Minnesota; about 120 miles north of Twin Cities)
- **MCF-Red Wing** -- Red Wing, Goodhue County (southeastern Minnesota; about 50 miles southeast of Twin Cities)
- **MCF-Shakopee** -- Shakopee, Scott County (southwest suburb of Twin Cities; Minnesota's only women's facility)
Most Minnesota DOC facilities are within 2 hours of the Twin Cities. MCF-Moose Lake in Carlton County is the most geographically challenging for Twin Cities families.
**Women**: All women incarcerated in Minnesota state prisons are housed at MCF-Shakopee in the southwest Twin Cities suburbs. This is one of the more accessible women's facilities in any state in this series.
On phone: GTL/ViaPath is the vendor; all calls free at state DOC facilities since 2023. No charge.
On video: GTL/ViaPath. As of April 2025, video calls were still charged at $0.23/minute. Verify whether SF 666 passed in 2025 making video free.
On messaging: As of April 2025, electronic messages were $0.40 each. Verify current status at mn.gov/doc.
On mail: Physical mail to facility address. Minnesota DOC has not announced a system-wide digital mail scanning transition. Verify current policy.
On money: Verify current deposit options through mn.gov/doc.
Your Rights as a Family Member in Minnesota
Visitation rights
Minnesota DOC moved to an **electronic visiting application process** effective August 4, 2025. All adult correctional facilities now use electronic applications.
Key visiting rules:
- Visit applications submitted electronically (new process as of August 4, 2025)
- No information about visiting lists given over the phone -- to get any visiting information, present picture ID at any MCF location in person
- Visiting status cannot be disclosed over the phone
- Application questions: VAU at **320-358-0466**
- Active protective order or no-contact directive between the applicant and incarcerated individual: visitation is prohibited
- Forms available in English and Spanish at mn.gov/doc
Minnesota DOC has documented data on the impact of visits: people who received visits were **13% less likely to commit new crimes** and **25% less likely to violate parole** upon release. The DOC cites this in its own research -- which makes the fight over visitation policy more significant.
In 2016, the DOC created a blanket prohibition on visits for anyone identified as a victim of an incarcerated person's current offense. After five years, advocates showed this blanket prohibition impeded rehabilitation and did not serve its intended purpose. The policy was reviewed and revised.
Visits can be suspended for disciplinary reasons or security needs.
Communication rights
**Phone: free** at all Minnesota state correctional facilities since 2023. GTL/ViaPath is the vendor. Calls are made outbound by the incarcerated person. Your loved one must have your number approved.
**Video and messaging**: as of April 2025, still charged ($0.23/min video; $0.40/message email). Legislation to make video and messaging free (SF 666/SF 3054) was pending in the 2025 session. Verify current status at mn.gov/doc or worthrises.org.
All calls are recorded except legal calls to attorneys. No three-way calling or call forwarding.
Notification rights
Minnesota DOC is not required to notify family of transfers. Use the Minnesota DOC inmate search at mn.gov/doc to track current location. DOC notifies next of kin for serious medical emergencies and deaths.
Grievance rights
Internal DOC grievances must be filed by the incarcerated person. Family members cannot file internal grievances directly.
External pathways for families:
- Office of the Ombuds for Corrections: mn.gov/obfc -- monitors conditions and responds to concerns from family members
- Minnesota DOC: mn.gov/doc
- LAMP (Legal Assistance to Minnesota Prisoners) -- for prisoners in civil and family law matters
- ACLU of Minnesota: aclu-mn.org
- Your Minnesota state legislators at leg.state.mn.us
Office of the Ombuds for Corrections (OBFC): Minnesota's Independent Monitor
Office of the Ombuds for Corrections (OBFC)
mn.gov/obfc
The OBFC is Minnesota's independent external monitor for state prisons and county jails. It connects with family members, incarcerated people, and facility staff; reviews data, policies, and contracts; and advocates for improvements.
The OBFC's September 2023 "Cost of Connection" report analyzed communication costs across Minnesota state prisons and county jails. That report drove the successful free calls legislation signed by Governor Walz. The OBFC was also consulting with the Prison Policy Initiative on communications data -- it is an organizationally rigorous and independent body.
The OBFC also maintains a resource list for families at mn.gov/obfc/resources/ including legal resources, reentry resources, and organizations like Peace of Hope, Inc. (transportation to prisons, advocacy for families).
For families with concerns about conditions at Minnesota state prisons or county jails, the OBFC is the first external contact.
Minnesota Advocacy Organizations
Peace of Hope, Inc.
Free app available in app stores ("Peace of Hope")
Peace of Hope provides direct practical support to families of incarcerated people in Minnesota:
- **Transportation** to and from state prisons
- **Registration assistance** for visiting
- **Education**: classes and counseling
- **Interpretation and creation of policy** affecting families
- **Advocacy** for families of imprisoned people
- Free app in app stores
For families who need help getting to a Minnesota prison -- a practical, logistical challenge that cuts visits short -- Peace of Hope's transportation program is a direct resource.
Legal Assistance to Minnesota Prisoners (LAMP)
Confirmed active: July 31, 2025
LAMP provides free civil and family law legal services to both male and female prisoners incarcerated in Minnesota correctional facilities. LAMP cannot serve federal prisoners or Minnesota residents incarcerated outside Minnesota.
If your loved one has a civil legal matter -- child custody, family law, benefits, or other civil issues arising from incarceration -- LAMP is the legal resource. Families can contact LAMP to help connect their loved one to services.
ACLU of Minnesota
aclu-mn.org
P.O. Box 14720, Minneapolis, MN 55414
Phone: 651-645-4097
The ACLU of Minnesota handles civil rights cases including prisoner rights. They have documented overcrowding, overwhelmed medical systems, inadequate programs, and increased violence in Minnesota prisons. They do not take individual grievance cases routinely. Contact for systemic conditions issues, constitutional violations, or documented patterns of abuse.
Worth Rises
worthrises.org
Worth Rises is the national organization that fought for and won free phone calls in Minnesota, and is continuing to advocate for free video and messaging. They tracked that Minnesota families paid $4.5 million per year for prison calls before the 2023 law. If video and messaging costs remain an issue, Worth Rises is the organization that documented the case for making them free and is actively working on the 2025 legislation.
Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM)
famm.org
For families with loved ones serving excessive mandatory minimum sentences in Minnesota.
Prisoner Rights Organizations Families Can Contact on Their Loved One's Behalf
Legal Assistance to Minnesota Prisoners (LAMP)
Confirmed active July 31, 2025.
Free civil and family law legal services for people incarcerated in Minnesota state correctional facilities. Cannot serve federal prisoners or out-of-state placements.
ACLU of Minnesota
aclu-mn.org | 651-645-4097
Active prisoner rights work. For systemic conditions, constitutional violations, or documented abuse. Does not take individual cases routinely.
Law Library Service to Prisoners (LLSP)
Phone: 651-297-4969
Address: LLSP, 25 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155
Law librarians visit each Minnesota state prison once per month. Incarcerated people can also call LLSP at 651-297-4969 or write. No cost to the incarcerated person. Limit: 80 pages or 8 items per 2-week period. Families can help their loved one contact LLSP by providing this information.
Law Help MN
lawhelpmn.org
Project of the Minnesota Legal Services Coalition. Free or low-cost legal help information and referrals for Minnesota residents. For civil matters arising from incarceration, Law Help MN can connect families to appropriate local legal services.
Office of the Ombuds for Corrections (OBFC)
mn.gov/obfc
As described above. Independent external monitor. Receives concerns from family members.
Human Rights Defense Center (HRDC)
humanrightsdefensecenter.org
Phone (for family members): 561-360-2523
HRDC advocates on prison communication costs and free speech rights. Note: Smart Communications filed for bankruptcy in June 2025 -- if any Minnesota facility used Smart Communications for mail services, verify current arrangements.
How to File a Complaint on Your Loved One's Behalf
Step 1: Document everything specific
Date, facility, staff name if known, what happened. For video or messaging cost issues: document charges, dates, and amounts.
Step 2: Minnesota DOC
Through mn.gov/doc. For issues not resolved at the facility level.
Step 3: Office of the Ombuds for Corrections
mn.gov/obfc. The OBFC investigates conditions complaints from family members, incarcerated people, and staff. They have full authority to review DOC policies and advocate for change.
Step 4: Contact your Minnesota state legislators
State senator and state representative at leg.state.mn.us. Minnesota's Legislature has been active on prison communication costs -- constituent contact on conditions issues applies direct pressure.
Step 5: Contact advocacy organizations
ACLU of Minnesota (651-645-4097), LAMP, or Worth Rises for guidance on whether the situation warrants legal or advocacy intervention.
Step 6: Federal escalation
For civil rights violations: U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division (justice.gov/crt). For federal facilities in Minnesota: BOP North Central Region.
What families cannot compel: You cannot file an internal DOC grievance for your loved one. You cannot override facility decisions on visitation or security. External organizations can advocate and investigate but cannot guarantee outcomes.
Staying Connected: The Practical Guide for Minnesota Families
Phone
Free at all Minnesota state correctional facilities since 2023. GTL/ViaPath is the vendor.
- No charge; no account setup fee required for receiving free calls
- Your loved one must have your number on their approved contact list
- Calls are outbound only from the facility
- All calls recorded except legal calls
Video calls
GTL/ViaPath. As of April 2025, still charged at $0.23 per minute at Minnesota DOC. FCC rate caps have reduced this further. Verify current status and whether SF 666/SF 3054 passed at mn.gov/doc.
Electronic messaging
As of April 2025, $0.40 per message at Minnesota DOC. Verify whether SF 666/SF 3054 made messaging free. Check mn.gov/doc for current platform and costs.
In-person visits
Electronic application process since August 4, 2025. No information given over the phone about visiting lists -- present picture ID at any MCF location. Application questions: VAU at 320-358-0466.
If you need transportation to a Minnesota prison: contact **Peace of Hope, Inc.** (free app in app stores or through mn.gov/obfc/resources/).
Physical mail to facility address. Minnesota DOC has not announced a system-wide digital mail scanning transition. Verify current policy and address for the specific facility through mn.gov/doc.
Sending money
Verify current deposit options through mn.gov/doc or the InmateAid Minnesota send money page.
Locating your loved one
Minnesota DOC Inmate Search: mn.gov/doc
InmateAid Minnesota inmate search: [internal link]
Supporting Yourself While Supporting Them
Minnesota is a state where organized advocacy by families and organizations produced a concrete, named victory: free phone calls. Worth Rises, Peace of Hope, and other partners won $4.5 million back from families' budgets. That fight is ongoing on video and messaging -- if you want to support it, contact Worth Rises (worthrises.org) or your state legislators at leg.state.mn.us.
The Office of the Ombuds for Corrections (mn.gov/obfc) is the most accessible external monitor. Their resource list at mn.gov/obfc/resources/ is the best starting point for finding what Minnesota-specific help is available.
Peace of Hope's transportation program (free app in app stores) is one of the most practical direct services for Minnesota families navigating the distance to MCF facilities.
LAMP (confirmed active July 31, 2025) is the legal resource for incarcerated people in Minnesota with civil and family law needs.
The ACLU of Minnesota (aclu-mn.org) is the legal organization monitoring conditions. If conditions are deteriorating at a specific facility, they want to know.
Dial **211** for local community resource referrals in your Minnesota county.
Frequently asked questions
Are phone calls free from Minnesota state prisons?
Yes. Governor Walz signed SF 2909 making phone calls free from Minnesota state correctional facilities. Minnesota became the fourth state in the country to make prison calls free. Families previously paid over $4.5 million collectively per year. GTL/ViaPath is the vendor; no charge to families or incarcerated people.
Are video calls and electronic messaging also free?
As of April 2025, video calls were still charged at $0.23 per minute and electronic messages at $0.40 each at Minnesota DOC. Legislation (SF 666, included in SF 3054) was pending in the 2025 session to make these free as well. Verify current status at mn.gov/doc or worthrises.org.
How does visiting work in Minnesota since August 2025?
Minnesota DOC launched an electronic visiting application process on August 4, 2025 for all adult correctional facilities. Paper applications are no longer used. For application questions: VAU at 320-358-0466. Critical: visiting status and list information cannot be disclosed over the phone -- you must present picture ID at any MCF location to get that information.
What is the Office of the Ombuds for Corrections?
The OBFC (mn.gov/obfc) is Minnesota's independent external monitor for state prisons and county jails. It receives concerns from family members, reviews conditions and policies, and advocates for improvements. The OBFC published the 2023 "Cost of Connection" report that drove the free calls legislation. Families with concerns about prison conditions in Minnesota should contact the OBFC.
What is Peace of Hope?
A Minnesota organization (free app in app stores; listed at mn.gov/obfc/resources/) that provides transportation to and from state prisons, visiting registration assistance, education and counseling, and advocacy for families of incarcerated people. For families who have difficulty getting to a Minnesota prison, Peace of Hope's transportation program is a direct resource.
What is LAMP?
Legal Assistance to Minnesota Prisoners (confirmed active July 31, 2025) provides free civil and family law legal services to male and female prisoners incarcerated in Minnesota state correctional facilities. LAMP cannot serve federal prisoners or Minnesota residents incarcerated outside Minnesota. Families can help their loved one access LAMP.
What is the Law Library Service to Prisoners?
Law librarians visit each Minnesota state prison once per month. Incarcerated people can also call at 651-297-4969 or write to LLSP, 25 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155. No cost; limit 80 pages or 8 items per 2-week period. Families can provide this contact information to their loved one. --- [SPEC NOTE: Series folder 1intOvghBAhj6-_YzDsYllOy4scUOeEGh. Internal CTAs: Minnesota inmate search, send money to Minnesota inmates, Minnesota reentry resources, Staying Connected hub, how prison works hub. SOURCING: worthrises.org/pressreleases/minnesota-connecting-families-win August 2025 (Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed SF 2909 Judiciary Public Safety budget bill Minnesota House voted 69-63 pass May 16; includes language makes calls free people incarcerated state prisons; Senator Clare Oumou Verbeten introduced Senate Representative Esther Agbaje House; Minnesota follows Connecticut California Colorado become fourth state make prison calls free; for too long incarcerated Minnesotans families charged outrageous fees keep contact; eliminating fees right thing phone calls keep families connected; incarceration very isolating experience difficult maintain relationships loved ones eliminating financial barrier allow individuals maintain strong family ties reduce recidivism; budget brings huge relief Minnesota families pay over $4.5 million each year speak incarcerated loved ones); mn.gov/doc/family-visitor/visiting-information August 2025 (beginning August 4 2025 all adult correctional facilities will move to electronic visiting application process; no information concerning incarcerated person's visiting list given over phone; anyone wishing information need present picture ID any MCF location; questions application process contact VAU 320-358-0466; voicemail provide date applications currently being processed; visiting status cannot be disclosed phone including whether approved or denied; active protective order or no contact directive between applicant incarcerated individual visitation prohibited; 2016 DOC changed longstanding policy established complete visitation prohibition anyone identified victim incarcerated person's active/current offense; five years after change became clear blanket prohibition failed fulfill intended purpose impeded rehabilitation process some cases); mn.gov/obfc/resources (Peace Hope Inc variety services transportation to from state prisons registration assistance education classes counseling interpretation creation policy advocacy families imprisoned; free Peace Hope downloadable app available app stores; Law Help MN free or low-cost places legal help project Minnesota Legal Services Coalition; Law Library Service Prisoners Librarians visit each prison once per month inmates may call librarians 651-297-4969 or write LLSP 25 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd St Paul MN 55155; no cost limit 80 pages 8 items per 2 week period per person; Minnesota State Bar Association Directory Find Lawyer; Volunteer Lawyers Network); mn.gov/obfc Cost Connection September 2023 (Office Ombuds Corrections connected family community members incarcerated people facility staff reviewed data existing policies examples other entities requested contract visiting information data DOC sampling local facilities; consulted Prison Policy Initiative provide critical interpretation data consultation development report; focuses cost communications county jails because high cost recent legislation making prison calls free; GTL/ViaPath serves Minnesota DOC no jails state other than video Hennepin County; GTL/ViaPath reported 2019 revenues $654 million; phone calls now no-cost costs proposed tablets video); prisonpolicy.org Minnesota (Legal Assistance Minnesota Prisoners LAMP confirmed listing July 31 2025; provides civil family law legal services both male female prisoners incarcerated Minnesota correctional facilities; cannot provide services federal prisoners Minnesota residents incarcerated outside borders Minnesota); worth rises April 2025 SF3054 testimony (Minnesota made significant strides 2023 making phone calls free incarcerated people loved ones; SF 666 SF 3054 builds success extending free communication include video calls electronic messaging; video calls charged $0.23 per minute new FCC regulations require cut more than half; more competitive rates offered leading prison telecom providers Arizona video calls $0.03 per minute; project expanding free communications video calls electronic messaging would cost state roughly $750,000 annually); house.mn.gov April 2025 testimony (Minnesota DOC found incarcerated people received visits 13% less likely commit new crimes 25% less likely violate parole upon release; one in three families incarcerated loved one goes into debt trying stay connected prison telecom corporations profit); lrl.mn.gov 2024 one pager (DOC charges $0.40 per email incarcerated loved one $0.23 per minute video call; DOC collects about $19,000 annual commissions; Vote Connect Minnesota Families SF 4837 HF 4438; 1 in 3 families incarcerated loved one goes into debt; 87% financial burden borne by women; 1 in 28 children whose parents are incarcerated; incarceration toll mental physical health regular contact family members improve both); aclu-mn.org (Prison facilities overcrowded medical systems overwhelmed work education treatment programs inadequate prisoner idleness stress lead greater levels violence criminal justice system); prisonlegalnews.org June 2025 (Smart Communications filed bankruptcy protection June 1 2025 Telephones Mail Legal Mail Private Phone Contractors); famm.org; lawhelpmn.org; leg.state.mn.us; justice.gov/crt; 211 Minnesota; mn.gov/doc; mn.gov/obfc. NOTE for Poorwa: CRITICAL -- verify free calls in Minnesota state prisons still in effect (SF 2909 signed Walz; confirmed effective as state DOC phone calls free since 2023; confirm no reversal); verify whether SF 666/SF 3054 passed in 2025 Minnesota legislative session making video calls and electronic messaging free (testimony in April 2025 was in support; did it pass? check mn.gov/doc or leg.state.mn.us); verify current video call rate and electronic messaging rate at Minnesota DOC (was $0.23/min video and $0.40/msg as of April 2025; FCC caps apply); verify GTL/ViaPath still Minnesota DOC phone and video vendor; verify electronic visiting application process launched August 4 2025 (confirmed mn.gov/doc/family-visitor August 2025); verify VAU 320-358-0466 current; verify LAMP current contact (confirmed July 31 2025 prisonpolicy.org); verify OBFC mn.gov/obfc current; verify Peace of Hope Inc current and transportation program still operating; verify LLSP 651-297-4969 current; verify ACLU Minnesota 651-645-4097 aclu-mn.org current; verify Smart Communications bankruptcy June 2025 -- did this affect any Minnesota facilities?; verify Minnesota DOC mail policy -- no digital scanning?; verify current money deposit options mn.gov/doc; verify MCF-Shakopee still only women's facility in Minnesota; len/char check before publish.]
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