Robert E. Pickens Chief Executive Officer SECURUS Technologies May 22, 2019 Representativejosh Elliott Legislative Office Building, Room 4003 Hartford, CT 06106-1591 (800) 842-8267 (860) 240-8585 Dear Rep. Elliott, On behalf of Securus Technologies, I am writing to convey our commitment to making communications more accessible and less costly for incarcerated individuals and their families. i know that this issue is very important to you, both generally and as sponsor of HB 6714, and in light of that I want to convey to you the following: We previously opposed HB 6714, out of concern that it did not clearly indicate who would cover the cost of services once charges to consumers were waived. But in the interest of good faith discussions with state officials regarding these issues, we are formally withdrawing opposition to the legislation. Further, we want to make clear that should the legislation pass we are committed to working with the state on executing a seamless and orderly transition including any necessary work with the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA). As you know, PURA has certified Securus as an approved telecommunications provider in the state and, like any other telecommunications provider in Connecticut, PURA requires Securus to file a tariff with PURA setting forth the services it provides and the charges for those services. As with a recent similar transition in New York City, we would honor our existing contract and tariff with the State during the transition period and look forward to amending both to reflect terms of the bill. We believe that our experience in New York would be beneficial in allaying any concerns about a similar transition here. For example, to the extent taxpayer funded calls lead to increased volume, we know that such volume can be managed without disruption. Whether or not the legislation passes, we look forward to working with state officials on a path forward. Last week we presented several rate- and commission-reduction options that would substantially reduce call rates and could form the basis for a taxpayer-funded model for inmate telephony. We are committed to working with the state to provide the most affordable services possible while covering the technology and monitoring needed to prevent misuse of communications tools and protect public safety. 4000 nternationa Parkway Carrollton,Texas7SOO7 Direct: (972) 277?0386 Fax: (972) 277-0699 SECURUS Technologies RepresentativeJosh Elliott May 22, 2019 Page 2 We understand that in terms of pricing of these services, the discussion is multi-layered with respect to not only how much is charged, but also who should pay. We know that a critical component of your legislation is to eliminate telecommunications charges now borne by incarcerated individuals and their families. We understand that these issues are further complicated by a commissions structure common in the industry that, if eliminated, would force the state to forego some of the revenue generated by these services. Given the potential elimination of state commissions and a review of our own revenues, we are committed to downwardly adjusting call rates. We look forward to further discussion and negotiation on these important issues in the weeks ahead. Best regards, MM Robert E. Pickens Chief Executive Officer Securus Technologies, Inc. Cc: Ryan Drajewicz, Chief of Staff to Governor Lamont Josh Geballe, Commissioner, Department of Administrative Services 4000 nternationa Parkway Carrollton,Texas7SOO7 Direct: (972) 277-0386 Fax: (972) 277-0699