Bill > H0191

This bill seeks to prohibit the Vermont Department of Corrections from using private, for-profit, or out-of-state correctional facilities, with the goal of ending such practices by 2034. The legislation acknowledges that Vermont's inmate population has increased from 300 to 500 detainees per day between 2020 and 2024, and highlights the negative impacts of out-of-state housing, including reduced family visitation, limited access to legal counsel, and decreased state oversight. The bill restricts the Commissioner of Corrections from assigning inmates to facilities that are not operated by public or nonprofit entities, except when done through interstate or federal compacts. Starting July 1, 2025, the Commissioner cannot negotiate new contracts for out-of-state housing, and by January 1, 2030, must terminate existing contracts that do not comply with the new restrictions. The bill also requires the Department of Corrections to develop an implementation plan by November 15, 2025, detailing how they will expand in-state capacity using approaches like restorative justice, diversion programs, and rehabilitative programming, with the ultimate aim of returning all out-of-state inmates to Vermont facilities. The legislation emphasizes preventing corporations from profiting from incarceration while maintaining necessary interstate agreements.

Justice

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.191