Bill H.176, introduced by several representatives, aims to establish a specific deadline for the Vermont Department of Corrections to implement its community restitution program, commonly known as work crew. The bill mandates that the Department reinstate the Field Based Community Restitution Program, which was previously discontinued, by July 1, 2025. It also requires the Department to adhere to prior policies that govern the program and sets limitations on the duration of work crew assignments. Specifically, the Department may impose a minimum of 20 days for a single mittimus and a total of at least 60 days for multiple mittimuses to qualify for work crew participation.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions that allow the Department of Corrections to create policies that limit the number of days assigned for community restitution, ensuring that offenders have a clear understanding of their obligations. The act is set to take effect upon passage, reinforcing the commitment to community restitution as a component of the corrections system in Vermont.