The bill H.191 aims to prohibit the use of private and for-profit correctional facilities in Vermont, restricting the Commissioner of Corrections' authority to assign and transfer individuals in custody only to facilities operated by public or nonprofit entities. The bill outlines a timeline for the implementation of this prohibition, with a complete ban on such facilities by 2034. It also mandates the Department of Corrections to create a plan to repatriate individuals currently housed out of state and to expand in-state capacity for correctional facilities, focusing on restorative justice and rehabilitative programming.

Key provisions of the bill include the prohibition of contracts with private or for-profit entities for the operation of correctional facilities and the requirement that any out-of-state facilities used must be operated by public or nonprofit entities under an interstate compact or federal contract. The bill also includes specific deadlines for the termination of existing contracts and the development of an implementation plan by November 15, 2025, to facilitate the transition back to in-state housing for incarcerated individuals.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 28-102