H.191 is a bill introduced to prohibit the use of private and for-profit correctional facilities in Vermont. The bill restricts the Commissioner of Corrections' authority to assign and transfer individuals in custody to only those facilities operated by public or nonprofit entities, including those under interstate or federal compacts. It mandates the Department of Corrections to create a plan to repatriate individuals currently housed out of state back to Vermont, with a goal of eliminating the use of private facilities by 2034. The bill outlines findings that highlight the negative impacts of out-of-state incarceration, such as increased costs, reduced family visitation, and limited access to legal counsel.

The bill includes several specific provisions, such as prohibiting the Department from employing services from private entities and requiring the Commissioner to terminate existing contracts with private facilities by 2030. Additionally, it mandates the development of an implementation plan by November 15, 2025, to expand in-state capacity and facilitate the transfer of individuals back to Vermont. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 28-102