Bill H.252 proposes to amend the current earned time program for sentenced offenders in Vermont by prohibiting individuals convicted of a second or subsequent felony from receiving earned time to reduce their sentences. The bill specifically inserts language that disqualifies offenders who have been previously convicted of a felony from participating in the earned time program, which is designed to allow certain sentenced offenders to earn reductions in their prison terms. This change aims to tighten the eligibility criteria for the program, ensuring that repeat felony offenders do not benefit from sentence reductions.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department of Corrections file a proposed rule to implement this revised earned time program by September 1, 2020, with the program set to take effect on January 1, 2021. The act is designed to take effect upon passage, indicating a prompt implementation of these new regulations regarding earned time for offenders.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 28-818