The bill H.456 aims to establish a State-supported and community-based continuum of care for justice-involved individuals in Vermont. It proposes various appropriations totaling over $4 million from the General Fund for fiscal year 2026 to support initiatives such as supportive and transitional housing, community-based mental health and substance use services, and grants for community justice centers. The bill emphasizes the interconnectedness of social determinants of health and crime, advocating for investments in housing, education, and health care to reduce recidivism and promote recovery. It also includes a moratorium on the construction of new correctional facilities until July 1, 2029, redirecting funds towards community-based services instead.

Key provisions of the bill include the appropriation of $1,313,044 for supportive housing grants, $1,000,000 for the Land Access and Opportunity Board to assist in purchasing property for housing, and additional funds for expanding access to residential recovery facilities and recovery support services. The bill also mandates the establishment of a pilot program for community-based outpatient mental health and substance use disorder services for incarcerated individuals. Furthermore, it requires annual reporting on reinvestment efforts and cost savings from the moratorium on correctional facility construction, with the intent to transform Vermont's criminal justice system by prioritizing rehabilitation and community support over incarceration. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.