The bill H.550 aims to establish standards for the intake, classification, and housing assignments of transgender, nonbinary, and intersex individuals within Vermont's Department of Corrections. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing gender transition as a personal experience and acknowledges the barriers that incarceration can pose to gender recognition and transition. The bill includes provisions to ensure that inmates are addressed according to their gender identity, that searches are conducted in alignment with their preferences, and that their health and safety concerns are prioritized in housing decisions.

Key amendments to existing law include the replacement of gender-specific language with more inclusive terms, such as changing "he or she" to "the person." The bill mandates that the Department of Corrections utilize culturally competent healthcare providers for all inmates, particularly those who are transgender, nonbinary, or intersex. Additionally, during the intake process, inmates will be asked about their gender identity and pronouns, with protections against disciplinary actions for non-disclosure. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 28-701b, 28-801