Vermont H294: An act relating to telecommunications services and wages in correctional facilities

What the bill says

An act relating to telecommunications services and wages in correctional facilities. (H.294) It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont.

From the chaptered text, June 16, 2026:

An act relating to telecommunications services and wages in correctional facilities. (H.294) It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont: Sec. 1. INTENT It is the intent of the General Assembly to: (1) create conditions of incarceration that encourage the development and maintenance of the personal supports necessary for rehabilitation; (2) mitigate the disruptions to family and community connections caused by incarceration by reducing communication barriers; (3) divest the State from the for-profit prison industry; and (4) inform State correctional policy decision making with data, fiscal analysis, and agency expertise. Sec. 2. DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS; EVALUATION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES; REPORT (a) On or before December 1, 2026, the Department of Corrections shall provide to the House Committee on Corrections and Institutions and the Senate Committee on Institutions a written report evaluating options for providing nocost telecommunications services to inmates in the Department's custody that: (1) describes the current telecommunications service model, including usage rates, costs, and contract terms under existing provider arrangements; (2) describes alternative options for providing telecommunications services, including through nonprofit providers or as a regulated public utility; VT LEG #390221 v.1 No. 139 Page 2 of 4 (3) analyzes the cost to the State of each alternative, (B) ongoing operational and administrative costs; (C) cost comparisons to the current model; (D) impacts …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Troy Headrick (I, Chittenden-15) · primary sponsor
• Carris Duncan, Emily (D, Windham-6)
• Elanor Chapin (D, Washington-5)
• Kate Logan (D, Chittenden-16)
• Kate McCann (D, Washington-4)

Latest actions

1. May 29, 2026: House message: Governor approved bill on [June 16, 2026]
2. May 29, 2026: Signed by Governor on [June 16, 2026]
3. May 29, 2026: Delivered to Governor on [June 10, 2026]
4. May 28, 2026: House message: House concurred in Senate proposal of amendment
5. May 27, 2026: Senate proposal of amendment concurred in
6. May 27, 2026: Rules suspended and taken up for immediate consideration, pending entry on Notice Calendar, as moved by Rep. [McCoy of Poultney]
7. May 27, 2026: Senate Message: Passed in concurrence with proposal of amendment
8. May 27, 2026: Rules suspended & messaged to House forthwith, on motion of Senator [Baruth]
9. May 27, 2026: Read 3rd time & passed in concurrence with proposal of amendment
10. May 27, 2026: Pending third reading, proposal of amendment agreed to

Common questions

What is H294?

H294 is a bill in the Vermont Legislature (2025-2026 Session): An act relating to telecommunications services and wages in correctional facilities.

What does H294 do?

In its own words: An act relating to telecommunications services and wages in correctional facilities. (H.294) It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont.

What is the status of H294?

Signed into law as of May 27, 2026. Latest action: House message: Governor approved bill on [June 16, 2026] (May 29, 2026).

Who sponsored H294?

Troy Headrick (I, Chittenden-15), with 4 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for H294?

On the Vermont Legislature website: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.294