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VT H0294

Bill

Status

Introduced

2/20/2025

Primary Sponsor

Troy Headrick

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

2025-2026 Session

AI Summary

  • Incarcerated individuals must receive all communication services (telephone, video, electronic) at no cost, with access to a phone within 24 hours of admission

  • Commissary prices in state correctional facilities cannot exceed fair market value by more than 10 percent compared to products sold in the surrounding community

  • Incarcerated workers must be paid at least the federal minimum wage unless federal law requires a different wage for their specific position

  • Department of Corrections must evaluate and report to the General Assembly by January 1, 2026 on whether Global Tel Link Corporation and Keefe Group charge prices substantially higher than community rates or competing vendors

  • Effective date: July 1, 2025

Legislative Description

An act relating to commissary and telecommunications prices in State correctional facilities and fair compensation for incarcerated labor

Last Action

Pending entry on Notice Calendar, referred to Committee on Appropriations per Rule 35(a)

3/13/2026

Committee Referrals

Appropriations3/13/2026
Ways and Means3/12/2026
Corrections and Institutions2/20/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available