VT H0550

Requires the Department of Corrections to house transgender, nonbinary, and intersex inmates at facilities (men's or women's) based on the inmate's preference, and to address inmates consistent with their gender identity

Mandates that inmates be searched according to their gender identity or facility designation based on their stated preference, with searches defaulting to facility designation if gender identity cannot be determined

Prohibits denial of housing or search preferences based on anatomy/genitalia, sexual orientation, or characteristics of other inmates at the preferred facility; any denial must be documented in writing with specific justification

Requires the Department during intake to privately ask each inmate about gender identity (female, male, nonbinary), transgender/nonbinary/intersex status, and preferred pronouns and honorifics, with no discipline for refusing to answer

Directs the Department and contractors to use best efforts to identify health care providers with cultural competency to serve all inmates, including transgender, nonbinary, and intersex individuals; effective July 1, 2026