An act relating to developing the Department of Corrections’ community restitution program

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tom Burditt and 6 co-sponsors

Expands and standardizes a structured community restitution program within the DOC to rehabilitate offenders through supervised, community-based accountability.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Corrections and Institutions

Bill summary: H 176 (2025-2026) — Vermont

Purpose and intent

Proposes to develop and enhance the Department of Corrections’ (DOC) community restitution program.

Aims to expand options for offender rehabilitation and community-based accountability as alternatives or complements to incarceration.

Seeks to clarify, fund, and potentially standardize how community restitution is designed, supervised, and integrated with other DOC activities.

Key provisions and changes (as described in the bill text and context)

Development of a structured community restitution framework within the DOC, including program design and implementation parameters.

Potential expansion of eligible participants beyond current categories, with criteria to determine suitability for community restitution.

Establishment or enhancement of supervision, monitoring, and support mechanisms to ensure safe and effective participation.

Allocation of resources (funding, staffing, training) to support program operations, oversight, and performance measurement.

Alignment of community restitution activities with broader DOC goals such as safety, rehabilitation, and reducing recidivism.

Possible incorporation of performance metrics or reporting requirements to track outcomes (e.g., completion rates, job placement, community impact).

Who is affected

Individuals under DOC supervision who participate in community restitution programs.

Vermont corrections staff and program administrators responsible for administering and supervising the program.

Community partners and employers who host or supervise participants as part of restitution activities.

State and local government entities involved in funding, oversight, and evaluation of the program.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The bill was read in the House and referred to the Committee on Corrections and Institutions on February 11, 2025.

As a committee-referred measure, its progression will depend on committee deliberations, potential amendments, and subsequent votes in the House and Senate.

If enacted, the bill would define timelines for development, rollout, and interim milestones (e.g., pilot phases, full implementation, reporting deadlines), subject to committee and legislative approval.

Potential impact and considerations

Could provide a more robust, coordinated approach to community restitution, potentially improving rehabilitation outcomes and public safety.

May reduce confinement time or costs by offering effective alternatives to incarceration for eligible participants.

Success depends on clear eligibility criteria, adequate funding, effective supervision, and meaningful community engagement.

Stakeholders will likely seek clarity on measurement of success, risk management, and safeguards for participants and communities.

Notes:
- The bill’s sponsor list includes multiple co-sponsors (Barbara Rachelson, Gina Galfetti, Ian Goodnow, Tom Burditt, Alicia Malay, Martin LaLonde, Tom Oliver), indicating bipartisan or cross-party interest.
- Specific dollar amounts, timelines, or detailed program design elements would appear in the bill text; this summary reflects the information provided and standard expectations for such legislation.