An act relating to prohibiting earned time for second or subsequent felony convictions

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dave Bosch and 46 co-sponsors

Prohibits earned time credits for inmates with two or more felony convictions, potentially lengthening their sentences.

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

Overview

House Bill H.252 (Vermont, 2025-2026) proposes prohibiting earned time for second or subsequent felony convictions. The measure is intended to limit or remove the use of earned time credits for individuals with multiple felony convictions, thereby potentially increasing the length of supervised sentences or confinement for repeat offenders.

Primary Purpose and Intent

Restrict or eliminate earned time credits for individuals with two or more felony convictions.

Align sentencing incentives to reduce recidivism risk by ensuring that second or later felonious offenses do not receive shortened periods through earned-time reductions.

Address concerns about disparities or perceived leniency in the existing system for repeat felony offenders.

Key Provisions (Likely Provisions Based on Title)

Prohibition or narrowing of earned time credits for inmates with second or subsequent felony convictions.

Clarification of eligibility criteria: distinction between first-time felons (who might still qualify for earned time) vs. repeat felons (who would be barred or severely limited).

Definitions of “earned time,” “felony conviction,” and “second or subsequent” to remove ambiguity.

Implementation timeline: effective date for new rules and any transitional provisions for those currently serving sentences.

Potential exceptions or carve-outs (e.g., for medical or security-related considerations) if included in the bill text.

Compliance and reporting requirements for the Department of Corrections.

Who Would Be Affected

Individuals convicted of two or more felonies in Vermont.

Inmates currently serving sentences who meet the “second or subsequent felony” criterion and those approaching eligibility for earned time under the new standard.

Corrections staff and administrators responsible for calculating and awarding earned time credits.

Courts and prosecutors who may need to consider the new policy in sentencing and plea negotiations.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Action history shows: Read first time and referred to the Committee on Corrections and Institutions on 2025-02-18.

Likely subsequent steps: committee deliberations, potential amendments, floor votes in the House, and potential passage to the Senate (if applicable) with a timeline for implementation.

If enacted, preparation for policy rollout, including training for corrections staff and updates to inmate management systems.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

Sentencing and corrections impact: For repeat felony offenders, sentenced time could be longer due to lack of earned-time reductions.

Public safety and deterrence considerations: The bill may be framed as enhancing accountability for repeat offenders; however, debates may focus on whether earned time serves rehabilitation or fairness.

Recidivism and inmate reintegration: Critics may question whether removing earned time affects incentives for program participation and successful reentry.

Administrative burden: Requires updates to DOC systems to enforce the prohibition and monitor compliance.

Summary

H.252 seeks to prohibit earned time for individuals with second or subsequent felony convictions in Vermont. If enacted, it would narrow or remove the ability to reduce sentence lengths through earned-time credits for repeat felons, affecting inmates, corrections staff, and the sentencing process. The bill is in early committee stages, with potential for amendments before any final passage.