A sponsor told the House Corrections and Institutions Committee on Jan. 8 that a bill prompted by a trans-identified woman named Kalani would address medical and mental-health care and housing policies for transgender people in state custody.

The sponsor said Kalani spent about 15–16 years in men’s facilities and in out-of-state placements before returning to Vermont for the year prior to release, and that she raised concerns about access to appropriate medical care while incarcerated. The sponsor said the bill as filed did not reflect all of Kalani’s requested changes because of drafting deadlines and invited Kalani to testify in person.

Discussants emphasized the practical complexity of housing decisions in corrections. "For me, trans women are women and should be housed with women," the sponsor said; committee members responded that corrections housing is more complicated and asked DOC to describe its current review and vetting process before the committee drafts statutory mandates. A former DOC staff member and other members said DOC policy currently allows self‑identification to influence housing in many cases but that the committee should examine whether existing vetting is robust enough.

Members also exchanged estimates about how many incarcerated people identify as transgender. Estimates ranged from a low double-digit figure to 22 (August 2024 data cited by one member). Committee members agreed to invite Kalani to testify and to schedule DOC witnesses (Haley was named as a likely presenter) to explain existing policy and screening procedures before the committee considers statutory housing changes.

Separately, members discussed a broader, related statutory issue: medication‑assisted treatment (MOUD) has been provided in facilities for several years but statute references sentenced individuals only; the committee agreed the statute may need updating to reflect current practice if DOC continues to provide MOUD to detainees.