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House orders studies on correctional telecommunications and incarcerated wages in H.294
Summary
H.294 directs the Department of Corrections to study options for no-cost telecommunications in correctional facilities and to evaluate wages for incarcerated labor; the bill requires stakeholder consultation and targets draft and final report dates in late 2026.
The House ordered third reading on H.294 after committee presentations that described two studies: an evaluation of correctional telecommunications (including the fiscal impacts of offering no-cost services) and a study of wages for incarcerated individuals and alternatives to currently low compensation.
Representative Casey (member from Montpelier) said the bill does not mandate free phone calls or immediately set wage levels; rather it directs the Department of Corrections to produce analyses grounded in contracts, usage data, cost estimates and stakeholder consultation. The telecom study would describe current contracts and include options such as nonprofit or public utility approaches, operational and transition costs, and impacts on safety and rehabilitation. The bill requests draft reports in September and November of 2026 and a final report by Dec. 1, 2026.
On wages, the bill instructs DOC to document current pay for incarcerated work (reported at roughly $0.25 to $1.25 per hour on the floor), describe the types of work performed, and estimate fiscal impacts of replacing current labor with state employees or contractors.
Floor questions focused on whether the studies would explicitly consult incarcerated or formerly incarcerated individuals. The presenter said it was hoped DOC would consult such individuals and stakeholders beyond those listed; one member urged that voices with lived experience be clearly included in the consultation plan. Several committees (Corrections and Institutions, Ways and Means, Appropriations) reported favorably on the bill.
The House amended and ordered third reading; the transcript reflects voice votes rather than numerical roll-call tallies.
