Corrections committee flags DOC/BGS testimony, supervisory-fee markup and appropriations deadlines

BURLINGTON — Committee members used part of the Feb. 6 meeting to review appropriations and scheduling items related to the Department of Corrections.

The chair highlighted a $300,000 DOC data contract reversion to the general fund, language related to an 11/15 waiver for DOC (no direct funding shown in the document they examined), and an appropriation of $200,000 tied to seven permanent probation and parole positions for pretrial supervision. Committee members discussed the need for additional detail on the general-fund impacts and requested staff to collect further documentation.

Members asked staff to compile and circulate questions for agencies in advance and requested in-person appearances by the Department of Corrections and the Department of Buildings and General Services; they also flagged the need to involve Wellpath to explain protocols for medical care and housing placement for people who identify as transgender. The committee set Feb. 20 as the date by which it must provide recommendations on appropriations and planned a supervisory-fee markup for the following week.

The committee did not take formal final votes during the session; members instructed staff to prepare follow-up materials and agency testimony to support deliberations ahead of the looming deadline.