Criminal Justice

introduced · Vermont · Senate Jan 27, 2026

S 321: An act relating to consumption of cannabis in a prohibited place

This bill prohibits consuming cannabis (including smoking or vaping) in public places where tobacco use is already banned, such as streets, parks, sidewalks, and public buildings. It aligns cannabis consumption rules with existing tobacco restrictions, applying to all individuals regardless of age. The law defines "public prohibited places" as areas where tobacco use is prohibited under state law, and violations would be punished under existing cannabis possession penalties. It does not affect current laws about driving under the influence, school policies, or local ordinances on cannabis use. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill prohibits cannabis consumption in public places with tobacco bans, applying existing cannabis penalties. This expands criminalization of cannabis use, opposing reform efforts to reduce such penalties.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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introduced · Vermont · House Jan 9, 2026

H 637: An act relating to operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or other substances

This Vermont bill (H 637) amends laws governing driving under the influence (DUI) by clarifying that "under the influence of a drug" means any slight impairment of driving ability from drugs (not just alcohol), per Section 1201. It updates testing procedures, requiring blood or saliva samples when breath tests aren't feasible or when drugs (not alcohol) are suspected, while preserving rights to challenge warrants (Section 1202). For penalties, it increases mandatory minimum jail time for repeat offenses: 80 hours for a second offense, 96 hours for a third, and 192 hours for a fourth or subsequent offense, with no suspension allowed except under specific court findings (Section 1210). The bill directly affects drivers suspected of DUI involving drugs or alcohol, focusing on clearer definitions, testing protocols, and stricter penalties for repeat violations.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases mandatory minimum jail time for repeat DUI offenses, aligning with tough-on-crime sentencing policies rather than reform.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Sentencing

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passed · Vermont · Senate Mar 20, 2026

S 203: An act relating to penalties for second or subsequent violations of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs

This bill clarifies the timeframe for counting prior DUI convictions to determine enhanced penalties. It specifies that a second or subsequent DUI offense penalty applies when a person has been convicted of a prior violation within the 20 years *before the date of the current violation*, not the conviction date for the current offense. This directly affects drivers convicted of repeat operating under the influence (OUI) offenses in Vermont. The change ensures penalties for second offenses (fines up to $1,500, mandatory community service or 80 hours in jail) are applied consistently based on the violation timeline.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases penalties for repeat DUI offenses by clarifying prior convictions within 20 years count, aligning with 'increases mandatory sentences' indicator.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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introduced · Vermont · Senate Jan 6, 2026

S 186: An act relating to jurisdiction of the Criminal Division over plea agreements in proceedings related to juvenile offenders

S.186 allows juvenile offenders (under 20) in certain criminal cases to choose whether to enter a plea agreement in the Criminal Division of the Superior Court instead of the Family Division. This applies when the offense charged is not specified in existing law (subsections 5204(a), 5201(c)(2), or (3)), giving juveniles a direct option to handle their case in Criminal Division. The bill amends Vermont statutes §5201 and §5203 to establish this election process, requiring the Criminal Division to retain jurisdiction if the juvenile chooses this path. It directly affects minors under 20 facing specific non-specified offenses who would otherwise be transferred to Family Division proceedings. The change takes effect immediately for sections 1-2 and July 2, 2027, for sections 3-4.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeAllows juveniles to opt into Criminal Division (adult system) instead of Family Division, weakening juvenile protections and opposing reform trends in criminal justice.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice

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introduced · Vermont · Senate Jan 6, 2026

S 168: An act relating to the aggregate value of stolen property in certain crimes

S 168 (An act relating to the aggregate value of stolen property in certain crimes) changes how Vermont courts classify theft offenses. It allows the total value of multiple stolen items or separate thefts within 180 days to be added together to determine if a crime is a felony (grand larceny or felony retail theft) or misdemeanor. Specifically, if the combined value of stolen property exceeds $900, it upgrades the charge from petit larceny/misdemeanor retail theft to grand larceny/felony retail theft. This directly affects individuals committing repeated thefts (e.g., multiple shoplifting incidents) where the cumulative value meets or exceeds $900 within the 180-day window. The bill amends Vermont statutes §2501 (grand larceny) and §2575-2577 (retail theft penalties).

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill aggregates stolen property values to upgrade theft charges to felony (exceeding $900), increasing severity of penalties and expanding criminalization, aligning with 'increases mandatory sentences' indicator.92% confidence

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introduced · Vermont · Senate Jan 16, 2026

S 272: An act relating to juvenile proceedings, criminal procedures, and forensic facilities for criminal justice-involved individuals

This bill shifts certain juvenile cases to criminal court, requiring that offenses like firearm use, drug trafficking, or aggravated stalking committed by youth aged 14-22 begin in the Criminal Division instead of the Family Division. It restricts judges from suspending or deferring sentences for repeat offenders (e.g., those with prior escape convictions or three+ felony convictions), mandating written findings if such sentences are granted. The bill also changes how recidivism is calculated, establishes a classification system for repeat violent offenders, and creates a forensic facility for certain criminal justice-involved individuals. These changes primarily affect juvenile offenders aged 14-22 and repeat offenders with specific prior convictions, altering court jurisdiction and sentencing options.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeShifts juvenile cases to criminal court, mandates sentences for repeat offenders, restricts judicial discretion - increases punitive measures per indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice Sentencing

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introduced · Vermont · House Jan 6, 2026

H 528: An act relating to improper disposal of a hypodermic needle or syringe in a sensitive area

H 528 makes it a misdemeanor to knowingly or recklessly discard used hypodermic needles or syringes in sensitive areas like playgrounds, parks, childcare facilities, schools, or public parks. It directly affects individuals who improperly dispose of such items in these locations, with penalties of up to one year in jail or a $1,000 fine. The law explicitly excludes proper medical waste disposal from healthcare services or educational use at schools and childcare centers. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and is currently under review by the Judiciary Committee.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill creates new misdemeanor offense for improper needle disposal, expanding criminalization without reform elements90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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introduced · Vermont · Senate Apr 9, 2025

S 147: An act relating to purchasing drugs from a person under 21 years of age

Vermont's S 147 creates a new criminal offense for knowingly purchasing regulated drugs from anyone under 21 years old. The bill directly affects individuals who buy such drugs from minors, making this action punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison in addition to other legal penalties. Key provisions define the offense as "knowingly and unlawfully" purchasing and specify the mandatory sentencing range. The law will take effect on July 1, 2025, and applies to all regulated drugs under Vermont law.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill creates new offense with 1-5 year mandatory prison sentence for purchasing drugs from minors, expanding criminalization and increasing mandatory sentences.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Sentencing

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introduced · Vermont · House Feb 18, 2025

H 255: An act relating to establishing increased criminal penalties for an assault of a public transit worker

H 255 increases criminal penalties for assaulting public transit workers in Vermont. It adds up to one year in prison for a first assault offense and up to 10 years for repeat offenses against workers while they perform their duties. The bill also prohibits intentionally exposing transit workers to bodily fluids (like blood or vomit), punishable by up to one year in jail or a $1,000 fine. "Public transit worker" is defined to include drivers (employees or volunteers) and support staff at transit centers. The law applies to all such assaults committed while workers are on duty, excluding individuals under 18 in residential facilities.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases criminal penalties for assaults on transit workers, expanding criminalization and harsher sentencing, opposing reform-focused criminal justice policies.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill directly strengthens workplace safety protections for transit workers by increasing penalties for assault and bodily fluid exposure, aligning with Labor & Employment protections.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances safety for public transit workers, strengthening the public transit system and protecting workers through increased criminal penalties.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Violent Crime Public Transit

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signed · Vermont · House Jun 3, 2025

H 44: An act relating to miscellaneous amendments to the laws governing impaired driving

This bill updates Vermont's impaired driving laws to clarify penalties and procedures. It sets a 0.04% blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for commercial drivers (down from 0.08%), increases penalties for repeat offenses with BAC of 0.16% or higher, and requires the Family Division court to forward motor vehicle conviction records to the Motor Vehicle Commissioner. The bill directly affects drivers charged with impaired driving, particularly commercial drivers, and streamlines how courts handle these cases by specifying jurisdiction and evidence standards. It also adds that evidence from standardized field sobriety tests is presumptively admissible in court.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases penalties for repeat impaired driving (BAC>=0.16%), aligning with 'oppose' indicator of increasing mandatory sentences. No reform or accountability measures.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill strengthens impaired driving safety standards for commercial vehicles (0.04% BAC limit), directly enhancing transportation safety under vehicle regulations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts