Criminal Justice (Juvenile Justice)

H 258 prohibits law enforcement from using deception, threats, or physical harm during custodial interrogations of individuals under 22 years old. It requires notifying and contacting a juvenile’s parent, guardian, or legal custodian before any such interrogation. The bill also mandates the Vermont Criminal Justice Council to create statewide interrogation standards, including requiring electronic recording of most custodial interrogations in detention (with limited exceptions like emergencies). These changes aim to prevent false confessions and improve community trust in law enforcement practices.

Vermont's H 299 prevents Family Court cases from being transferred to criminal court when the person involved is a child or youth victim of human trafficking. The bill requires Family Court to retain jurisdiction over such cases if the court finds clear evidence the child was a victim of human trafficking, sexual assault, or related crimes defined in state law. Key provisions mandate that courts hold hearings to verify victim status and explicitly prohibit transferring cases involving these specific offenses. This directly affects minors in Family Court proceedings who are identified as trafficking victims, keeping their cases in the juvenile justice system. The law takes effect on July 1, 2025.