Bill > H0361

This bill establishes municipal and regional community police oversight boards to provide independent civilian review of law enforcement agencies and officers. These boards, consisting of at least seven diverse members with backgrounds representing BIPOC communities, civil rights organizations, mental health expertise, and legal experience, will have broad investigative powers including receiving and investigating complaints of unprofessional conduct, use of force incidents, officer-involved deaths, and other misconduct. The boards are authorized to subpoena documents, inspect records, hire investigators and attorneys, and issue public reports with findings and recommended sanctions. Critically, the Vermont Criminal Justice Council must give deference to the boards' recommendations when adjudicating complaints against law enforcement officers. The boards will also participate in collective bargaining for law enforcement contracts, monitor policing trends, and make training recommendations to the Criminal Justice Council. The bill requires law enforcement agencies to fully cooperate with these oversight boards and report all complaints promptly. These community police oversight boards are designed to promote transparency, accountability, and community trust in law enforcement by providing an independent mechanism for investigating and addressing potential misconduct. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.361