Bill
Bill > S0097
VT S0097
VT S0097An act relating to creating municipal and regional civilian oversight of law enforcement
summary
Introduced
02/28/2025
02/28/2025
In Committee
02/28/2025
02/28/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
05/29/2025
05/29/2025
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Session
Bill Summary
This bill proposes to create municipal and regional civilian oversight bodies to receive, investigate, and address complaints against a law enforcement agency or officer within their jurisdiction. A board’s investigation is in addition to the investigations that may be conducted by a law enforcement agency and the Vermont Criminal Justice Council. Each board is empowered to hire or contract with staff to assist with its functions. Each board is authorized to draft a public report after a substantiated investigation, and its recommendations can be given deference by the Vermont Criminal Justice Council in its adjudication of unprofessional conduct complaints against law enforcement officers. Each board is also authorized to monitor law enforcement trends, make law enforcement training recommendations to the Vermont Criminal Justice Council, and participate in the collective bargaining process of the law enforcement agency within its jurisdiction. The Vermont Criminal Justice Council is also mandated to administer a grant program to assist municipalities and regions in S.97 implementing their boards, which is supported by a $500,000.00 appropriation to the Council.
AI Summary
This bill creates municipal and regional community police oversight boards to provide civilian review of law enforcement conduct. These boards, consisting of at least seven diverse members with backgrounds representing marginalized communities, will have the authority to receive, investigate, and address complaints against law enforcement agencies and officers, including incidents involving use of force, officer-involved deaths, and unprofessional conduct. The boards can hire investigators and attorneys, subpoena witnesses and documents, and conduct comprehensive investigations independent of law enforcement agencies. After an investigation, the board will publish a public report with findings and recommendations, which the Vermont Criminal Justice Council must consider when adjudicating complaints. Additionally, the boards can participate in collective bargaining negotiations involving law enforcement officers, recommend law enforcement training improvements, and analyze policing trends. To support these new oversight bodies, the Vermont Criminal Justice Council will administer a grant program funded with a $500,000 appropriation, helping municipalities and regions establish and maintain their community police oversight boards. The bill aims to increase transparency, accountability, and community engagement in law enforcement oversight, with provisions taking effect on July 1, 2025.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Government Operations (on 02/28/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.97 |
| BillText | https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/S-0097/S-0097%20As%20Introduced.pdf |
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