Bill > H0613

This bill expands victims' services and compensation for individuals affected by officer-involved shootings of people experiencing a mental health crisis, defining "officer-involved shooting" as a law enforcement officer discharging a firearm in the line of duty. It amends existing laws to include these incidents under the definition of "victim" for crime victim services and compensation, allowing for coverage of property damage and cleanup of biological materials. The bill also establishes the position of "victim guardian" within the Center for Crime Victim Services to provide independent advocacy and assistance to these victims and their families, including coordinating scene cleanup and disposition of remains. Furthermore, it mandates mental health crisis training for law enforcement officers as part of their certification and requires the incorporation of mental health crisis de-escalation techniques into the Vermont Criminal Justice Council's use of force policy.

Justice

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.613