Bill > S0255

This bill establishes a pilot Law Enforcement Governance Council in Windham County, Vermont, to provide regional public safety services, which include law enforcement, dispatch, and animal control, to participating municipalities. A municipality becomes a "member municipality" by voting to join the Council, and these members will collectively govern the Council, elect its officers, and determine the scope and standards of services. The Council's budget will be funded through a county tax mechanism, with costs allocated proportionally to each member municipality's population, and the Windham County Sheriff's Department will be responsible for delivering these services under an annual agreement. Non-member municipalities will not be assessed for these services and will continue to receive State Police services as usual, while retaining their rights to independent law enforcement. The pilot program is set to conclude on June 30, 2034, with comprehensive evaluations and reports to be submitted to the legislature throughout its duration to assess its effectiveness and potential for broader implementation.