An act relating to acquittal by reason of insanity in criminal cases

This bill proposes changing how juries deliver verdicts in Vermont when a defendant is found not guilty by reason of insanity. It requires courts to inform juries that such defendants will be committed to the Department of Mental Health if deemed dangerous to themselves or others, and mandates that verdicts state "guilty, but insane" instead of simply "not guilty." The changes directly affect criminal court proceedings and the Department of Mental Health by clarifying the legal status and disposition of defendants found insane at the time of their alleged offenses. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.