S 196 Vermont Senate · 2023-2024 Regular Session

An act relating to the types of evidence permitted in weight of the evidence hearings

This bill allows judges to consider evidence that does not strictly follow standard court evidence rules during weight of the evidence hearings. It applies to criminal cases where a judge must decide if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial. The change permits more flexible evidence submission without altering the standard for determining whether evidence of guilt is great. This means prosecutors and defense attorneys may present information in a less formal manner during these preliminary hearings. The law takes effect on July 1, 2024.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2024
Committee Review
Apr 2024
Senate Passage
May 2024
House Passage
May 2024
Signed into Law
May 2024
Introduced Jan 3, 2024 Signed May 10, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
23
Key actions
8
Committee
4
May 10, 2024
Signed into law
Senate Message: Signed by Governor May 23, 2024
executive
May 10, 2024
Signed into law
Signed by Governor on May 23, 2024
executive
May 3, 2024
Upper · Passed
As passed by Senate and House
upper
May 3, 2024
Upper · Passed
House message: House passed bill in concurrence
upper
Apr 30, 2024
Lower · Passed
Rep. Notte of Rutland City reported for the Committee on Judiciary
lower
Mar 21, 2024
Introduced
Read first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary
lower
Mar 15, 2024
Upper · Passed
Reported favorably by Senator Hashim for Committee on Judiciary, read 2nd time and 3rd reading ordered
upper
Mar 15, 2024
Upper · Passed
Favorable report by Committee on Judiciary
upper
Mar 14, 2024
Upper · Passed
Favorable report by Committee on Judiciary
upper
Jan 3, 2024
Introduced
Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Judiciary
upper
1 primary · 8 co-sponsors

Sponsors