An act relating to public safety

This bill modifies Vermont's juvenile justice system by establishing age-based thresholds for where certain cases are filed in court. It requires cases involving children aged 14 to 22 who commit specific serious offenses, including drug trafficking, firearm-related felonies, and aggravated stalking, to begin in the Criminal Division of Superior Court rather than the Family Division. The legislation also outlines procedures for transferring cases between court divisions based on the defendant's age and the nature of the alleged offense, while maintaining options for youthful offender treatment petitions. These changes affect prosecutors, judges, and the families of minors charged with delinquent acts, taking effect on July 1, 2024.