H 592 Vermont House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

An act relating to the appointment of legal counsel and record keeping in civil forfeiture actions

This bill requires public defenders to represent low-income individuals in specific civil forfeiture cases, such as property seizures related to alcohol, drug offenses, or big game violations. It mandates that law enforcement and courts maintain detailed records of seized property - including its description, value, and disposition - and provide notice of the right to counsel. The law applies to cases under statutes covering livestock products, alcohol, wildlife violations, controlled substances, and vehicles. These provisions aim to ensure transparency in property seizures and access to legal representation for vulnerable individuals.
Bill status introduced 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 7, 2026 Last action Jan 7, 2026
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Jan 7, 2026
Introduced
Read first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Barbara Rachelson
Barbara Rachelson
DDemocratic
VT
Chittenden-14