H 721 Vermont House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

An act relating to juvenile proceedings, criminal procedures, and forensic facilities for criminal justice-involved individuals

This bill changes how Vermont handles juvenile criminal cases by moving certain serious offenses to the Criminal Division of Superior Court instead of the Family Division. It applies to juveniles aged 14-22 for specific crimes like firearm use during felony, drug trafficking, or aggravated stalking (as listed in sections 5201(c)(3) and 5204(a)). Key provisions include prohibiting suspended sentences for repeat offenders with prior escape convictions or three felony convictions, requiring written court findings for deferred sentences, and creating a new forensic facility for certain offenders. The bill also repeals "Raise the Age" protections for 19-year-olds and establishes stricter rules for sentencing and case transfers.
Bill status introduced 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 20, 2026 Last action Jan 20, 2026
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Jan 20, 2026
Introduced
Read first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary
lower
2 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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