S 272 Vermont Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

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

This bill shifts certain juvenile cases to criminal court, requiring that offenses like firearm use, drug trafficking, or aggravated stalking committed by youth aged 14-22 begin in the Criminal Division instead of the Family Division. It restricts judges from suspending or deferring sentences for repeat offenders (e.g., those with prior escape convictions or three+ felony convictions), mandating written findings if such sentences are granted. The bill also changes how recidivism is calculated, establishes a classification system for repeat violent offenders, and creates a forensic facility for certain criminal justice-involved individuals. These changes primarily affect juvenile offenders aged 14-22 and repeat offenders with specific prior convictions, altering court jurisdiction and sentencing options.
Bill status introduced 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 16, 2026 Last action Jan 16, 2026
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Jan 16, 2026
Introduced
Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Judiciary
upper
8 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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