Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session Status: Enacted

H 937 — An act relating to miscellaneous judiciary procedures

Last action — House message: Governor approved bill on June 18, 2026

Track this bill free

No card. One bill, free forever — alerts when it moves.

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. ✓
    Passed House
  4. ✓
    Passed Senate
  5. ✓
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced March 17, 2026. Enacted.

Signed by Governor Phil Scott (Republican) on May 29, 2026.

Prognosis

Advancing 50% · moderate confidence

Where this bill stands today.

Odds of enactment

High

How often bills like it became law.

  • Enacted

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 1 sponsor

    1 primary, 0 co-sponsors signed on.

Prognosis reads this bill's own signals — stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes and cross-state momentum. Odds come from a model trained on which bills have become law.

In plain language

The bill modifies various judicial procedures.

This bill updates certain judicial procedures. It aims to streamline processes within the judiciary.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

771 added · 794 removed

Plain-language change summary

The recent amendments to Bill H 937 clarify and expand the definitions of what constitutes profits from a crime. Specifically, it emphasizes that any income or property gained through sales related to criminal activity, including those benefits resulting from public notoriety due to a conviction, must be reported. This change matters because it ensures a more comprehensive approach to preventing individuals from profiting off of their criminal actions, thereby reaffirming the principle that crimes should not financially benefit the perpetrator. This could help deter criminal behavior and protect the integrity of the justice system.

→
Previous
Latest
AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.937 Page 1 of 35 H.937 An act relating to miscellaneous judiciary procedures It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont:
BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.937 Page 1 of 36 H.937 Introduced by Committee on Judiciary Date:
Subject:
Court procedure;
criminal procedure;
miscellaneous amendments Statement of purpose of bill as introduced:
This bill proposes to make a number of miscellaneous amendments related to civil and criminal procedure statutes.
An act relating to miscellaneous judiciary procedures It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont:
Profits from Crime § 171.
Profits from Crime § 171.
(2) any property obtained by or income generated from the sale, conversion, or exchange of proceeds of a crime, including any gain realized by such sale, conversion, or exchange;
BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.937 Page 2 of 36 (2) any property obtained by or income generated from the sale, conversion, or exchange of proceeds of a crime, including any gain realized by such sale, conversion, or exchange;
and VT LEG #388405 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.937 Page 2 of 35 (4) any property that the defendant obtained or any income generated from the sale of tangible property the value of which is increased by the notoriety gained from the conviction of an offense by the person accused or convicted of the crime.
and (4) any property that the defendant obtained or any income generated from the sale of tangible property the value of which is increased by the notoriety gained from the conviction of an offense by the person accused or convicted of the crime.
§ 172.
§ 172.
§ 5351(8), to a person charged with or convicted of that crime shall give written notice to the Attorney General of the payment or obligation to pay as soon as is practicable after discovering that the payment is or will be a profit from a crime.
§ 5351(8), to a person charged with or convicted of that crime shall give written notice to the Attorney General of the payment or obligation to pay as soon as is practicable after discovering that the payment is or will be a profit from a crime.
(b) The Attorney General, upon receipt of notice of a contract, agreement to pay, or payment of profits of the crime shall send written notice of the existence of such profits to all known victims of the crime at their last known addresses.
BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.937 Page 3 of 36 (b) The Attorney General, upon receipt of notice of a contract, agreement to pay, or payment of profits of the crime shall send written notice of the existence of such profits to all known victims of the crime at their last known addresses.
§ 173.
§ 173.
Any VT LEG #388405 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.937 Page 3 of 35 damages awarded in such action shall be recoverable only up to the value of the profits of the crime.
Any damages awarded in such action shall be recoverable only up to the value of the profits of the crime.
(c) If the full value of any profits from the crime has not yet been claimed by either the victim of the crime or the victim’s representative, the Attorney General, or both, within three years after the discovery of such profits, then the State may bring a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction to recover the costs incurred by providing the defendant with counsel, if any, and other costs reasonably incurred or to be incurred in the incarceration of the defendant.
(c) If the full value of any profits from the crime has not yet been claimed by either the victim of the crime or the victim’s representative, the Attorney General, or both, within three years after the discovery of such profits, then the State may bring a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction to recover the costs incurred by providing the defendant with counsel, if any, and other BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.937 Page 4 of 36 costs reasonably incurred or to be incurred in the incarceration of the defendant.
(e) To avoid the wasting of assets identified in the complaint as newly discovered profits of the crime, the Attorney General, acting on behalf of the VT LEG #388405 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.937 Page 4 of 35 plaintiff and all other victims, shall have the right to apply for all remedies that are also otherwise available to the victim.
(e) To avoid the wasting of assets identified in the complaint as newly discovered profits of the crime, the Attorney General, acting on behalf of the plaintiff and all other victims, shall have the right to apply for all remedies that are also otherwise available to the victim.
§ 656 is amended to read:
§ 656 is amended to read:
(A) Falsely represent the person’s age for the purpose of procuring or attempting to procure malt or vinous beverages, ready-to-drink spirits beverages, spirits, or fortified wines from any licensee, State liquor agency, or other person or persons.
BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.937 Page 5 of 36 (A) Falsely represent the person’s age for the purpose of procuring or attempting to procure malt or vinous beverages, ready-to-drink spirits beverages, spirits, or fortified wines from any licensee, State liquor agency, or other person or persons.
VT LEG #388405 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.937 Page 5 of 35 (C) Knowingly and unlawfully possess one ounce or less of cannabis or five grams or less of hashish or two mature cannabis plants or fewer or four immature cannabis plants or fewer.
(C) Knowingly and unlawfully possess one ounce or less of cannabis or five grams or less of hashish or two mature cannabis plants or fewer or four immature cannabis plants or fewer.
A person who knowingly violates any of subdivisions (1)(A)–(D) of this subsection commits a civil violation and shall be referred to the Court Diversion Program for the purpose of enrollment in the Youth Substance Awareness Safety Program.
A person who knowingly violates any of subdivisions (1)(A)–(D) of this subsection commits BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.937 Page 6 of 36 a civil violation and shall be referred to the Court Diversion Program for the purpose of enrollment in the Youth Substance Awareness Safety Program.
(A) a civil penalty of $300.00 and suspension of the person’s operator’s license and privilege to operate a motor vehicle for a period of 30 VT LEG #388405 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.937 Page 6 of 35 days, for a first offense and shall be automatically reinstated after the 30-day period;
(A) a civil penalty of $300.00 and suspension of the person’s operator’s license and privilege to operate a motor vehicle for a period of 30 days, for a first offense and shall be automatically reinstated after the 30-day period;
§ 1005 is amended to read:
§ 1005 is amended to read:
PENALTY (a)(1) A person 12 years of age or older and under 21 years of age shall not possess, purchase, or attempt to purchase tobacco products, tobacco substitutes, or tobacco paraphernalia unless:
PENALTY BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.937 Page 7 of 36 (a)(1) A person 12 years of age or older and under 21 years of age shall not possess, purchase, or attempt to purchase tobacco products, tobacco substitutes, or tobacco paraphernalia unless:
VT LEG #388405 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.937 Page 7 of 35 (2) A person 12 years of age or older and under 21 years of age shall not misrepresent his or her the person’s age to purchase or attempt to purchase tobacco products, tobacco substitutes, or tobacco paraphernalia.
(2) A person 12 years of age or older and under 21 years of age shall not misrepresent his or her the person’s age to purchase or attempt to purchase tobacco products, tobacco substitutes, or tobacco paraphernalia.
(c) A person 12 years of age or older and under 21 years of age who misrepresents the person’s age by presenting false identification to purchase tobacco products, tobacco substitutes, or tobacco paraphernalia shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $50.00 or provide up to 10 hours of community service, or both.
(c) A person 12 years of age or older and under 21 years of age who misrepresents the person’s age by presenting false identification to purchase tobacco products, tobacco substitutes, or tobacco paraphernalia shall be subject BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.937 Page 8 of 36 to a civil penalty of not more than $50.00 or provide up to 10 hours of community service, or both.
§ 5 is amended to read:
§ 5 is amended to read:
VT LEG #388405 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.937 Page 8 of 35 (b) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, the Court shall provide licensed Vermont attorneys in good standing with access via the internet, through the Judiciary’s public portal website or otherwise, to nonconfidential criminal, family, and probate case records.
(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, the Court shall provide licensed Vermont attorneys in good standing with access via the internet, through the Judiciary’s public portal website or otherwise, to nonconfidential criminal, family, and probate case records.
or (3) decisions, recordings of oral arguments, briefs, and printed cases of the Supreme Court.
or BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.937 Page 9 of 36 (3) decisions, recordings of oral arguments, briefs, and printed cases of the Supreme Court.
§ 506 is amended to read:
§ 506 is amended to read:
VT LEG #388405 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.937 Page 9 of 35 (b) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, the Family Division of the Superior Court shall have exclusive jurisdiction over actions on judgments issued by the Family Division.
(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, the Family Division of the Superior Court shall have exclusive jurisdiction over actions on judgments issued by the Family Division.
(2) The filing of a motion to renew shall toll the statute of limitations until the court rules upon the motion.
BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.937 Page 10 of 36 (2) The filing of a motion to renew shall toll the statute of limitations until the court rules upon the motion.
VT LEG #388405 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.937 Page 10 of 35 (C) any affirmation action taken by an obligor toward compliance with the provisions of a Family Division judgment;
(C) any affirmation action taken by an obligor toward compliance with the provisions of a Family Division judgment;
“RENEWAL OF A FAMILY DIVISION JUDGMENT FOR MONEY OR PROPERTY SHALL BE INITIATED BY MOTION TO RENEW WITHIN EIGHT YEARS AFTER RENDITION OF THE JUDGMENT OR WHEN THE LAST PAYMENT OR ACTION REQUIRED IS DUE, WHICHEVER OCCURS LAST, OR IT CANNOT BE ENFORCED.” Sec.
“RENEWAL OF A FAMILY DIVISION JUDGMENT FOR MONEY OR PROPERTY SHALL BE INITIATED BY MOTION TO RENEW WITHIN EIGHT YEARS AFTER RENDITION OF THE JUDGMENT OR WHEN THE LAST PAYMENT OR ACTION REQUIRED IS DUE, WHICHEVER OCCURS LAST, OR IT CANNOT BE ENFORCED.” BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.937 Page 11 of 36 Sec.
§ 2683 is amended to read:
§ 2683 is amended to read:
VT LEG #388405 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.937 Page 11 of 35 Sec.
Sec.
§ 4601 is amended to read:
§ 4601 is amended to read:
§ 5131 is amended to read:
§ 5131 is amended to read:
or (ii) use of any electronic, digital, or precise geolocation device or software or application to surveil a specific person or a specific person’s internet or wireless activity continuously for 12 hours or more or on two or more occasions over a period of time, however short, without authorization.
or (ii) use of any electronic, digital, or precise geolocation device or software or application to surveil a specific person or a specific person’s BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.937 Page 12 of 36 internet or wireless activity continuously for 12 hours or more or on two or more occasions over a period of time, however short, without authorization.
Constitutionally protected activity is not included within the meaning of “course of conduct.” VT LEG #388405 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.937 Page 12 of 35 (C) As used in subdivision (A) of this subdivision (1),:
Constitutionally protected activity is not included within the meaning of “course of conduct.” (C) As used in subdivision (A) of this subdivision (1),:
Show all 115 changed rows (75 more)
Previous
Latest
or (ii) significant modifications in the person’s actions or routines, including moving from an established residence, changes to established daily routes to and from work that cause a serious disruption in the person’s life, changes to the person’s employment or work schedule, or the loss of a job or time from work.
or (ii) significant modifications in the person’s actions or routines, including moving from an established residence, changes to established daily BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.937 Page 13 of 36 routes to and from work that cause a serious disruption in the person’s life, changes to the person’s employment or work schedule, or the loss of a job or time from work.
§ 1061 is amended to read:
§ 1061 is amended to read:
DEFINITIONS VT LEG #388405 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.937 Page 13 of 35 As used in this subchapter:
DEFINITIONS As used in this subchapter:
(3) “Reasonable person” means a reasonable person in the victim’s circumstances.
BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.937 Page 14 of 36 (3) “Reasonable person” means a reasonable person in the victim’s circumstances.
VT LEG #388405 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.937 Page 14 of 35 Sec.
Sec.
§ 2631 is amended to read:
§ 2631 is amended to read:
§ 5314 is amended to read:
§ 5314 is amended to read:
(B) compensation for victims under chapter 167 of this title, and the name, street address, and telephone number of the Center for Crime Victim Services;
BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.937 Page 15 of 36 (B) compensation for victims under chapter 167 of this title, and the name, street address, and telephone number of the Center for Crime Victim Services;
and VT LEG #388405 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.937 Page 15 of 35 (3) information concerning the victim’s right to know, if the defendant is held at a correctional facility, where the defendant is held, if the defendant is released, how to locate the Department of Corrections’ Vermont Offender Locator website, and how to register for automated notifications when the defendant is released.
and (3) information concerning the victim’s right to know, if the defendant is held at a correctional facility, where the defendant is held, if the defendant is released, how to locate the Department of Corrections’ Vermont Offender Locator website, and how to register for automated notifications when the defendant is released.
§ 5351 is amended to read:
§ 5351 is amended to read:
(B) any property obtained by or income generated from the sale, conversion, or exchange of proceeds of a crime, including any gain realized by such sale, conversion, or exchange;
BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.937 Page 16 of 36 (B) any property obtained by or income generated from the sale, conversion, or exchange of proceeds of a crime, including any gain realized by such sale, conversion, or exchange;
(C) any property that the defendant obtained or any income generated as a result of having committed the crime, including any assets obtained through the use of unique knowledge acquired during the commission of or in preparation for the commission of the crime, as well as any property obtained VT LEG #388405 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.937 Page 16 of 35 or income generated from the sale, conversion, or exchange of such property and any gain realized by such sale, conversion, or exchange;
(C) any property that the defendant obtained or any income generated as a result of having committed the crime, including any assets obtained through the use of unique knowledge acquired during the commission of or in preparation for the commission of the crime, as well as any property obtained or income generated from the sale, conversion, or exchange of such property and any gain realized by such sale, conversion, or exchange;
§ 5352 is amended to read:
§ 5352 is amended to read:
Each member shall serve for a term of three years.
Each member BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.937 Page 17 of 36 shall serve for a term of three years.
§ 5358a(d) is amended to read:
§ 5358a(d) is amended to read:
Annually, the Board shall VT LEG #388405 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.937 Page 17 of 35 hold an open meeting to present information and data concerning the victims compensation and offender restitution programs, including aggregate information on cases, pecuniary loss, expense reimbursement, restitution orders, profits from crimes, and nonidentifying information on the amounts of compensation awarded to victims.
Annually, the Board shall hold an open meeting to present information and data concerning the victims compensation and offender restitution programs, including aggregate information on cases, pecuniary loss, expense reimbursement, restitution orders, profits from crimes, and nonidentifying information on the amounts of compensation awarded to victims.
§ 5363 is amended to read:
§ 5363 is amended to read:
Any excess remaining after the victims have received the full amount of restitution ordered shall be divided between the Victims Compensation Fund and the Crime Victims Special Restitution Fund in proportion to the amount which each paid.
Any excess remaining after the victims have received the full amount of restitution ordered shall be divided between the Victims BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.937 Page 18 of 36 Compensation Fund and the Crime Victims Special Restitution Fund in proportion to the amount which each paid.
Unless otherwise ordered by the VT LEG #388405 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.937 Page 18 of 35 court, the Restitution Unit shall determine the offenders and crimes encompassed within a crime spree.
Unless otherwise ordered by the court, the Restitution Unit shall determine the offenders and crimes encompassed within a crime spree.
§ 5421 is amended to read:
§ 5421 is amended to read:
NOTICE OF PROFITS FROM A CRIME (a) Every person, firm, corporation, partnership, association, or other legal entity that knowingly contracts for, pays, or agrees to pay any profits from a crime, as defined in subdivision 5351(8) of this title, to a person charged with or convicted of that crime shall give written notice to the Attorney General of the payment or obligation to pay as soon as is practicable after discovering that the payment is or will be a profit from a crime.
NOTICE OF PROFITS FROM A CRIME (a) Every person, firm, corporation, partnership, association, or other legal entity that knowingly contracts for, pays, or agrees to pay any profits from a crime, as defined in subdivision 5351(8) of this title, to a person charged with or convicted of that crime shall give written notice to the Attorney General of BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.937 Page 19 of 36 the payment or obligation to pay as soon as is practicable after discovering that the payment is or will be a profit from a crime.
[Repealed.] VT LEG #388405 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.937 Page 19 of 35 Sec.
[Repealed.] Sec.
§ 5422 is amended to read:
§ 5422 is amended to read:
(c) If the full value of any profits from the crime has not yet been claimed by either the victim of the crime or the victim’s representative, the Attorney General, or both, within three years of the discovery of such profits, then the State may bring a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction to recover the costs incurred by providing the defendant with counsel, if any, and other costs reasonably incurred or to be incurred in the incarceration of the defendant.
(c) If the full value of any profits from the crime has not yet been claimed by either the victim of the crime or the victim’s representative, the Attorney BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.937 Page 20 of 36 General, or both, within three years of the discovery of such profits, then the State may bring a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction to recover the costs incurred by providing the defendant with counsel, if any, and other costs reasonably incurred or to be incurred in the incarceration of the defendant.
VT LEG #388405 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.937 Page 20 of 35 (d) Upon the filing of an action pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the victim shall deliver a copy of the summons and complaint to the Attorney General.
(d) Upon the filing of an action pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the victim shall deliver a copy of the summons and complaint to the Attorney General.
§ 7043 is amended to read:
§ 7043 is amended to read:
or (C) payments in kind, if acceptable to the victim.
or BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.937 Page 21 of 36 (C) payments in kind, if acceptable to the victim.
VT LEG #388405 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.937 Page 21 of 35 * * * Sec.
* * * Sec.
§ 7554c is amended to read:
§ 7554c is amended to read:
The information a pretrial services coordinator may report is limited to whether a risk assessment indicates risk of nonappearance, whether further substance use assessment or treatment is indicated, whether mental health assessment or treatment is indicated, whether a person participated in a clinical assessment, and whether further engagement with pretrial services is recommended, unless the person provides written permission to release additional information.
The information a pretrial services coordinator may report is limited to whether a risk assessment indicates risk of nonappearance, whether further substance use assessment or treatment is indicated, whether mental health assessment or BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.937 Page 22 of 36 treatment is indicated, whether a person participated in a clinical assessment, and whether further engagement with pretrial services is recommended, unless the person provides written permission to release additional information.
Information related to the present offense directly or indirectly derived from the risk assessment, needs screening, or other conversation with the pretrial VT LEG #388405 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.937 Page 22 of 35 services coordinator shall not be used against the person in the person’s criminal or juvenile case for any purpose, including impeachment or cross- examination.
Information related to the present offense directly or indirectly derived from the risk assessment, needs screening, or other conversation with the pretrial services coordinator shall not be used against the person in the person’s criminal or juvenile case for any purpose, including impeachment or cross- examination.
The Director of Pretrial Services shall be responsible for the destruction of records when ordered by the court.
The Director of Pretrial BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.937 Page 23 of 36 Services shall be responsible for the destruction of records when ordered by the court.
§§ 2681 (spendthrift, defined), 2684 (spendthrift;
§§ 2681 (spendthrift, defined), 2684 (spendthrift;
appeal), 2687 (expense of resisting application), 2690 VT LEG #388405 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.937 Page 23 of 35 (guardian to give notice that ward’s contracts and transfers will be void), 2691 (spouse to support and have custody), 2692 (extent of guardian’s control), and 2693 (married woman may be guardian) are repealed.
appeal), 2687 (expense of resisting application), 2690 (guardian to give notice that ward’s contracts and transfers will be void), 2691 (spouse to support and have custody), 2692 (extent of guardian’s control), and 2693 (married woman may be guardian) are repealed.
* * * (3) Except as otherwise provided in this title, on April 24, 2025:
* * * BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.937 Page 24 of 36 (3) Except as otherwise provided in this title, on April 24, 2025:
VT LEG #388405 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.937 Page 24 of 35 Sec.
Sec.
§ 603(h) is amended to read:
§ 603(h) is amended to read:
(A) As long as the person remains in the custody of the Commissioner of Corrections, the court shall schedule the case for a review hearing every 15 14 days.
BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.937 Page 25 of 36 (A) As long as the person remains in the custody of the Commissioner of Corrections, the court shall schedule the case for a review hearing every 15 14 days.
§ 1085 is amended to read:
§ 1085 is amended to read:
REGISTRATION OF CHILD CUSTODY DETERMINATION * * * VT LEG #388405 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.937 Page 25 of 35 (b) On receipt of the documents required by subsection (a) of this section, the Family Division of the Superior Court shall:
REGISTRATION OF CHILD CUSTODY DETERMINATION * * * (b) On receipt of the documents required by subsection (a) of this section, the Family Division of the Superior Court shall:
and (3) failure to contest the registration will result in confirmation of the child custody determination and preclude further contest of that determination with respect to any matter that could have been asserted.
and BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.937 Page 26 of 36 (3) failure to contest the registration will result in confirmation of the child custody determination and preclude further contest of that determination with respect to any matter that could have been asserted.
§ 4230f is amended to read:
§ 4230f is amended to read:
CRIMINAL OFFENSE * * * VT LEG #388405 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.937 Page 26 of 35 (e)(1) Subsections (a)–(d) of this section shall not apply to a person under 21 years of age who dispenses cannabis to a person under 21 years of age or who knowingly enables the consumption of cannabis by a person under 21 years of age.
CRIMINAL OFFENSE * * * (e)(1) Subsections (a)–(d) of this section shall not apply to a person under 21 years of age who dispenses cannabis to a person under 21 years of age or who knowingly enables the consumption of cannabis by a person under 21 years of age.
§ 656 and shall be subject to the penalties in that section 7 V.S.A.
§ 656 and shall be subject to the penalties in that section 7 V.S.A.
§ 656(b)(2) for failure to complete the program successfully.
§ 656(b)(2) for failure to complete the program successfully.
* * * Sec.
* * * BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.937 Page 27 of 36 Sec.
§ 4234 is amended to read:
§ 4234 is amended to read:
§ 656.
§ 656.
VT LEG #388405 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.937 Page 27 of 35 (2) A person under 16 years of age who knowingly and unlawfully possesses 224 milligrams or less of buprenorphine commits a delinquent act and shall be subject to the provisions of section 4230j of this title.
(2) A person under 16 years of age who knowingly and unlawfully possesses 224 milligrams or less of buprenorphine commits a delinquent act and shall be subject to the provisions of section 4230j of this title.
§ 2 is amended to read:
§ 2 is amended to read:
JOINT TENANCY WITH UNEQUAL SHARES (a) Conveyances and devises of lands, whether for years, for life or in fee, made to two or more persons, shall be construed to create estates in common and not in joint tenancy, unless it is expressed therein in either the grant clause or the habendum clause of the instrument transferring title that the grantees or devisees shall take the lands jointly or as joint tenants or in joint tenancy or to them and the survivors of them.
JOINT TENANCY WITH UNEQUAL SHARES (a) Conveyances and devises of lands, whether for years, for life or in fee, made to two or more persons, shall be construed to create estates in common and not in joint tenancy, unless it is expressed therein in either the grant clause or the habendum clause of the instrument transferring title that the grantees or devisees shall take the lands jointly or as joint tenants or in joint tenancy or to them and the survivors of them.
This provision The requirement to specify a tenancy shall not apply to devises or conveyances made in trust or made to spouses or to conveyances in which it manifestly appears from the tenor of the instrument that it was intended to create an estate in joint tenancy.
This provision The requirement to specify a tenancy shall not apply to devises or conveyances made in trust or made to BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.937 Page 28 of 36 spouses or to conveyances in which it manifestly appears from the tenor of the instrument that it was intended to create an estate in joint tenancy.
* * * VT LEG #388405 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.937 Page 28 of 35 Sec.
* * * Sec.
§ 214, Sec.
§ 214, Sec.
§ 304 is amended to read:
§ 304 is amended to read:
Sec.
BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.937 Page 29 of 36 Sec.
§ 1101 is amended to read:
§ 1101 is amended to read:
VT LEG #388405 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.937 Page 29 of 35 Sec.
Sec.
§ 6936(c) is amended to read:
§ 6936(c) is amended to read:
Sec.
BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.937 Page 30 of 36 Sec.
VT LEG #388405 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.937 Page 30 of 35 (2) The docket helped clear a backlog of repeat offender criminal cases involving individuals with five or more open charges, many of whom were unhoused and struggling with substance use issues or mental health challenges.
(2) The docket helped clear a backlog of repeat offender criminal cases involving individuals with five or more open charges, many of whom were unhoused and struggling with substance use issues or mental health challenges.
(5) Each county that determines that employing a rapid accountability docket modeled on the pilot in Chittenden County that takes into account the unique needs and resources of the county should have the opportunity to operate such a docket.
BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.937 Page 31 of 36 (5) Each county that determines that employing a rapid accountability docket modeled on the pilot in Chittenden County that takes into account the unique needs and resources of the county should have the opportunity to operate such a docket.
VT LEG #388405 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.937 Page 31 of 35 (B) dedicated prosecutorial and defense resources;
(B) dedicated prosecutorial and defense resources;
(4) Improving accountability for individuals with multiple pending legal cases by providing immediate follow-up and a court schedule that is responsive to their needs.
BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.937 Page 32 of 36 (4) Improving accountability for individuals with multiple pending legal cases by providing immediate follow-up and a court schedule that is responsive to their needs.
COUNTY DEPLOYMENT STRATEGY The Executive Director of the Department of State’s Attorneys and Sheriffs, in consultation the Defender General and the Secretary of Human Services or designee, shall recommend to the Chief Superior Judge the counties identified VT LEG #388405 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.937 Page 32 of 35 as appropriate for the rapid accountability docket and the order in which the counties shall implement the docket.
COUNTY DEPLOYMENT STRATEGY The Executive Director of the Department of State’s Attorneys and Sheriffs, in consultation the Defender General and the Secretary of Human Services or designee, shall recommend to the Chief Superior Judge the counties identified as appropriate for the rapid accountability docket and the order in which the counties shall implement the docket.
(b) Each operating period shall last up to 90 days but may be shorter if the goals of the rapid accountability docket are met, as determined by the Judiciary in consultation with the State’s Attorney and the public defender.
BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.937 Page 33 of 36 (b) Each operating period shall last up to 90 days but may be shorter if the goals of the rapid accountability docket are met, as determined by the Judiciary in consultation with the State’s Attorney and the public defender.
DEDICATED PROSECUTOR AND LEAD PUBLIC DEFENDER (a) The Governor, in consultation with the respective county State’s Attorney and the Executive Director of the Department of State’s Attorneys VT LEG #388405 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.937 Page 33 of 35 and Sheriffs, may appoint a special prosecutor to serve a rapid accountability docket, or the State’s Attorney of the respective county may appoint a designated deputy State’s Attorney to serve a rapid accountability docket.
DEDICATED PROSECUTOR AND LEAD PUBLIC DEFENDER (a) The Governor, in consultation with the respective county State’s Attorney and the Executive Director of the Department of State’s Attorneys and Sheriffs, may appoint a special prosecutor to serve a rapid accountability docket, or the State’s Attorney of the respective county may appoint a designated deputy State’s Attorney to serve a rapid accountability docket.
Sec.
BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.937 Page 34 of 36 Sec.
VT LEG #388405 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.937 Page 34 of 35 (A) substance use or mental health challenges;
(A) substance use or mental health challenges;
The Secretary of Administration shall ensure that information is maintained and distributed to evaluate the programmatic efficiency and dispositional outcomes.
The Secretary of BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.937 Page 35 of 36 Administration shall ensure that information is maintained and distributed to evaluate the programmatic efficiency and dispositional outcomes.
and VT LEG #388405 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.937 Page 35 of 35 (6) the number of defendants charged with a new offense within six and 12 months and the types of offenses.
and (6) the number of defendants charged with a new offense within six and months and the types of offenses.
(b) On or before December 1, 2026, the Secretary of Administration shall submit a written report regarding the implementation of the rapid accountability dockets to the House and Senate Committees on Judiciary and the Governor.
BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.937 Page 36 of 36 (b) On or before December 1, 2026, the Secretary of Administration shall submit a written report regarding the implementation of the rapid accountability dockets to the House and Senate Committees on Judiciary and the Governor.
41.
3141.
4 shall take effect on July 1, 2027.
4 shall take effect on July 1, 2026 July 1, 2027.
VT LEG #388405 v.1
⬇ Download PDF
View plain text versions (7)
  • As Passed By the House (OfficialOpens in a new window) View text pdf
  • As Passed By the House (UnofficialOpens in a new window) View text pdf
  • As Passed by Both House and Senate (OfficialOpens in a new window) View text pdf
  • As Passed by Both House and Senate (UnofficialOpens in a new window) View text pdf
  • As EnactedOpens in a new window View text pdf
  • Act SummaryOpens in a new window View text Current pdf
  • Introduced As IntroducedOpens in a new window pdf

Amendments

2 amendments

Click Show changes on an amendment above to see how it modifies the bill.

Action History

  1. House message: Governor approved bill on June 18, 2026

  2. Signed by Governor on June 18, 2026

  3. Delivered to the Governor on June 12, 2026

  4. House message: House concurred in Senate proposal of amendment

  5. Senate proposal of amendment concurred in

  6. Rules suspended and taken up for immediate consideration as moved by Rep. McCoy of Poultney

  7. Notice Calendar: Senate Proposal of Amendment

  8. Senate Message: Passed in concurrence with proposal of amendment

  9. Rules suspended & messaged to House forthwith, on motion of Senator Baruth

  10. Read 3rd time & passed in concurrence with proposal of amendment

  11. Pending third reading, motion to amend Senate proposal of amendment by Senator(s) Hashim agreed to

  12. New Business/Third Reading

  13. 3rd reading ordered

  14. Proposal of amendment by Committee on Judiciary agreed to

  15. Reported favorably by Senator Norris for Committee on Appropriations

  16. Read 2nd time, reported favorably with proposal of amendment by Senator Hashim for Committee on Judiciary

  17. Favorable report by Committee on Appropriations

  18. Favorable report with proposal of amendment by Committee on Judiciary

  19. Unfinished Business/Second Reading

  20. Favorable report by Committee on Appropriations

  21. Favorable report with proposal of amendment by Committee on Judiciary

  22. Unfinished Business/Second Reading

  23. Favorable report by Committee on Appropriations

  24. Favorable report with proposal of amendment by Committee on Judiciary

  25. Unfinished Business/Second Reading

  26. Favorable report by Committee on Appropriations

  27. Favorable report with proposal of amendment by Committee on Judiciary

  28. New Business/Second Reading

  29. Favorable report with proposal of amendment by Committee on Appropriations

  30. Favorable report with proposal of amendment by Committee on Judiciary

  31. Second Reading

  32. Entered on Notice Calendar

  33. Referred to Committee on Appropriations per Senate Rule 31

  34. Favorable report with proposal of amendment by Committee on Judiciary

  35. Second Reading

  36. Entered on Notice Calendar

  37. Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Judiciary

  38. Read third time and passed

  39. Rep. Maguire of Rutland City and LaLonde of South Burlington moved to amend the bill, which was agreed to

  40. Rep. Galfetti of Barre Town asked and was granted leave to withdraw amendment

  41. Rep. Galfetti of Barre Town moved to amend the bill

  42. Action Calendar: Action postponed until March 27, 2026

  43. Action Calendar: Action postponed until March 27, 2026

  44. Rep. Rachelson of Burlington moved to postpone action until March 27, 2026, which was agreed to

  45. Action Calendar: Third Reading

  46. Third Reading ordered

  47. Rep. LaLonde of South Burlington moved to amend the bill, which was agreed to

  48. Rep. Squirrell of Underhill recommended for the Committee on Appropriations

  49. Rep. Ode of Burlington recommended for the Committee on Ways and Means

  50. Rep. Rachelson of Burlington spoke for the Committee on Judiciary

  51. Read second time

  52. Action Calendar: Favorable

  53. Notice Calendar: Favorable

  54. Pending entry on Notice Calendar, referred to Committee on Appropriations per Rule 35(a)

  55. Committee bill read first time and referred to Committee on Ways and Means per Rule 35(a)

Sponsors

  • House Committee on Judiciary · Primary

Sponsorship breakdown

Export CSV (upgrade) →

1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 189 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

  • House Committee on Judiciary

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (189)

189 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 189 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

public-safety
Cross-referencing the record. Reading this bill against every other bill in the corpus by meaning, not keywords. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Matching · Ranking · Engrossing

Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors H 937?
H 937 is sponsored by House Committee on Judiciary.
What is the current status of H 937?
This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced March 17, 2026. Enacted.
Where can I track H 937?
Track H 937 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

Make your voice heard on H 937

Find the representatives who decide this bill and tell them where you stand — for yourself, or mobilize your whole list in one click with One Click Politics advocacy software.

Find my representatives → Run a campaign

Stay ahead of H 937

Last checked for changes 3 months ago · updated continuously

One Click Politics tracks every bill in Congress and all 50 states.

Track this bill →