The bill amends various sections of Vermont's juvenile justice laws, primarily to raise the age of delinquency jurisdiction from 18 to 22 years. Specifically, it changes the definition of a "child" to include individuals who have committed acts of delinquency after turning 12 and before turning 22 years of age. Additionally, the bill extends the jurisdiction over a child with delinquency until six months beyond their 20th birthday if they were 16 or 17 at the time of the offense, and until their 21st birthday if they were 18. It also allows for jurisdiction to extend until the child's 22nd birthday if they were 19 when the offense occurred.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for the Agency of Human Services to report on the implementation of the "Raise the Age" initiative, which is set to take effect on July 1, 2027. The reports will cover progress in establishing secure residential facilities, expanding treatment programs, and ensuring appropriate use of residential treatment. The effective dates for the various sections of the bill are staggered, with some provisions taking effect on July 1, 2025, and others on March 31, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 33-5102
As Passed By the House -- Official: 33-5102, 33-5103(c), 33-5103, 33-5201(d), 33-5201, 33-5203, 33-5204, 33-5206
As Passed By the House -- Unofficial: 33-5102, 33-5103(c), 33-5103, 33-5201(d), 33-5201, 33-5203, 33-5204, 33-5206
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Official: 33-5102, 33-5103(c), 33-5103, 33-5201(d), 33-5201, 33-5203, 33-5204, 33-5206
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Unofficial: 33-5102, 33-5103(c), 33-5103, 33-5201(d), 33-5201, 33-5203, 33-5204, 33-5206
As Enacted: 33-5102, 33-5103(c), 33-5103, 33-5201(d), 33-5201, 33-5203, 33-5204, 33-5206