The bill H.27 establishes the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Commission within the Office of the Attorney General of Vermont, with the aim of examining trends in domestic violence-related fatalities and near-fatal instances, identifying barriers to safety, and educating the public and policymakers on intervention strategies. The Commission is tasked with recommending policies and practices to reduce fatalities and near-fatal incidents related to domestic violence. Notably, the bill expands the scope of the Commission's review to include near-fatal incidents and emphasizes the importance of diversity in its membership, which will now consist of 23 members instead of the previous 17, including representatives from various backgrounds and experiences.

Additionally, the bill outlines the Commission's authority to request information relevant to its reviews, ensuring confidentiality of proceedings and records. It mandates that the Commission report its findings and recommendations to key stakeholders, including the Governor and the General Assembly, by the third Tuesday in January of the first year of the biennial session. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 15-1140
As Passed By the House -- Official: 15-1140
As Passed By the House -- Unofficial: 15-1140