The bill S.9 amends 12 V.S.A. § 5136(b) to enhance access to orders against sexual assault outside of regular court hours. It mandates the Court Administrator to establish procedures for obtaining ex parte emergency relief orders after hours, including weekends and holidays. The bill outlines a process where an authorized person will receive requests for these orders, which can be submitted electronically if necessary. It also specifies that the affidavit must be sworn over the phone, and the authorized person will communicate the details to a judicial officer for a decision.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the judicial officer to grant or deny the request based solely on the affidavit's contents, with the decision communicated back to the applicant through the authorized person. If an order is issued, it will be delivered to the appropriate law enforcement agency for service. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 12-5136(b), 12-5136
As Passed By the Senate -- Official: 12-5136(b), 12-5136
As Passed By the Senate -- Unofficial: 12-5136(b), 12-5136