The bill H.171, introduced by Representative Burditt, aims to establish specific investigatory requirements for the Attorney General when investigating law enforcement officers who unholster a firearm during their official duties. It introduces a new section, 3 V.S.A. 153a, which defines terms related to law enforcement and outlines the Attorney General's authority to initiate investigations in such cases. The bill mandates that investigations be completed within 90 days, although this timeframe may be extended if multiple individuals are involved.
Additionally, the Attorney General is required to prepare a written report detailing the investigation's findings, including a statement of facts, analysis, conclusions, and recommendations regarding potential criminal charges and changes to law enforcement policies. The bill also stipulates that the Attorney General must adopt rules to implement these provisions, ensuring public access to information about the investigation process. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.