The bill enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont establishes a comprehensive protocol for independent investigations of officer-involved shootings (OIS) to enhance public trust and ensure timely resolutions. It mandates collaboration among key entities, including the Attorney General's Office, the Department of States Attorneys and Sheriffs, the Department of Public Safety, and the Vermont Association of Chiefs of Police, to develop best practices for OIS investigations. The protocol will define critical elements such as what constitutes an OIS, conflict of interest management, and the steps for informing relevant authorities and conducting investigations.

Additionally, the bill requires these entities to review protocols from other jurisdictions to identify effective practices and to submit a written report to the House and Senate Committees on Judiciary by December 1, 2026. This report will detail their findings, the agreed-upon protocol, and any necessary legislative changes, including appropriations, to implement the protocol. The act is set to take effect upon passage.