The bill H.213, introduced by Representative Noyes, aims to enhance the assessment and investigation processes related to child abuse and neglect in Vermont. It proposes the inclusion of "torture of a child" as a specific offense, defining it as knowingly inflicting serious bodily injury or severe emotional distress on a child under one's care. The bill establishes penalties for this offense, including imprisonment for up to five years, with harsher penalties if the child suffers serious injury or death. Additionally, the bill expands the investigatory bases to include general lewd and lascivious conduct, domestic assaults, and offenses committed in the presence of a child, while also incorporating child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary teams into the investigative framework.

Key amendments to existing laws include the removal of the term "willfully" in favor of "through omission, neglect, or reckless act" in the definition of cruelty to a child, and the requirement for the Department to collaborate with child advocacy centers and empaneled multidisciplinary teams during investigations. The bill also mandates that reports of abuse not accepted under current criteria be shared with local child advocacy centers to evaluate potential criminal investigations. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 13-1304, 24-1940, 33-4915, 33-4917