The bill H.361 aims to create municipal and regional community police oversight boards in Vermont, which will independently handle complaints against law enforcement agencies and officers. These boards will have the authority to investigate grievances, conduct inquiries into unprofessional conduct, and address incidents resulting in serious bodily injury or death. They will also be responsible for monitoring law enforcement trends, recommending training, and participating in collective bargaining processes related to law enforcement. Key amendments include the insertion of definitions for "community police oversight board" and the establishment of their powers and duties, emphasizing diversity in board composition and community engagement.

Furthermore, the bill introduces significant changes to the oversight of law enforcement by granting the boards the power to request assistance from law enforcement, inspect agency records, administer oaths, issue subpoenas, and contract external organizations for investigations. It also requires the boards to issue public reports detailing their findings and recommendations while maintaining confidentiality of investigation content under specific conditions. Additionally, the bill amends the Vermont Municipal Labor Relations Act to recognize community police oversight boards as municipal employers, ensuring their representation in collective bargaining processes involving municipal public safety employees. The provisions of this bill are set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 20-2351a, 20-2358, 20-2401, 20-2403, 20-2410, 21-22