The bill H.379 proposes the establishment of a "Second Look Sentencing Act" in Vermont, allowing incarcerated individuals who have served at least 15 years of a sentence of 15 years or more to petition the sentencing court for a reduction of their term. The intent of the bill is to reduce the number of individuals serving life sentences and the associated costs of incarceration by providing a judicial review process that could grant relief to those deemed deserving of a reduced sentence. The bill outlines specific procedures for filing petitions, including requirements for notification to relevant parties and the types of materials that can be submitted in support of the petition.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department of Corrections report annually on the savings generated from the Second Look Sentencing Act and make recommendations for reinvestment in victim support services and programs aimed at reducing recidivism. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and will apply to sentences imposed prior to its effective date. The bill emphasizes the importance of considering various factors during the petition review process, including the age of the petitioner, the nature of the offense, and any evidence of rehabilitation.