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 bill outlines a detailed procedure for filing such petitions, including requirements for notification by the Department of Corrections, the necessary contents of the petition, and the factors the court must consider when making a decision. The intent behind this legislation is to reduce the number of individuals serving life sentences and the associated costs of incarceration, while also providing a mechanism for judicial review of sentences.

Key provisions of the bill include the requirement for the Department of Corrections to notify eligible individuals and relevant parties about the Second Look Sentencing Act, the establishment of a timeline for filing petitions, and the criteria for determining eligibility for sentence reduction. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the rights of victims and their families to be informed and involved in the process. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and will apply to sentences imposed prior to its effective date.