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 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 timeline for hearings. It emphasizes the importance of considering various factors, such as the age of the petitioner, the nature of the offense, and the petitioner's rehabilitation efforts, when determining whether to grant a sentence reduction.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department of Corrections submit an annual report to the Joint Legislative Justice Oversight Committee detailing any savings resulting from the Second Look Sentencing Act and recommendations for funding 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 aims to address the high costs of incarceration and provide a pathway for deserving individuals to receive a second chance at freedom.