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 decrease the number of individuals serving life sentences and to reduce the associated costs of incarceration. The bill outlines a detailed procedure for filing petitions, including requirements for notification to relevant parties, the content of the petition, and the timeline for hearings. It also emphasizes the importance of considering various factors, such as the age of the petitioner and the nature of the offense, when making determinations on sentence reductions.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department of Corrections submit an annual report detailing any savings resulting from the Second Look Sentencing Act, along with 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 includes provisions to ensure that victims' rights are respected throughout the petition process, allowing them to be informed and present during hearings.