H.382, known as The Vermont Justice Transparency Act, aims to enhance transparency in the criminal justice system by mandating the collection and public posting of various criminal justice data by several state agencies, including the Judiciary, the Vermont Crime Information Center, the Department of States Attorneys and Sheriffs, and the Department of Corrections. The bill outlines specific reporting requirements, such as the Judiciary issuing quarterly reports starting August 1, 2028, on pretrial release determinations, sentencing data, and case diversions. Additionally, the Vermont Crime Information Center is required to publish annual reports on arrest data, including demographics and use of force incidents, while the Department of States Attorneys and Sheriffs must report on prosecution decisions and case outcomes annually starting January 31, 2026.

The bill also mandates the Department of Corrections to provide monthly updates on the incarcerated population, detailing inmate and detainee characteristics, including demographics and opioid use disorder statistics. Furthermore, it requires annual reports on the total number of incarcerated individuals, common charges, sentence lengths, and recidivism rates, all of which must be made publicly accessible online. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and aims to foster accountability and informed public discourse regarding the state's criminal justice practices.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 20-2057