The bill H.409 amends existing Vermont law regarding the imposition of bail and the appeals process for bail revocation. It specifies that no bail, secured appearance bond, or appearance bond may be imposed at the initial appearance of a person charged with a misdemeanor if they were cited for the offense, or if they are charged with a misdemeanor eligible for sealing. However, if the court determines that bail is necessary to mitigate the risk of flight for such offenses, it may impose a maximum bail amount of $200. The bill also updates the terminology from "expungement" to "sealing" in relation to these offenses.

Additionally, the bill outlines the appeals process for individuals whose bail has been denied or conditions of release have been imposed. It allows for appeals to be made to a single Justice of the Supreme Court, who may either hear the case or refer it to the entire court. The bill introduces a new provision that permits the State to appeal a court's denial of a request to revoke bail. Furthermore, it ensures that individuals held without bail prior to trial are entitled to a second evidentiary hearing on the merits of the bail denial, which will be conducted by a single Justice of the Supreme Court. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 13-7575, 13-7576
As Passed By the House -- Official: 13-7575, 13-7576, 13-7551, 13-7556
As Passed By the House -- Unofficial: 13-7551, 13-7556