Bill H.409, introduced by Representative LaLonde, aims to refine the procedures for revoking a defendant's bail or conditions of release in Vermont. The bill seeks to align the bail revocation statute with the precedents set in State v. Sauve and State v. Gates, emphasizing that repeated failures to appear in court and violations of release conditions can disrupt prosecution and thus warrant bail revocation. The bill introduces new legal language that clarifies the intent of the General Assembly regarding the compelling state interest in maintaining judicial integrity and outlines specific bases for revocation, including intimidation of witnesses and repeated violations of release conditions.

Additionally, the bill amends existing statutes to establish a clear procedure for bail revocation, including the burden of proof on the state, the opportunity for defendants to present evidence, and the conditions under which law enforcement may arrest a defendant without a warrant following a revocation order. It also mandates that trials be scheduled within 60 days of a bail revocation and defines terms such as "disrupt the prosecution" and "risk assessment." The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 13-7575, 13-7576