The bill introduces a new chapter, Chapter 233, to Title 13 of the Vermont Statutes, focusing on criminology measures. It defines recidivism as a relapse into criminal activity, specifically when an individual is convicted of a new offense after having received a prior criminal conviction. The bill mandates the Vermont Statistical Analysis Center (SAC) to produce annual reports on various criminal justice metrics, including bail rates, recidivism rates calculated over three and five-year periods, arrests and clearance rates, and detailed information on the most convicted crimes. Additionally, the reports must include demographic variables such as race, gender, and age, and state and local agencies are required to share relevant data with the SAC.

The bill also repeals previous definitions and measures of recidivism found in 28 V.S.A. sections 4 and 125, which defined recidivism based on specific criteria related to incarceration and supervision violations. Furthermore, it appropriates funds from the General Fund for the SAC to support the reporting requirements, with specific amounts allocated for each type of report. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 28-125(b), 28-125
As Passed By the House -- Official: 28-125(b), 28-125
As Passed By the House -- Unofficial: 28-125
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Official: 28-125(b), 28-125
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Unofficial: 28-125
As Enacted: 28-125