The proposed bill S.97 seeks to establish municipal and regional community police oversight boards in Vermont, aimed at enhancing accountability and transparency within law enforcement agencies. These boards will be tasked with receiving, investigating, and addressing complaints against law enforcement officers and agencies, with the authority to hire staff, draft public reports, and make recommendations to the Vermont Criminal Justice Council. The bill also mandates the Council to administer a grant program to support the establishment of these oversight boards, backed by a $500,000 appropriation. Key amendments include the introduction of the term "community police oversight board" and a requirement for law enforcement agencies to report complaints to these boards within seven business days.

Additionally, the bill outlines the powers of the oversight boards, including the ability to inspect law enforcement records, administer oaths, issue subpoenas, and contract with external organizations for investigations. It specifies the process for handling complaints, including criteria for dismissing grievances and the requirement for public reports detailing findings and recommendations. The bill emphasizes the importance of diversity and representation within the boards, ensuring that individuals with lived experiences, civil rights representatives, and relevant experts are included. Furthermore, it amends existing definitions to incorporate community police oversight boards into municipal labor relations and mandates their involvement in collective bargaining for public safety employees. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 20-2351a, 20-2358, 20-2401, 20-2403, 21-22