The bill S.109 introduces significant amendments to Vermont's judiciary procedures, particularly focusing on the adult court diversion program and the jurisdiction of the Judicial Bureau. It requires the Attorney General to establish an adult court diversion program across all counties, providing restorative options for individuals accused of crimes and their victims. The program will accept referrals both pre-charge and post-charge, with eligibility criteria set by the State's Attorney. Additionally, the bill expands the Judicial Bureau's jurisdiction to include violations concerning the possession and procurement of tobacco products by individuals under 21 years of age. Other amendments address the appointment and term of Superior judges, expungement of certain criminal records, and the definitions of victims in crime contexts.

Moreover, the bill S.A. 3503 proposes changes related to real property transactions, judicial salaries, and parental rights. It validates deeds and other instruments executed by agents or attorneys-in-fact if recorded for at least 15 years, even without a recorded power of attorney, unless challenged. The bill also modifies the salary structure for judicial officers, renaming the "Administrative Judge" to "Chief Superior Judge." It establishes a Firearm Surrender Order Compliance Working Group to ensure adherence to court orders regarding firearm surrender and addresses parental rights by prohibiting the Department of Family Services from considering child support payments in termination petitions. Additionally, it creates a Family Support Program within the Vermont Department of Corrections to provide parenting and family support services to incarcerated individuals, with a phased implementation plan by 2028.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3-164, 4-71, 4-1102, 4-1106, 7-1005(c), 7-1005, 13-5351(7), 13-5351, 13-7282, 12-5135(b), 12-5135, 14-931, 14-3068, 14-4051, 14A-1316, 33-5204(b)(2)(A), 33-5204, 33-5204(b), 33-5225, 27-348, 32-1003
As Passed By the Senate -- Official: 3-164, 4-71, 4-1102, 4-1106, 7-1005(c), 7-1005, 13-5351(7), 13-5351, 13-7282, 12-5135(b), 12-5135, 14-931, 14-3068, 14-4051, 14A-1316, 33-5204(b)(2)(A), 33-5204, 33-5204(b), 33-5225, 27-348, 32-1003, 12-4937, 13-4013
As Passed By the Senate -- Unofficial: 3-164, 4-71, 4-1102, 4-1106, 7-1005(c), 7-1005, 12-4937, 13-4013, 13-5351(7), 13-5351, 13-7282, 12-5135(b), 12-5135, 14-3068, 14-4051, 14A-1316, 33-5204(b)(2)(A), 33-5204, 33-5204(b), 33-5225, 27-348, 32-1003, 28-126
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Official: 3-164, 4-71, 4-1102, 4-1106, 7-1005(c), 7-1005, 13-5351(7), 13-5351, 13-7282, 12-5135(b), 12-5135, 14-931, 14-3068, 14-4051, 14A-1316, 33-5204(b)(2)(A), 33-5204, 33-5204(b), 33-5225, 27-348, 32-1003, 12-4937, 13-4013, 33-5231(d), 33-5231, 33-5317(d), 33-5317, 15-202, 13-7556, 28-818, 4-39, 23-1210(c), 23-1210, 28-102(c), 28-102
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Unofficial: 3-164, 4-71, 4-1102, 4-1106, 7-1005(c), 7-1005, 12-4937, 13-4013, 13-5351(7), 13-5351, 13-7282, 14-3068, 14-4051, 14A-1316, 33-5204(b)(2)(A), 33-5204, 33-5204(b), 33-5225, 27-348, 32-1003, 28-126, 33-5231(d), 33-5231, 33-5317(d), 33-5317, 15-202, 28-818, 4-39, 23-1210(c), 23-1210, 28-102(c), 28-102
As Enacted: 3-164, 4-71, 4-1102, 4-1106, 7-1005(c), 7-1005, 12-4937, 13-4013, 13-5351(7), 13-5351, 13-7282, 14-3068, 14-4051, 14A-1316, 33-5204(b)(2)(A), 33-5204, 33-5204(b), 33-5225, 27-348, 32-1003, 28-126, 33-5231(d), 33-5231, 33-5317(d), 33-5317, 15-202, 28-818, 4-39, 23-1210(c), 23-1210, 28-102(c), 28-102
Senate proposal of amendment to House proposal of amendment Official: 3-164, 4-71, 4-1102, 4-1106, 7-1005(c), 7-1005, 12-4937, 13-4013, 13-5351(7), 13-5351, 13-7282, 14-3068, 14-4051, 14A-1316, 33-5204(b)(2)(A), 33-5204, 33-5204(b), 33-5225, 27-348, 32-1003, 33-5231(d), 33-5231, 33-5317(d), 33-5317, 15-202, 28-818, 4-39, 23-1210(c), 23-1210, 28-102(c), 28-102
Senate proposal of amendment to House proposal of amendment Unofficial: 3-164, 4-71, 4-1102, 4-1106, 7-1005(c), 7-1005, 12-4937, 13-4013, 13-5351(7), 13-5351, 13-7282, 14-3068, 14-4051, 14A-1316, 33-5204(b)(2)(A), 33-5204, 33-5204(b), 33-5225, 27-348, 32-1003, 28-126, 33-5231(d), 33-5231, 33-5317(d), 33-5317, 15-202, 28-818, 4-39, 23-1210(c), 23-1210, 28-102(c), 28-102