The bill S.109 introduces significant amendments to Vermont's judiciary procedures, particularly focusing on the adult court diversion program and judicial appointments. It requires the Attorney General to create an adult court diversion program accessible in all counties, aimed at providing restorative options for both individuals accused of causing harm and their victims. The program will accept referrals both pre-charge and post-charge, with the State's Attorney maintaining discretion over these referrals. Additionally, the bill modifies the number of Superior judges determined by the General Assembly and sets new criteria for the Judicial Bureau's jurisdiction concerning tobacco-related violations. It also revises penalties for misrepresenting age for tobacco purchases, allows for the expungement of certain criminal records, and enhances electronic access to case records for licensed attorneys.

Moreover, the bill S.A. 3503 addresses various aspects of 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 renames the "Administrative Judge" to "Chief Superior Judge" and adjusts judicial salaries accordingly. It establishes a Firearm Surrender Order Compliance Working Group to ensure adherence to court orders regarding firearm surrender and clarifies that child support payments cannot be considered in petitions to terminate parental rights. Additionally, it creates a Family Support Program within the Vermont Department of Corrections to provide free parenting and family support services to incarcerated parents, with a phased implementation plan by 2028. The Department is also tasked with reporting on the program's funding, participation, and outcomes.

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