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 establish an adult court diversion program across all counties, 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 to be determined by the General Assembly and expands the jurisdiction of the Judicial Bureau to include violations related to tobacco products for individuals under 21.

Further provisions in the bill include the expungement of criminal history records for certain offenses, a revised definition of a victim, and the introduction of civil penalties for misrepresenting age in tobacco purchases. It also ensures that licensed Vermont attorneys have access to nonconfidential electronic case records and validates specific real property instruments. The bill aims to enhance judicial processes, improve access to justice, and ensure appropriate penalties for violations, while also establishing a Family Support Program within the Vermont Department of Corrections to provide parenting and family support services to incarcerated individuals. This program will be implemented in phases, starting at designated correctional facilities, with an annual report required to track its progress 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