Bill S.209 aims to enhance protections against civil arrest in sensitive locations by expanding the list of such locations to include government buildings, schools, shelters, and health care facilities. The bill amends 12 V.S.A. § 3577 to specify that individuals are not subject to civil arrest while traveling to, entering, remaining at, or returning from these designated locations. The bill also outlines exceptions to this prohibition, including arrests made pursuant to a judicially issued warrant, for contempt of court, or to maintain order and safety in the court.

Additionally, the bill establishes remedies for violations of the civil arrest prohibition, allowing individuals who are wrongfully arrested to pursue civil action for damages and other forms of relief. The Attorney General is also empowered to take action on behalf of the state if there is reasonable cause to believe a violation has occurred. Importantly, the bill clarifies that the protections against civil arrest apply regardless of when the privilege is invoked and ensures that no actions can be taken against the Judiciary or its members for maintaining order in court. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 12-3577