The bill S.209 amends 12 V.S.A. § 3577 to prohibit civil arrests in designated sensitive locations, enhancing protections for individuals attending court proceedings, educational institutions, and various public facilities. Specifically, it establishes that individuals cannot be subject to civil arrest while traveling to, entering, remaining at, or returning from these locations, which include state-owned buildings, public libraries, polling places, social services establishments, places of worship, and health care facilities. However, exceptions are made for arrests pursuant to judicial warrants, court orders, or to maintain order in court.

Additionally, the bill outlines remedies for violations of this prohibition, allowing individuals who are wrongfully arrested to pursue civil actions for damages and providing the Attorney General the authority to seek injunctive relief on behalf of the state. The bill also clarifies definitions related to civil arrest and sensitive locations, ensuring that the protections apply regardless of when the privilege against civil arrest is invoked. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 12-3577
As Passed By the Senate -- Official: 12-3577
As Passed By the Senate -- Unofficial: 12-3577
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Official: 12-3577
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Unofficial: 12-3577