The bill H.628, introduced by Representative Arsenault, aims to enhance the legal framework surrounding domestic abuse orders of protection in Vermont. It allows courts to issue protection orders against defendants who have abused the plaintiff and are currently under the supervision of the Department of Corrections. Additionally, the bill introduces a provision that mandates defendants to continue paying household bills for which they were responsible at the time the plaintiff requested the order, for a fixed period of time.

Key amendments to the existing law include the deletion of the term "incarcerated" and its replacement with "under the supervision of the Department of Corrections," specifically for defendants convicted of serious offenses such as murder, domestic assault, and sexual assault. The bill also stipulates that if the court finds the defendant has a duty to support the plaintiff, it may order the defendant to pay living expenses for up to three months, alongside the new requirement to cover household bills. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 15-1103