The bill S.285, introduced by Senators Vyhovsky and Gulick, mandates the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Corrections to establish or revise policies that allow Vermont State Police officers and correctional officers to wear religious head coverings while on duty. Specifically, the bill requires that by October 1, 2026, the Department of Public Safety must adopt a policy permitting law enforcement officers to wear religious head coverings in accordance with their beliefs, provided they are not required to wear tight-fitting protective headgear. Similarly, the Department of Corrections is tasked with adopting a comparable policy for correctional officers.

The bill emphasizes the importance of accommodating the religious beliefs of law enforcement and correctional officers while ensuring that safety protocols regarding protective headgear are maintained. Additionally, the act is set to take effect upon passage, reinforcing the urgency of implementing these policies to promote inclusivity within law enforcement and correctional settings in Vermont.