Committee reconsiders bill S186 after testimony that it could allow juveniles to plead to unrelated charges in criminal court On Feb. 20 the Government Operations committee revisited bill S186 after testimony that, as drafted, it would let juveniles enter plea agreements in criminal court to offenses unrelated to the charge creating criminal-jurisdiction, prompting calls to require a 'nexus' or limit pleas to related or lesser-included offenses.

The future of juvenile justice hangs in the balance as Vermont's Government Operations committee grapples with a controversial bill that could allow serious offenders to plead to unrelated misdemeanors in adult court.

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Judge and prosecutors urge narrowing of S.B. 186 after warnings it could allow unrelated pleas for juveniles Witnesses told the Judiciary Committee on Feb. 20 that S.B. 186, as written, could let juveniles charged with certain felonies enter plea agreements in criminal court to offenses unrelated to the jurisdictional charge; they urged adding language requiring a nexus or limiting pleas to related or lesser-included offenses.

Juvenile justice hangs in the balance as experts warn that a proposed bill could allow unrelated felony pleas, risking the integrity of the system.

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Defender General opposes shifting diversion records from expungement to sealing, cites limits of internet-era remedies In testimony to the House Judiciary Committee, the Defender General argued H566s move toward sealing rather than expungement would leave people vulnerable because online reporting often persists; he said his office will continue to favor expungement, particularly for juveniles and deferred sentences.

The Defender General argues that shifting from expungement to sealing for diversion records could leave individuals vulnerable in the digital age, risking their reputations even after charges are dismissed.

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Vermont State Police urge ability to prosecute sextortion threats, call for juvenile enhancements A Vermont State Police lieutenant told the House Judiciary Committee that sextortion is a gateway to trafficking for juveniles and urged H.6 be amended to allow prosecution on threats alone and to add an automatic felony enhancement for offenders targeting minors.

Vermont lawmakers are urged to strengthen protections against sextortion, as it poses a serious threat to vulnerable youth and could lead to trafficking.

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