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VermontS.1812025-2026 SessionSenate

An act relating to eliminating the requirement for a presentence investigation for imposition of a deferred sentence

Sponsored By: Nader A Hashim (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

No deferral for serious sex offenses

Beginning July 1, 2026, courts cannot defer sentences for certain serious sexual offenses listed in the law, such as aggravated sexual assault of a child. For sex offenses that require registration, the Vermont Crime Information Center keeps a confidential index of deferred cases. It lists name, date of birth, offense, and docket number. Only the VCIC director and one designated staffer may access it to help the Department of Corrections prepare presentence reports.

Easier deferred sentences for some defendants

Beginning July 1, 2026, judges can defer sentencing without a prosecutor's written deal in some cases. The crime must not be a listed crime. The court must order a presentence investigation unless the State's Attorney waives it, let the victim speak, review the reports, and find deferral serves justice. For listed crimes, a presentence investigation is required unless both sides waive it. With a written agreement and a PSI on file, the court can also defer sentence and set probation terms.

Expungement and protections after deferred sentence

Beginning July 1, 2026, if you complete probation and all deferred terms, the court strikes the adjudication and discharges you. The court expunges the records unless it finds good cause to keep them, and sends orders to agencies to remove records. Entering a deferred sentence is an appealable judgment. If you violate conditions during deferment, the court may impose the original sentence at any time. A court may order restitution, but nonpayment alone cannot trigger the original sentence.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Nader A Hashim

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. Senate Message: Signed by Governor May 6, 2026

    5/7/2026House

  2. Signed by Governor on May 6, 2026

    5/7/2026Senate

  3. Delivered to Governor on April 30, 2026

    4/30/2026Senate

  4. Senate Message: House proposal of amendment concurred in

    4/17/2026House

  5. As passed by Senate and House

    4/16/2026Senate

  6. House proposal of amendment concurred in

    4/16/2026Senate

  7. House proposal of amendment; text

    4/16/2026Senate

  8. House proposal of amendment

    4/16/2026Senate

  9. House proposal of amendment

    4/15/2026Senate

  10. Entered on Notice Calendar

    4/15/2026Senate

  11. House message: House passed bill in concurrence with proposal(s) of amendment

    4/15/2026Senate

  12. Read third time and passed in concurrence with proposal of amendment

    4/10/2026House

  13. Action Calendar: Third Reading

    4/10/2026House

  14. Third Reading ordered

    4/9/2026House

  15. Report of Committee on Judiciary agreed to

    4/9/2026House

  16. Rep. Arsenault of Williston reported for the Committee on Judiciary

    4/9/2026House

  17. Read second time

    4/9/2026House

  18. Action Calendar: Favorable with Amendment

    4/9/2026House

  19. Notice Calendar: Favorable with Amendment

    4/8/2026House

  20. Read first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary

    3/24/2026House

  21. Read 3rd time & passed

    3/19/2026Senate

  22. New Business/Third Reading

    3/19/2026Senate

  23. 3rd reading ordered

    3/18/2026Senate

  24. Recommendation of amendment by Committee on Judiciary agreed to

    3/18/2026Senate

  25. Read 2nd time, reported favorably with recommendation of amendment by Senator Hashim for Committee on Judiciary

    3/18/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • As Passed by Both Chambers

    4/21/2026

    PDF

  • As Passed by Both Chambers (Unofficial)

    4/21/2026

    PDF

  • House Proposal of Amendment

    4/10/2026

    PDF

  • House Proposal of Amendment (Unofficial)

    4/10/2026

    PDF

  • As Passed by the Senate

    3/20/2026

    PDF

  • As Passed by the Senate (Unofficial)

    3/20/2026

    PDF

  • As Introduced

    1/5/2026

    PDF

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