An act relating to prohibiting civil arrest in sensitive locations

More civil arrest protections in Vermont

Beginning June 16, 2026, Vermont law bars civil arrests during trips to, attendance at, and return trips from courts and educational institutions. Education sites include public and private schools, colleges, career training, adult education, and other covered education programs. Civil arrest means arrest to secure attendance at a civil proceeding, including immigration proceedings. The law also protects people at buildings owned and wholly controlled by state or local government that allow public government business. Other covered places include public motor vehicle offices, public libraries, polling places, places of worship, and health care facilities. Licensed children's camps, day camps, and social service sites are also covered. Social service sites include shelters, crisis and victim services, disability services, addiction treatment, food pantries, and child and family support centers. Exceptions allow arrests under judicial warrants or court orders, for contempt during court proceedings, or to keep those courts orderly and safe. Certain temporary custody pending a warrant and emergency hospital examination holds are outside the law's definition of civil arrest. People arrested illegally can sue for damages, including punitive damages, court orders stopping violations, reasonable costs, and attorney's fees. Officials who knowingly and willfully carry out or help with prohibited arrests can face contempt proceedings and false-imprisonment liability. The Attorney General can seek court orders when there is reasonable cause to believe a violation occurred or will occur. These lawsuits cannot target judges or court employees for actions taken to maintain court order or safety. Existing protections for statewide officials, legislative members, officers and witnesses, and court-related people remain. Other legal remedies remain available, and these protections apply regardless of when someone claims protection from civil arrest.