An act relating to after-hours access to orders against sexual assault
Sponsored By: Ruth E Hardy (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
After-hours protection for sexual assault survivors
Beginning September 1, 2025, Vermont provides access to emergency sexual-assault protection orders after court hours, on weekends, and on holidays. Stalking complaints still must be filed during regular court hours. People outside the defendant’s family or household can seek temporary orders with a sworn written statement. A judge can issue an order without notifying the defendant first upon finding stalking or sexual assault. Orders can protect the person seeking help, their children, or both. The Court Administrator must set up after-hours procedures and can contract with agencies to help people reach court. A designated person must offer electronic filing when no secure setting is available or electronic filing is appropriate, and administer the oath by phone. The statement must include a warning about penalties for false statements and record the oath’s date and time. A judge decides the request based only on sworn statements; the decision goes to the applicant, and issued orders go to police for service and to the holding station.
Immediate compliance with court protection orders
Beginning September 1, 2025, Vermont changes how temporary and final stalking or sexual-assault protection orders are served after hearings. A defendant who attends the hearing and receives notice on the court record is legally served and must obey immediately. Separate service by law enforcement is no longer required in these cases. The court clerk must mail a copy to the defendant’s last known address.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Ruth E Hardy
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
Martine Larocque L Gulick
Democratic • Senate
Rebecca "Becca" E White
Democratic • Senate
Robert W Norris
Republican • Senate
Robert Plunkett
Democratic • Senate
Tanya C Vyhovsky
Democrat/Progressive • Senate
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Bill Text
As Enacted (ACT 12)Opens in a new window
5/7/2025
As Passed by Both Chambers
4/22/2025
As Passed by Both Chambers (Unofficial)
4/22/2025
House Proposal of Amendment
4/4/2025
House Proposal of Amendment (Unofficial)
4/4/2025
As Passed by the Senate
2/13/2025
As Passed by the Senate (Unofficial)
2/13/2025
As Introduced
1/14/2025
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