House Judiciary Committee hears bill to streamline interstate extraditions, extend holding period

The Vermont House Judiciary Committee on Thursday heard testimony on S.87, a bill that would extend the statutory holding period for persons awaiting interstate extradition and explicitly allow Vermont law enforcement to accept prior written waivers of extradition signed as a condition of release in another state, witnesses told the committee.

Michelle, House Office of Legislative Council, gave an overview of the existing process, describing extradition as “surrendering the custody of a fugitive from one state or country to another,” and tracing the layers of authority that govern it: the U.S. Constitution’s Extradition Clause, a federal statute, and the Uniform Criminal Extradition Act adopted by most states.

The bill would change two main sets of rules, Michelle said. First, it would adjust time limits that currently operate as an initial 30-day holding period plus a possible 60-day extension (90 days total) so the first period would be 90 days with a potential 30-day extension (120 days total). Michelle said the intent is to reduce administrative…