Senate concurs with House amendment to allow after‑hours sexual‑assault orders; clarifies stalking process and service

The Vermont Senate on April 18 concurred with a House amendment to S.9, a bill that clarifies after‑hours access to certain protective orders related to sexual assault and amends service procedures for orders issued in court.

Senator Norris presented the amendment on the floor, calling the changes "minimal" and saying they were technical clarifications to ensure the statute treats stalking orders and sexual‑assault‑related orders consistently. The Senate on a voice vote recorded concurrence.

The amendment clarifies that only orders against stalking must be obtained during regular court hours; after‑hours access remains available for sexual‑assault orders, including on weekends and holidays. The change to service procedures provides that when a defendant "was present in court at the time that an order is issued," a copy of the order may be mailed to the defendant rather than requiring delivery by a law‑enforcement officer.

"Section 1 12, Vermont statutes annotated 51 34. Simply, this section clarifies that it is only orders against stalking that may must be obtained during regular court hours," Senator Norris said on the floor. "The amendment provides that in such a case, a copy of the order will be mailed to the defendant and need not be delivered by a law enforcement officer."

Senator Norris told the Senate the Judiciary Committee had approved the changes on a 5-0 vote and asked for support on the floor. The presiding officer put the question and the voice vote was recorded as concurrence with the House proposal of amendment.

Ending: The Senate recorded that the ayes had it and the body concurred with the House proposal of amendment on S.9.