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Senate committee widens stalking definition to include electronic geolocation, allows temporary vehicle possession and early accountability programs in civil-‑
Summary
The Vermont Senate Judiciary Committee recommended expanding civil orders of protection to include repeated tracking by precise electronic geolocation devices and to allow courts to award temporary vehicle possession and require participation in domestic violence accountability programs.
The Vermont Senate Judiciary Committee reported H.222 to the full Senate with recommended amendments that expand the state's civil orders of protection. Committee members said the changes update the stalking definition to reflect modern technology and provide additional tools for people seeking protection.
Senator Beihovsky (Senator from Chittenden Central District), the committee reporter, described the key change as adding "the use of any electronic, precise geolocation device" (examples given included air tags or phone apps) to the statutory definition of stalking when the device is used continuously for 12 hours or more, or on two or more occasions over a period of time, creating a pattern of conduct. The change is intended to capture covert tracking that can cause fear, substantial emotional distress, or significant disruption to a victim's life.
The bill also expands remedies available…
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