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House amends S.195 to limit expanded home detention to defendants who pose a significant public-safety risk
Summary
Lawmakers approved an amendment to S.195 narrowing expansion of the home detention program to defendants who violate conditions of release and who pose a significant risk to public safety; courts must find detention will reasonably mitigate the risk and that the residence is appropriate.
The Vermont House amended and passed S.195 in concurrence with the House proposal of amendment after floor debate.The amendment, presented by the member from South Burlington, narrows the intended expansion of the state's home detention program. It would permit placement in home detention for defendants who have violated conditions of release only when the court finds that the defendant poses a significant risk to public safety, that placement on home detention will reasonably mitigate that risk, and that the proposed residence is suitable for detention.The sponsor said the intent is to expand alternatives to incarceration while limiting the pool to defendants who present public-safety concerns. The judiciary committee reported a straw poll in support, and the House adopted the amendment by voice vote; third reading was ordered and the bill passed in concurrence with the proposal of amendment.Floor debate and committee reports referenced the program's objective of reducing detainee numbers in correctional facilities and ensuring appropriate protections for public safety.
