House Judiciary hears S209 to bar warrantless civil arrests in designated 'sensitive locations'

The House Judiciary Committee heard a legal overview and public testimony on S209 on April 2, a bill that would extend Vermont’s existing prohibition on warrantless civil arrests in courthouses to a list of specified "sensitive locations."

Rick Seagel of the Office of Legislative Council told the committee the bill, as passed by the Senate, would add polling places, educational institutions, a broad list of social‑services establishments (including crisis centers, domestic‑violence shelters, child‑advocacy centers, supervised‑visitation centers, and homeless shelters), places of worship, facilities regulated by the Department for Children and Families, licensed children’s camps, and various types of health-care facilities. "This bill would prohibit civil arrests, which are very rare," Seagel said, and he noted exceptions: civil arrests would still be allowed with a judicial warrant, for contempt in court, or to maintain order in court.

Supporters who testified said the measure is intended to reduce fear that…