Post-Adjudication Reparative Program Working Group Recommendations
Summary
The Vermont General Assembly advanced H.540 through a favorable Senate Judiciary Committee report on April 1, 2026. The bill codifies recommendations from the Post-Adjudication Reparative Program Working Group, establishing new procedures for restorative justice programs following criminal adjudication. The legislation moves forward after passing the House and receiving committee review in the Senate.
What changed
H.540 was reported favorably by the Vermont Senate Judiciary Committee on April 1, 2026, advancing the bill from the House where it passed. The legislation implements recommendations from the Post-Adjudication Reparative Program Working Group, potentially establishing new frameworks for restorative justice processes for individuals who have been adjudicated. Key participants in working group testimony included Chief Superior Judge Thomas Zonay and representatives from the Department of State's Attorney's office. The bill was introduced by Rep. Karen Dolan and has undergone committee review by the House Committee on Corrections and Institutions.
Legal professionals and criminal justice stakeholders should monitor H.540 as it progresses through the Vermont Senate. The bill represents a substantive development in Vermont's approach to post-adjudication reparative programs. If enacted, the legislation may create new procedural requirements, eligibility criteria, or program structures for restorative justice options. Compliance teams should track amendments as the bill moves through the Senate and potential conference committee process.
What to do next
- Monitor H.540 progress through Vermont Senate floor vote and potential conference committee
- Review current post-adjudication procedures to identify potential conflicts with new reparative program requirements
- Coordinate with criminal defense counsel and State's Attorney offices regarding implementation planning
Source document (simplified)
2025-2026 Session
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H.540
An act relating to the recommendations of the Post-Adjudication Reparative Program Working Group
Sponsor(s)
- Rep. Karen Dolan
Last Recorded Action Senate 4/1/2026 - Favorable report by Committee on Judiciary
Bill/Resolution Text
- As Introduced
As Passed By the House
Official | Unofficial
NOTE: to print information that appears on a tab within the bill page, use the Print link on that tab.
Detailed Status
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Roll Call History
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Although procedurally bills and resolutions are assigned to only one committee at a time, other committees may review the bill or resolution. This page contains results from both the assigned committee as well as other committees.
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Meeting Full List
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Committee(s): House Committee on Corrections and Institutions After Floor H.540 - An act relating to the recommendations of the Post-Adjudication Reparative Program Working Group
Introduction
Rep. Karen Dolan, Sponsor
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Committee(s): House Committee on Corrections and Institutions 11:15 AM H.540 - An act relating to the recommendations of the Post-Adjudication Reparative Program Working Group
Hillary Chutter-Ames, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Committee(s): House Committee on Corrections and Institutions 2:00 PM H.540 - An act relating to the recommendations of the Post-Adjudication Reparative Program Working Group
Working Group Testimony
Thomas Zonay, Chief Superior Judge, Vermont Judiciary
Derek Miodownik, Community and Restorative Justice Executive, Department of Corrections
Hillary Chutter-Ames, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Thursday, January 29, 2026
Committee(s): House Committee on Judiciary 11:00 AM H.540 - An act relating to the recommendations of the Post-Adjudication Reparative Program Working Group
Introduction
Hillary Chutter-Ames, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Kim McManus, Legislative Attorney, Department of State's Attorneys and Sheriffs
Jeannie MacLeod, Executive Director, Greater Barre CJC
2:00 PM H.540 - An act relating to the recommendations of the Post-Adjudication Reparative Program Working Group
Witness Testimony
Thomas Zonay, Chief Superior Judge, Vermont Judiciary
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Committee(s): House Committee on Corrections and Institutions 1:00 PM H.540 - An act relating to the recommendations of the Post-Adjudication Reparative Program Working Group
Vote
Friday, March 20, 2026
Committee(s): Senate Committee on Judiciary 9:00 AM H.540 - An act relating to the recommendations of the Post-Adjudication Reparative Program Working Group
Walk-through and Witness Testimony
Hillary Chutter-Ames, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Thomas Zonay, Chief Superior Judge, Vermont Judiciary
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Committee(s): Senate Committee on Judiciary 11:25 AM H.540 - An act relating to the recommendations of the Post-Adjudication Reparative Program Working Group
Mark-up and Vote
Hillary Chutter-Ames, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Committee Documents
- House Committee on Corrections and Institutions
- House Committee on Judiciary
- Senate Committee on Judiciary
Witnesses Who Testified
House Committee on Corrections and Institutions
- Hillary Chutter-Ames, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
- Rep. Karen Dolan, Sponsor
- Derek Miodownik, Community and Restorative Justice Executive, Department of Corrections
- Thomas Zonay, Chief Superior Judge, Vermont Judiciary
House Committee on Judiciary
- Hillary Chutter-Ames, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
- Jeannie MacLeod, Executive Director, Greater Barre CJC
- Kim McManus, Legislative Attorney, Department of State's Attorneys and Sheriffs
- Thomas Zonay, Chief Superior Judge, Vermont Judiciary
Senate Committee on Judiciary
- Hillary Chutter-Ames, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
- Thomas Zonay, Chief Superior Judge, Vermont Judiciary Back to top
Fiscal notes and materials available on this web page are provided for informational purposes only, and may not comprise all materials received by the Vermont Legislature or the final fiscal information related to a specific bill. The Legislature is not responsible for the accuracy of any information in these materials, and their posting does not constitute approval or endorsement by the Legislature.
No fiscal documents found for H.540 in the Regular Session 2025-2026.
No committee of conference members found for H.540 in the Regular Session 2025-2026.
Summary List Full List
Committee of Conference Meetings
| Meeting Date | Committee | | |
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Committee of Conference Meeting Full List
No committee of conference meeting history found for H.540 in the Regular Session 2025-2026.
No committee of conference report found for H.540 in the Regular Session 2025-2026.
Act
No act information found for H.540 in the Regular Session 2025-2026.
Staff & Other Information
Print Report Staff Hillary Chutter-Ames, Legislative Counsel Michele Childs, Team Lead Legislative Counsel Back to top
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