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Bill

H 613

An act relating to victims of officer-involved shootings of an individual experiencing a mental health crisis

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Daisy Berbeco and 17 co-sponsors

The bill aims to support and protect victims of officer-involved shootings when the subject is in a mental health crisis by expanding rights, services, and oversight.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary
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Bill Summary · H 613

Overview

House Bill 613 (H 613), introduced in the 2025-2026 Vermont Legislature and referred to the Judiciary Committee on January 8, 2026, seeks to address victims of officer-involved shootings involving individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. The bill aims to establish rights, services, and processes to support victims and ensure accountability and transparency surrounding such incidents.

Purpose and intent

  • To provide greater recognition, support, and remedies for victims of officer-involved shootings where the subject is in mental health crisis.
  • To promote improved crisis intervention, transparency, and accountability in law enforcement responses to mental health crises.
  • To establish mechanisms for coordination among agencies, access to services, and potential remedies or safeguards for victims and affected families.

Key provisions and changes (subject to final drafting and committee amendments)

Note: The exact statutory language may evolve; the following outlines representative areas typically addressed in bills of this nature. Please consult the bill text for precise sections and definitions.

  • Definitions

    • Clarifies what constitutes an “officer-involved shooting” (OIS) involving an individual who is experiencing a mental health crisis.
    • Establishes related terms for victims, family members, and agencies involved.

  • Victim rights and protections

    • Ensures victims and immediate family members have access to information, support, and notification related to the incident.
    • Provides, where appropriate, access to counseling, mental health services, and other support resources.
    • May include protections against retaliation and preservation of privacy rights balanced with public safety and transparency.

  • investigative and reporting requirements

    • Potentially requires enhanced reporting to a state oversight body or the Judiciary Committee regarding OIS incidents involving mental health crises.
    • May specify timelines for investigations, release of information, and public reporting on findings.
    • Encourages or requires coordination between law enforcement, state agencies, and mental health services during and after incidents.

  • Crisis intervention and training

    • May mandate or encourage improved crisis intervention protocols for responding to mental health crises (e.g., de-escalation, use-of-force standards, and alternative response models).
    • Could include requirements for ongoing training for law enforcement and police departments on recognizing and responding to mental health crises.

  • Services and supports for victims

    • Establishes access to victim services, including case management, financial assistance, healthcare, and social supports.
    • May create or designate a state authority or ombudsman to advocate for victims and coordinate services.

  • Accountability and oversight

    • Creates or designates oversight mechanisms to review OIS incidents involving individuals in mental health crisis.
    • Defines roles for state agencies (e.g., judiciary, public safety, mental health) in oversight, investigation, and reporting.
    • Could establish a non-criminal investigative pathway or independent review to assess incident handling and recommendations.

  • Funding and implementation

    • Addresses funding sources or appropriations to support the new programs, services, or reporting obligations.
    • Sets a timeline for rollout of provisions and any required rulemaking or guidance.

Affected parties

  • Victims and immediate family members of individuals involved in officer-involved shootings where mental health crisis is present.
  • Law enforcement agencies and officers operating in Vermont.
  • State and local agencies responsible for mental health services, public safety, and judicial administration.
  • Victim services providers and advocacy organizations.
  • The public, through enhanced transparency and reporting about OIS incidents.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Read first time and referred to the Judiciary Committee on January 8, 2026.
  • As a proposed act, the bill would undergo committee hearings, potential amendments, and, if advanced, floor debate and votes in the House and Senate.
  • Any final passage would likely include effective dates for new requirements (e.g., effective on passage or a future specified date) and transition periods for agencies to implement new procedures and funding.

Why this matters

  • Aims to better address the impacts of OIS incidents when mental health crises are involved, enhancing victims' access to support and information.
  • Seeks to improve crisis response and accountability, potentially reducing harm in future incidents through better training and protocols.
  • Balances public transparency with privacy and safety considerations, ensuring appropriate oversight and improvements in policy and practice.

For a complete understanding, readers should review the bill’s text and any fiscal notes or committee reports as they become available, since the exact language determines specific rights, timelines, and funding mechanisms.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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