VT H0002

Raises the minimum age for juvenile delinquency proceedings from 10 to 12 years old, while removing the previous exception that allowed children under 10 to face delinquency proceedings for murder charges.

Extends juvenile court jurisdiction for delinquency cases by one year: until age 20 for offenses committed at 16-17, until age 21 for offenses at 18, and until age 22 for offenses at 19.

Delays implementation of the "Raise the Age" initiative (expanding juvenile jurisdiction to include 19-year-olds) until July 1, 2027, deleting provisions from 2024 Act 125 that would have taken effect April 1, 2025.

Requires the Agency of Human Services to submit progress reports by July 1, 2026 and December 1, 2026 on implementation readiness, including establishing a secure residential facility, expanding treatment programs, and workforce development.

Mandates reporting on Red Clover Treatment Facility utilization data, including monthly/annual youth placements, length of stay, treatment needs, and demographic information.