VT H0059

Approves amendments to Burlington's city charter that voters passed on November 5, 2024, expanding the Board of Police Commissioners from an advisory role to one with direct oversight authority over police misconduct investigations

Authorizes the Board of Police Commissioners and Chief of Police to jointly propose rules and regulations governing the Police Department, with disagreements escalated to City Council for resolution

Grants the Board authority to receive and review all civilian and internal misconduct allegations, request documents and evidence from the Chief of Police, and independently investigate allegations with a two-thirds majority vote using a City Attorney-approved investigator

Creates a dispute resolution mechanism where the Board can request a 3-5 member independent panel to make final disciplinary decisions if the Chief of Police rejects the Board's recommendations after an investigation

Requires the Board of Police Commissioners to represent the diverse nature of Burlington's constituents, including historically marginalized communities, and mandates annual budget appropriations to support the Board's review functions