VT H0395

Creates the Municipal Law Enforcement Assistance Program allowing municipalities to vote to assess a $75.00 local penalty surcharge on civil penalties collected by the Judicial Bureau for violations occurring within the municipality

Requires a two-step approval process: the municipal legislative body must first recommend by majority vote, then voters must approve at an annual or special meeting warned for that purpose

Municipal clerks must notify the Judicial Bureau within 10 days of an affirmative vote, with the surcharge taking effect the next fiscal quarter following 90 days' notice

The Judicial Bureau administers collection and may retain up to $5.00 per surcharge for administrative costs, remitting the remainder to municipalities on a quarterly basis

Municipalities must use all funds received exclusively for establishing, supporting, maintaining, or improving law enforcement services and operations; effective date is July 1, 2025