VT H0544

Crime victims may request a court hearing before a person found incompetent to stand trial or not guilty by reason of insanity is discharged from mental health commitment

Commissioner of Mental Health must notify the State's Attorney or Attorney General at least 10 days before discharging a committed person, before commitment expiration, or when a person elopes from custody

State's Attorney or Attorney General must notify victims who have not opted out of receiving notice about pending discharges, commitment expirations, or escapes

Victims have the right to submit victim impact statements to the Family Division of Superior Court and may request a hearing on whether discharge is appropriate within the 10-day notice period

Pending discharges are stayed until any requested hearing concludes and subsequent orders are issued, with orders required within 5 days after the hearing