VT H0559

Increases Vermont Parole Board membership from five regular members and two alternates to seven regular members, eliminating alternate positions

Requires annual training for Parole Board members on parole determinations, criminogenic behavior, mental health disorders, substance use treatment, trauma-informed victim work, and serious crime rehabilitation

Changes required qualifications for board members from experience in "correctional treatment, crime prevention, or human relations" to expertise in "criminogenic behavior, mental health treatment, substance use disorder, or serious crime rehabilitation"

Expands Parole Board Director responsibilities to include overall board function, legal compliance, policy development and implementation, and training coordination with the Commissioner

Effective date: July 1, 2026