VT S0009

Requires the Court Administrator to establish procedures for obtaining emergency protective orders against sexual assault after regular court hours, on weekends, and on holidays

Courts must designate an authorized person to receive after-hours requests for ex parte emergency relief orders, including requests submitted electronically

Affidavits for after-hours orders may be sworn via telephone, with the authorized person administering the oath and recording the date and time

Judicial officers will decide after-hours requests based solely on the affidavit contents, communicated telephonically or electronically, with issued orders delivered to law enforcement for service

Effective date: September 1, 2025 (signed by Governor May 1, 2025)