VT S0193

Establishes a locked secure forensic facility operated by the Commissioner of Corrections for persons charged with life-sentence offenses who are found incompetent to stand trial and do not meet civil commitment criteria

Requires competency evaluations at least every six months for persons at the forensic facility, with restoration services including medication, education, and habilitation; involuntary medication requires prior court approval

Mandates dismissal with prejudice of misdemeanor charges against persons found incompetent to stand trial if the case remains inactive for a period equal to or greater than the maximum sentence, unless contrary to the interests of justice

Creates indeterminate commitment at the forensic facility for persons acquitted of life-sentence offenses by reason of insanity, with release only upon clear and convincing evidence the person no longer poses a substantial risk of bodily injury or serious property damage

Exempts competency restoration proceedings and forensic facility conditional release hearings from Vermont Rules of Evidence; effective date July 1, 2026, with emergency rulemaking required by January 1, 2027