VT S0272

Expands the list of "Big 14" offenses that begin in Criminal Division rather than Family Division when committed by juveniles ages 14-22, adding aggravated stalking, aggravated domestic assault, and lewd conduct offenses to the existing serious crimes like murder, sexual assault, and kidnapping

Repeals the "Raise the Age" initiative for 19-year-olds that was scheduled to take effect July 1, 2027, and transfers youthful offender proceedings from Family Division to Criminal Division while requiring expedited handling of transfer motions

Restricts courts from ordering suspended, deferred, or supervised sentences for defendants with prior escape convictions or three or more felony listed crime convictions, and from suspending sentences for those who previously violated probation or had furlough revoked, unless compelling reasons are found on the record

Redefines recidivism to create a four-class graduated system based on time elapsed between sentencing and new offense (1, 3, 5, or 10 years), repeals earned time credits and midpoint probation review for sentenced offenders, and changes deferred sentence records from expunged to sealed

Establishes a new locked forensic facility operated by the Department of Corrections for individuals found incompetent to stand trial or acquitted by reason of insanity for life-sentence offenses, with indeterminate commitment until the individual proves they no longer pose a substantial risk of harm