Vermont S 254: An act relating to maintaining records of judgments and settlements paid by law enforcement agencies and a legal analysis of qualified immunity

Bill Text

BILL AS INTRODUCED S.254
2026 Page 1 of 2

VT LEG #385269 v.1
S.254 1
Introduced by Senator Collamore 2
Referred to Committee on 3
Date: 4
Subject: Corrections; probation and parole officers 5
Statement of purpose of bill as introduced: This bill proposes to allow 6
probation and parole officers to carry firearms while on duty after successfully 7
completing a course conducted by the Vermont Criminal Justice Training 8
Council. 9
An act relating to allowing probation and parole officers to carry firearms 10
while on duty 11
It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont: 12
Sec. 1. 28 V.S.A. § 551a is amended to read: 13
§ 551. LAW ENFORCEMENT POWERS OF CORRECTIONAL 14
OFFICERS; TRAINING REQUIREMENTS 15
* * * 16
(c) Upon request of a correctional officer who is assigned to the Field 17
Supervision Unit, the Commissioner shall authorize the officer to train and 18
become certified by the Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council in the use 19
of firearms for defensive purposes, appropriate use of force, reporting and 20

BILL AS INTRODUCED S.254
2026 Page 2 of 2

VT LEG #385269 v.1
record keeping related to firearms, and personal liability for actions and 1
conduct related to firearms. The Commissioner and the Executive Director of 2
the Council shall develop the curriculum necessary to comply with this 3
subsection. A correctional officer who successfully completes the training 4
requirements of this subsection shall be permitted to carry a firearm while on 5
duty and to employ it in a defensive capacity. 6
Sec. 2. EFFECTIVE DATE 7
This act shall take effect on July 1, 2026. 8