Vermont’s Raise the Age Initiative Faces Further Delay
Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Baruth, from the D/P-Chittenden Central, delivered a response to Gov. Phil Scott’s budget address at the Statehouse in Montpelier on Tuesday, Jan. 28. A critical decision loomed before lawmakers: whether to once again postpone the transition of most 19-year-olds facing criminal charges from the criminal justice system to family court.
In a nod to the promising days of 2018, legislators had previously passed a law commonly referred to as “Raise the Age,” aiming to shift lower-level criminal cases involving 18- and 19-year-olds into confidential family court. This move was inspired by scientific research indicating that the adolescent brain is still in a crucial developmental phase. Lawmakers hoped that by diverting young offenders away from adult prison, they could provide better access to rehabilitation. The law stipulated that teens charged with serious crimes would still face prosecution in criminal court.
While 18-year-olds successfully transitioned to the family court system in 2020, the planned inclusion of 19-year-olds in 2022 faced repeated setbacks. Gov. Phil Scott’s administration expressed concerns about the lack of resources to manage the influx of cases in family court, prompting lawmakers to delay implementation. The most recent postponement pushed the effective date from July 2024 to April 2025 in the previous legislative session.
This year, the familiar debate resurfaced. Gov. Scott reiterated his request to repeal the extension to 19-year-olds, emphasizing this point in his budget address. Lawmakers, seemingly reluctant to proceed, indicated that the expansion of Raise the Age to 19-year-olds, scheduled for April, was highly improbable. Rep. Martin Lalonde, chair of the House Judiciary Committee, emphasized that readiness for the next phase was lacking.
Even vocal proponent Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Baruth recognized the need for compromise, acknowledging the changing dynamics in the Legislature. With a nod to recent Republican gains, Baruth emphasized the importance of finding common ground in addressing this contentious issue.
In the know
Gov. Scott unveiled a $9 billion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year, focusing on enhancing affordability and tackling demographic challenges. Despite stronger-than-expected revenues, significant cost pressures constrained new investments. The budget also addressed concerns such as rising health insurance costs for state employees, reflecting the broader fiscal landscape facing Vermont.
State officials grappled with the implications of a broad directive from President Donald Trump’s administration, which sought to freeze a substantial portion of federal financial assistance to states. Vermont officials faced uncertainties as they navigated the ambiguous implications of this directive. A federal district judge in Washington D.C. temporarily blocked the directive’s implementation, easing immediate concerns but leaving lingering questions about its potential impact.
Vermont’s congressional delegation strongly criticized the Trump administration’s memo, highlighting its potential repercussions for thousands of Vermonters. Sens. Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch, alongside Rep. Becca Balint, condemned the directive as unconstitutional, underscoring the urgent need to address its implications for the state.
Guide on
VTDigger introduced its 2025 Vermont Legislative Guide, providing comprehensive insights into the key players and policy proposals shaping the current legislative session. The guide features essential resources like the 2025 session bill tracker, informative articles, and updated legislator lookup tools. This year’s guide includes new explainers on the budget process and education finance, offering readers a deeper understanding of the legislative landscape in Vermont.
