Published: Apr. 23, 2026 at 5:14 PM EDT
MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – A proposal to build a facility for offenders deemed incompetent to stand trial will likely be challenged in court, according to disability rights advocates.
For years, Vermont has been trying to build a facility where violent offenders deemed mentally ill can be held. It addresses what some say is a growing gap in the criminal justice and mental health systems.
Disability Rights Vermont held a media briefing on Thursday at the Statehouse, saying the current proposal could restrict the civil liberties of Vermonters with developmental disabilities. And they said if the state did build a so-called forensic facility, they would sue.
“That is where this is heading; there are no tea leaves you need to read. There is a lot of litigation in other states, especially when the forensic facility is within a correctional system,” said the group’s Lindsey St. Amour.
The bill is currently in the House, where several committees are exploring different elements of the facility’s programming, staffing, and funding.
The measure is a priority for some crime victims’ families and Gov. Phil Scott.
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