House passes H 27 to expand abuse prevention orders to include coercive controlling behavior

The Vermont House passed H 27 on third reading, an act to expand abuse prevention orders to cover coercive controlling behavior, after a roll-call vote that the clerk recorded as 106 in favor and 31 opposed. The bill’s supporters said the change will help identify and address patterns of nonphysical abuse that often precede physical violence.

Lawmakers who spoke in favor framed the bill as an effort to protect people—particularly women—who face prolonged coercion and control. "40% of all calls to Vermont law enforcement for violent crimes are cases of domestic violence, and 80% of victims are women," the member from Williston said on the floor, arguing the state must act to address those harms. The member from Rutland City said H 27 "adds protections for people attempting to escape abusive relationships" and described the measure as offering needed safeguards before physical violence occurs.

Opponents recorded 31 votes against the bill during the roll-call; the clerk announced the results and the presiding officer declared the bill passed. No amendments or conditions were reported at the time of passage.

Procedure and next steps: after passage in the House, the bill will proceed according to the Legislature’s standard process (the clerk referenced committee referrals earlier in the session for other measures). The House moved on to other business, including extended debate on H 72 later in the afternoon.