Dear Senator Lyons, Senator Hashim, Senator Norris, Members of Senate Judiciary, and Members of the Vermont House,

Thank you.  Thank you for passing S.193 through the Senate today with a 29–1 vote.

After years of studies, hearings, delays, working groups, and repeated acknowledgment that Vermont has a dangerous forensic system gap, I am deeply grateful to finally see meaningful movement forward.

S.193 is not perfect, but it is an important beginning toward building a real forensic system, competency restoration program, meaningful victim rights, and a safer continuum of care for Vermont.

I especially want to thank the members of Senate Judiciary and House Judiciary, along with the many legislators across both chambers who continued pushing this issue forward despite how difficult and politically complicated the process became.

And to Senator Vyhovsky, while I respectfully disagree with your vote, I do understand your concerns surrounding constitutionality and the broader legal implications involving not guilty by reason of insanity. I genuinely look forward to seeing proposals next session for how Vermont can better address these gaps by rewording the NGRI statutes to Guilty by reason of insanity and removing the “not” going forward.

For victims and families like mine, this bill represents more than legislation. It represents acknowledgment that the gap exists and that Vermont is finally beginning to address it.

Thank you again for your service, your work, and for helping move S.193 to Governor Scott’s desk.

With appreciation,
Kelly Carroll,
Justice for Emily,
Voices for Vermont Victims