2016 Vermont Statutes
Title 3 Appendix - Executive Orders
Chapter 3 - Executive
App 3-61 (No. 02-14) [Governor's Criminal Justice and Substance Abuse Cabinet

Executive Order No. 3-61

(No. 02-14)

[Governor's Criminal Justice and Substance Abuse Cabinet]

WHEREAS, drug addiction is a significant cause of crime and affects thousands of Vermonters who struggle with substance abuse, who have family and friends who struggle with substance abuse, or who have been victimized by crime resulting from the drug trade and addiction; and

WHEREAS, there is a need for accurate data, thoughtful analysis, and results-based evaluation of programs and techniques for criminal justice and substance abuse approaches so that the most effective policies can be coordinated and replicated; and

WHEREAS, there is a need for a forum in which all parties, from law enforcement to treatment providers to educators to community leaders, can convene and establish a common understanding and plan to achieve a coordinated response to crime, including lowering drug addiction and combating drug-related crime in our communities.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I, Peter Shumlin, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor, do hereby create the Governor's Criminal Justice and Substance Abuse Cabinet, as follows:

 I. Composition and Appointments

The Cabinet shall consist of the following members and shall be as geographically diverse as possible:

A. The Governor's designees, one or two of whom shall serve as Chair or Co-Chairs,

B. The Secretary of the Agency of Human Services, who may be represented by Commissioners and others as designated by the Secretary,

C. The Commissioner of Public Safety, or designee,

D. The Chief Justice, or designee,

E. The Lieutenant Governor, or designee,

F. The Executive Director of the Department of State's Attorneys or designee,

G. A sheriff appointed by the President of the Sheriff's Association,

H. The Defender General, or designee,

I. A member of the criminal defense bar selected by the President of the Vermont Bar Association in consultation with the Defender General,

J. The Attorney General, or designee,

K. The U.S. Attorney, or designee,

L. A representative of the Center for Crime Victim Services,

M. A police chief appointed by the President of the Vermont Police Chiefs Association;

N. One member of the House, who shall be appointed by the Speaker,

O. One member of the Senate, who shall be appointed by the Senate Committee on  Committees,

P. Up to three representatives from community and family services organizations, appointed by the Governor,

Q. A representative from the Vermont Recovery Network, and

R. A representative from the Superintendents Association.

Additional representatives may be recommended by a majority of the Cabinet for appointment by the Governor.

 II. Commission Charge and Process

The Cabinet shall be advisory to the Governor and shall meet at the call of the Chair or Co-Chairs, but no less than three times annually. The responsibilities of the Cabinet shall include, but not be limited to:

A. Consulting at least annually with the Center for Criminal Research Statistics, recovery centers, community and family services organizations, state agencies and departments, law enforcement, and other relevant individuals and organizations, to obtain and review data relevant to the Cabinet's charge;

B. Monitoring the progress of state and local programs, including plans to implement initiatives related to reductions in the volume of drug-related crime, increased availability of treatment options, and increased substance abuse prevention resources;

C. Meeting as requested by the Chair or Co-Chairs to coordinate and discuss statewide and local efforts to combat drug abuse and drug-related crime; and

D. Reporting to the Governor on December 15 of each year regarding: (1) recommendations regarding resource, policy, and legislative or regulatory changes, and (2) progress made under state and local programs.

The Cabinet may designate sub-committees as necessary. The Cabinet shall receive administrative support from the Department of Public Safety and the Governor's Office.

 III. Effective Date

This Executive Order supersedes and replaces Executive Order 10-10 (codified as 13-6). This Order shall take effect upon signing and shall expire on July 15, 2019.

Dated June 17, 2014