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The Vermont legislature has passed H.91, a comprehensive bill reforming the state's emergency housing program, now awaiting the Governor's signature. This legislation shifts the emergency shelter system to a new program with support services, standards, and homelessness prevention.
Governor Phil Scott signed S.44, a bill that removes a loophole allowing law enforcement to collaborate with federal immigration authorities without the governor's approval. The ACLU of Vermont praised this action as a crucial step in protecting immigrants and preventing federal overreach.
A federal court has ordered the release of Rümeysa Öztürk, after she was detained for over six weeks following the publication of an op-ed she co-authored. This ruling allows her to return to her Massachusetts community and continue her studies while her case proceeds.
The Second Circuit Court of Appeals denied the Trump administration’s request to further delay Rümeysa Öztürk’s transfer to Vermont. The appeals court mandated that the government comply by moving Ms. Öztürk from a detention center in Louisiana to a facility in Vermont within one week.
The Second Circuit Court of Appeals will hear arguments on May 6th on whether a federal judge's order to transfer Rümeysa Öztürk to VT should be granted or further delayed. Additionally, the court will consider the government's motion to consolidate the cases of Rümeysa Öztürk and Mohsen Mahdawi.
In a positive outcome, Judge Geoffrey Crawford ordered the release of Mohsen Mahdawi from prison on bail today, pending the resolution of his habeas petition. The government’s request for a seven-day pause to Mohsen’s release was denied by the judge. Mohsen's immigration hearing is set for May 1.