§ 1351. Article I; Purpose
(a) The compacting states to this interstate compact recognize that each state is responsible
for the supervision of adult offenders in the community who are authorized pursuant
to the bylaws and rules of this compact to travel across state lines both to and from
each compacting state in such a manner as to track the location of offenders, transfer
supervision authority in an orderly and efficient manner, and when necessary return
offenders to the originating jurisdictions. The compacting states also recognize that
Congress, by enacting the Crime Control Act, 4 U.S.C. Section 112 of 1965, has authorized and encouraged compacts for cooperative efforts and mutual
assistance in the prevention of crime. It is the purpose of this compact and the interstate
commission created hereunder, through means of joint and cooperative action among
the compacting states:
(1) to provide the framework for the promotion of public safety and protect the rights
of victims through the control and regulation of the interstate movement of offenders
in the community;
(2) to provide for the effective tracking, supervision, and rehabilitation of these offenders
by the sending, and receiving states; and
(3) to equitably distribute the costs, benefits, and obligations of the compact among
the compacting states.
(b) In addition, this compact shall:
(1) create an interstate commission which shall establish uniform procedures to manage
the movement between states of adults placed under community supervision and released
to the community under the jurisdiction of courts, paroling authorities, corrections,
or other criminal justice agencies which shall promulgate rules to achieve the purpose
of this compact;
(2) ensure an opportunity for input and timely notice to victims and to jurisdictions
where defined offenders are authorized to travel or to relocate across state lines;
(3) establish a system of uniform data collection, access to information on active cases
by authorized criminal justice officials, and regular reporting of compact activities
to heads of state councils, state executive, judicial and legislative branches and
criminal justice administrators;
(4) monitor compliance with rules governing interstate movement of offenders, and initiate
interventions to address and correct noncompliance; and
(5) coordinate training and education regarding regulations of interstate movement of
offenders for officials involved in such activity.
(c) The compacting states recognize that there is no right of any offender to live in
another state, and that duly accredited officers of a sending state may at all times
enter a receiving state and there apprehend and retake any offender under supervision
subject to the provisions of this compact and of bylaws and rules promulgated hereunder.
(d) It is the policy of the compacting states that the activities conducted by the interstate
commission created herein are the formation of public policies and are therefore public
business. (Added 1999, No. 90 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 27, 2000.)
§ 1352. Article II; Definitions
As used in this compact, unless the context clearly requires a different construction:
(1) “Adult” means both individuals legally classified as adults and juveniles treated
as adults by court order, statute, or operation of law.
(2) “Bylaws” means those bylaws established by the Interstate Commission for its governance,
or for directing or controlling the Interstate Commission’s actions or conduct.
(3) “Compact administrator” means the individual in each compacting state appointed pursuant
to the terms of this compact responsible for the administration and management of
the state’s supervision and transfer of offenders subject to the terms of this compact,
the rules adopted by the Interstate Commission and policies adopted by the state council
under this compact.
(4) “Compacting state” means any state which has enacted the enabling legislation for
this compact.
(5) “Commissioner” means the voting representative of each compacting state appointed
pursuant to Article III of this compact.
(6) “Interstate Commission” means the Interstate Commission for Adult Offender Supervision
established by this compact.
(7) “Member” means the commissioner of a compacting state or designee, who shall be a
person officially connected with the commissioner.
(8) “Noncompacting state” means any state which has not enacted the enabling legislation
for this compact.
(9) “Offender” means an adult placed under, or subject to, supervision as the result of
the commission of a criminal offense and released to the community under the jurisdiction
of courts, paroling authorities, corrections, or other criminal justice agencies.
(10) “Person” means any individual, corporation, business enterprise or other legal entity,
either public or private.
(11) “Rules” means acts of the Interstate Commission, duly promulgated pursuant to Article
VIII of this compact, substantially affecting interested parties in addition to the
Interstate Commission, which shall have the force and effect of law in the compacting
states.
(12) “State” means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, and any other
territorial possessions of the United States.
(13) “State council” means the resident members of the state council for interstate adult
offender supervision created by each state under Article III of this compact. (Added 1999, No. 90 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 27, 2000.)
§ 1353. Article III; The compact commission
(a) The compacting states hereby create the Interstate Commission for Adult Offender Supervision.
The Interstate Commission shall be a body corporate and the joint agency of the compacting
states. The Interstate Commission shall have all the responsibilities, powers, and
duties set forth in this compact, including the power to sue and be sued, and such
additional powers as may be conferred upon it by subsequent action of the respective
legislatures of the compacting states in accordance with the terms of this compact.
(b) The Interstate Commission shall consist of commissioners selected and appointed by
resident members of a state council for interstate adult offender supervision for
each state.
(c) In addition to the commissioners who shall be the voting representatives of each state,
the Interstate Commission shall include individuals who are not commissioners but
who are members of interested organizations. Such noncommissioner members shall include
a member of the national organizations of governors, legislators, state chief justices,
attorneys general, and crime victims. All noncommissioner members of the Interstate
Commission shall be ex officio, nonvoting members. The Interstate Commission may provide
in its bylaws for such additional, ex officio, nonvoting members as it deems necessary.
(d) Each compacting state represented at any meeting of the Interstate Commission shall
have one vote. A majority of the compacting states shall constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business, unless a larger quorum is required by the bylaws of the Interstate
Commission.
(e) The Interstate Commission shall meet at least once each calendar year. The chair may
call additional meetings and, upon the request of 27 or more compacting states, shall
call additional meetings. Public notice shall be given of all meetings and meetings
shall be open to the public.
(f) The Interstate Commission shall establish an executive committee which shall include
commission officers, members, and others as shall be determined by the bylaws. The
executive committee shall have the power to act on behalf of the Interstate Commission
during periods when the Interstate Commission is not in session, with the exception
of rulemaking or amendment to the Compact. The executive committee shall oversee the
day-to-day activities managed by the executive director and Interstate Commission
staff, administer enforcement and compliance with the provisions of the Compact, its
bylaws and as directed by the Interstate Commission, and perform other duties as directed
by the Commission or set forth in the bylaws. (Added 1999, No. 90 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 27, 2000.)
§ 1354. Article IV; The State Council
(a) The Vermont State Council for Interstate Adult Offender Supervision is created. The
State Council shall consist of six members:
(1) one member of the House of Representatives, who shall be appointed by the Speaker,
and one member of the Senate, who shall be appointed by the Committee on Committees;
(2) one representative of the Judicial Branch appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme
Court;
(3) one representative of the Executive Branch appointed by the Governor;
(4) one representative of a victims group appointed by the Governor; and
(5) one individual who in addition to serving as a member of the Council shall serve as
the Compact Administrator for this State, appointed by the Governor after consultation
with the General Assembly and the Supreme Court.
(b) The State Council shall appoint the Compact Administrator as the Vermont commissioner
to the Interstate Commission. The Vermont commissioner shall serve on the Interstate
Commission in such capacity under or pursuant to applicable law of this State.
(c) The State Council shall exercise oversight and advocacy concerning its participation
in Interstate Commission activities and other duties as may be determined by the State
Council, including development of policy concerning operations and procedures of the
compact within this State. (Added 1999, No. 90 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 27, 2000; amended 2017, No. 190 (Adj. Sess.), § 28, eff. May 28, 2018.)
§ 1355. Article V; Powers and duties of the Interstate Commission
The Interstate Commission shall have the following powers:
(1) To adopt a seal and suitable bylaws governing the management and operation of the
Interstate Commission.
(2) To promulgate rules which shall have the force and effect of statutory law and shall
be binding in the compacting states to the extent and in the manner provided in this
compact.
(3) To oversee, supervise, and coordinate the interstate movement of offenders subject
to the terms of this compact and any bylaws adopted and rules promulgated by the compact
Commission.
(4) To enforce compliance with compact provisions, Interstate Commission rules, and bylaws,
using all necessary and proper means, including, but not limited to, the use of judicial
process.
(5) To establish and maintain offices.
(6) To purchase and maintain insurance and bonds.
(7) To borrow, accept, or contract for services of personnel, including, but not limited
to, members and their staffs.
(8) To establish and appoint committees and hire staff which it deems necessary for the
carrying out of its functions, including, but not limited to, an executive committee
as required by Article III of this compact which shall have the power to act on behalf
of the Interstate Commission in carrying out its powers and duties hereunder.
(9) To elect or appoint such officers, attorneys, employees, agents, or consultants, and
to fix their compensation, define their duties and determine their qualifications;
and to establish the Interstate Commission’s personnel policies and programs relating
to, among other things, conflicts of interest, rates of compensation, and qualifications
of personnel.
(10) To accept any and all donations and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials,
and services, and to receive, utilize, and dispose of same.
(11) To lease, purchase, accept contributions or donations of, or otherwise to own, hold,
improve or use any property, real, personal, or mixed.
(12) To sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, abandon, or otherwise dispose
of any property, real, personal, or mixed.
(13) To establish a budget and make expenditures and levy dues as provided in Article X
of this compact.
(14) To sue and be sued.
(15) To provide for dispute resolution among compacting states.
(16) To perform such functions as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes
of this compact.
(17) To report annually to the legislatures, governors, judiciary, and state councils of
the compacting states concerning the activities of the Interstate Commission during
the preceding year. Such reports shall include any recommendations that may have been
adopted by the Interstate Commission.
(18) To coordinate education, training, and public awareness regarding the interstate movement
of offenders for officials involved in such activity.
(19) To establish uniform standards for the reporting, collecting, and exchanging of data. (Added 1999, No. 90 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 27, 2000.)
§ 1356. Article VI; Organization and operation of the Interstate Commission
(a) Bylaws. The Interstate Commission shall, by a majority of the members, within 12 months of
the first Interstate Commission meeting, adopt bylaws to govern its conduct as may
be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of this compact, including,
but not limited to:
(1) establishing the fiscal year of the Interstate Commission;
(2) establishing an executive committee and such other committees as may be necessary;
(3) providing reasonable standards and procedures:
(A) for the establishment of committees; and
(B) governing any general or specific delegation of any authority or function of the Interstate
Commission;
(4) providing reasonable procedures for calling and conducting meetings of the Interstate
Commission, and ensuring reasonable notice of each such meeting;
(5) establishing the titles and responsibilities of the officers of the Interstate Commission;
(6) providing reasonable standards and procedures for the establishment of the personnel
policies and programs of the Interstate Commission; which notwithstanding any civil
service or other similar laws of any compacting state, the bylaws shall exclusively
govern the personnel policies and programs of the Interstate Commission;
(7) providing a mechanism for terminating the operations of the Interstate Commission
and the equitable return of any surplus funds that may exist upon the termination
of the compact after the payment or reserving of all of its debts and obligations;
(8) providing transition rules for start up administration of the compact;
(9) establishing standards and procedures for compliance and technical assistance in carrying
out the compact.
(b) Officers and staff.
(1) The Interstate Commission shall, by a majority of the members, elect from among its
members a chair and a vice chair, each of whom shall have such authorities and duties
as may be specified in the bylaws. The chair or, in his or her absence or disability,
the vice chair, shall preside at all meetings of the Interstate Commission. The officers
so elected shall serve without compensation or remuneration from the Interstate Commission,
provided that, subject to the availability of budgeted funds, the officers shall be
reimbursed for any actual and necessary costs and expenses incurred by them in the
performance of their duties and responsibilities as officers of the Interstate Commission.
(2) The Interstate Commission shall, through its executive committee, appoint or retain
an executive director for such period, upon such terms and conditions and for such
compensation as the Interstate Commission may deem appropriate. The executive director
shall serve as secretary to the Interstate Commission, and hire and supervise such
other staff as may be authorized by the Interstate Commission, but shall not be a
member.
(c) Corporate records of the Interstate Commission. The Interstate Commission shall maintain its corporate books and records in accordance
with the bylaws.
(d) Qualified immunity; defense and indemnification. The members, officers, executive director and employees of the Interstate Commission
shall be immune from suit and liability, either personally or in their official capacity,
for any claim for damage to or loss of property or personal injury or other civil
liability caused or arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that
occurred within the scope of Interstate Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities,
provided that nothing in this subsection shall be construed to protect any such person
from suit or liability for any damage, loss, injury, or liability caused by the intentional
or willful and wanton misconduct of any such person. The Interstate Commission shall
defend the commissioner of a compacting state, or his or her representatives or employees,
or the Interstate Commission’s representatives or employees, in any civil action seeking
to impose liability, arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission
that occurred within the scope of Interstate Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities,
or that the defendant had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope
of Interstate Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, provided that the
actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from intentional wrongdoing
on the part of such person. The Interstate Commission shall indemnify and hold the
commissioner of a compacting state, the appointed designee or employees, or the Interstate
Commission’s representatives or employees, harmless in the amount of any settlement
or judgement obtained against such persons arising out of any actual or alleged act,
error, or omission that occurred within the scope of Interstate Commission employment,
duties, or responsibilities, or that such persons had a reasonable basis for believing
occurred within the scope of Interstate Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities,
provided that the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from gross
negligence or intentional wrongdoing on the part of such person. (Added 1999, No. 90 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 27, 2000.)
§ 1357. Article VII; Activities of the Interstate Commission
(a) The Interstate Commission shall meet and take such actions as are consistent with
the provisions of this compact. Except as otherwise provided in this compact and unless
a greater percentage is required by the bylaws, in order to constitute an act of the
Interstate Commission, such act shall have been taken at a meeting of the Interstate
Commission and shall have received an affirmative vote of a majority of the members
present.
(b) Each member of the Interstate Commission shall have the right and power to cast a
vote to which that compacting state is entitled and to participate in the business
and affairs of the Interstate Commission. A member shall vote in person on behalf
of the state and shall not delegate a vote to another member state. However, a state
council shall appoint another authorized representative, in the absence of the commissioner
from that state, to cast a vote on behalf of the member state at a specified meeting.
The bylaws may provide for members’ participation in meetings by telephone or other
means of telecommunication or electronic communication. Any voting conducted by telephone,
or other means of telecommunication or electronic communication, shall be subject
to the same quorum requirements of meetings where members are present in person.
(c) The Interstate Commission shall meet at least once during each calendar year. The
chair of the Interstate Commission may call additional meetings at any time and, upon
the request of a majority of the members, shall call additional meetings.
(d) The Interstate Commission’s bylaws shall establish conditions and procedures under
which the Interstate Commission shall make its information and official records available
to the public for inspection or copying. The Interstate Commission may exempt from
disclosure any information or official records to the extent they would adversely
affect personal privacy rights or proprietary interests. In promulgating such rules,
the Interstate Commission may make available to law enforcement agencies records and
information otherwise exempt from disclosure, and may enter into agreements with law
enforcement agencies to receive or exchange information or records subject to nondisclosure
and confidentiality provisions.
(e) Public notice shall be given of all meetings, and all meetings shall be open to the
public, except as set forth in the rules or as otherwise provided in the compact.
The Interstate Commission shall promulgate rules consistent with the principles contained
in the United States government in Sunshine Act, 5 U.S.C. Section 552(b), as may be amended. The Interstate Commission and any of its committees may close
a meeting to the public where it determines by two-thirds vote that an open meeting
would be likely to:
(1) relate solely to the Interstate Commission’s internal personnel practices and procedures;
(2) disclose matters specifically exempted from disclosure by statute;
(3) disclose trade secrets or commercial or financial information which is privileged
or confidential;
(4) involve accusing any person of a crime, or formally censuring any person;
(5) disclose information of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute a clearly
unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;
(6) disclose investigatory records compiled for law enforcement purposes;
(7) disclose information contained in or related to examination, operating or condition
reports prepared by, or on behalf of or for the use of, the Interstate Commission
with respect to a regulated entity for the purpose of regulation or supervision of
such entity;
(8) disclose information, the premature disclosure of which would significantly endanger
the life of a person or the stability of a regulated entity;
(9) specifically relate to the Interstate Commission’s issuance of a subpoena, or its
participation in a civil action or proceeding.
(f) For every meeting closed pursuant to this provision, the Interstate Commission’s chief
legal officer shall publicly certify that, in his or her opinion, the meeting may
be closed to the public, and shall reference each relevant exemptive provision. The
Interstate Commission shall keep minutes which shall fully and clearly describe all
matters discussed in any meeting, and shall provide a full and accurate summary of
any actions taken, and the reasons therefor, including a description of each of the
views expressed on any item and the record of any roll call vote reflected in the
vote of each member on the question. All documents considered in connection with any
action shall be identified in such minutes.
(g) The Interstate Commission shall collect standardized data concerning the interstate
movement of offenders as directed through its bylaws and rules which shall specify
the data to be collected, the means of collection and data exchange and reporting
requirements. (Added 1999, No. 90 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 27, 2000.)
§ 1358. Article VIII; Rulemaking functions of the Interstate Commission
(a) The Interstate Commission shall promulgate rules in order to effectively and efficiently
achieve the purposes of the compact, including transition rules governing administration
of the compact during the period in which it is being considered and enacted by the
states. Rulemaking shall occur pursuant to the criteria set forth in this section
and the bylaws and rules adopted pursuant thereto. Such rulemaking shall substantially
conform to the principles of the federal Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. section 551 et seq., and the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. app. 2, section 1 et seq., as may be amended (hereinafter referred to as APA). All rules and amendments
shall become binding as of the date specified in each rule or amendment.
(b) If a majority of the legislatures of the compacting states rejects a rule, by enactment
of a statute or resolution in the same manner used to adopt the compact, then such
rule shall have no further force and effect in any compacting state.
(c) When promulgating a rule, the Interstate Commission shall:
(1) publish the proposed rule stating with particularity the text of the rule which is
proposed and the reason for the proposed rule;
(2) allow persons to submit written data, facts, opinions, and arguments, which information
shall be publicly available;
(3) provide an opportunity for an informal hearing; and
(4) promulgate a final rule and its effective date, if appropriate, based on the rulemaking
record.
(d) Not later than 60 days after a rule is promulgated, any interested person may file
a petition in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or in
the Federal District Court where the Interstate Commission’s principal office is located
for judicial review of such rule. If the court finds that the Interstate Commission’s
action is not supported by substantial evidence, as defined in the APA, in the rulemaking
record, the court shall hold the rule unlawful and set it aside.
(e) Subjects to be addressed within 12 months after the first meeting shall, at a minimum,
include:
(1) notice to victims and opportunity to be heard;
(2) offender registration and compliance;
(3) violations or returns;
(4) transfer procedures and forms;
(5) eligibility for transfer;
(6) collection of restitution and fees from offenders;
(7) the level of supervision to be provided by the receiving state;
(8) transition rules governing the operation of the compact and the Interstate Commission
during all or part of the period between the effective date of the compact and the
date on which the last eligible state adopts the compact;
(9) mediation, arbitration and dispute resolution.
(f) The existing rules governing the operation of the repealed previous compact superseded
by this compact shall be null and void twelve (12) months after the first meeting
of the Interstate Commission created hereunder.
(g) Upon determination by the Interstate Commission that an emergency exists, it may promulgate
an emergency rule which shall become effective immediately upon adoption, provided
that the usual rulemaking procedures provided hereunder shall be retroactively applied
to said rule as soon as reasonably possible, in no event later than 90 days after
the effective date of the rule. (Added 1999, No. 90 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 27, 2000.)
§ 1359. Article IX; Oversight, enforcement and dispute resolution by the Interstate Commission
(a) Oversight. The Interstate Commission shall oversee the interstate movement of adult offenders
in the compacting states and shall monitor such activities being administered in noncompacting
states which may significantly affect compacting states. The courts and executive
agencies in each compacting state shall enforce this compact and shall take all actions
necessary and appropriate to effectuate the compact’s purposes and intent. In any
judicial or administrative proceeding in a compacting state pertaining to the subject
matter of this compact which may affect the powers, responsibilities or actions of
the Interstate Commission, the Interstate Commission shall be entitled to receive
all service of process in any such proceeding, and shall have standing to intervene
in the proceeding for all purposes.
(b) Dispute resolution. The compacting states shall report to the Interstate Commission on issues or activities
of concern to them, and cooperate with and support the Interstate Commission in the
discharge of its duties and responsibilities. The Interstate Commission shall attempt
to resolve any disputes or other issues which are subject to the compact and which
may arise among compacting states and noncompacting states. The Interstate Commission
shall enact a bylaw or promulgate a rule providing for both mediation and binding
dispute resolution for disputes among the compacting states.
(c) Enforcement. The Interstate Commission, in the reasonable exercise of its discretion, shall enforce
the provisions of this compact using any or all means set forth in Article XII of
this compact provided by subsection 1362(b) of this title. (Added 1999, No. 90 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 27, 2000.)
§ 1360. Article X; Finance
(a) The Interstate Commission shall pay or provide for the payment of the reasonable expenses
of its establishment, organization, and ongoing activities.
(b) The Interstate Commission shall levy on and collect an annual assessment from each
compacting state to cover the cost of the internal operations and activities of the
Interstate Commission and its staff, which must be in a total amount sufficient to
cover the Interstate Commission’s annual budget as approved each year. The aggregate
annual assessment amount shall be allocated based upon a formula to be determined
by the Interstate Commission, taking into consideration the population of the state
and the volume of interstate movement of offenders in each compacting state, and shall
promulgate a rule binding upon all compacting states which governs said assessment.
(c) The Interstate Commission shall not incur any obligations of any kind prior to securing
the funds adequate to meet the same; nor shall the Interstate Commission pledge the
credit of any of the compacting states, except by and with the authority of the compacting
state.
(d) The Interstate Commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements.
The receipts and disbursements of the Interstate Commission shall be subject to the
audit and accounting procedures established under its bylaws. However, all receipts
and disbursements of funds handled by the Interstate Commission shall be audited yearly
by a certified or licensed public accountant and the report of the audit shall be
included in and become part of the annual report of the Interstate Commission. (Added 1999, No. 90 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 27, 2000.)
§ 1361. Article XI; Compacting states; effective date; amendments
(a) Any state, as defined in Article II of this compact, is eligible to become a compacting
state. The compact shall become effective and binding upon legislative enactment of
the compact into law by no less than 35 of the states. The initial effective date
shall be the later of July 1, 2001 or upon enactment into law by the 35th jurisdiction.
Thereafter it shall become effective and binding, as to any other compacting state,
upon enactment of the compact into law by that state. The governors of nonmember states
or their designees shall be invited to participate in Interstate Commission activities
on a nonvoting basis prior to adoption of the compact by all states and territories
of the United States.
(b) Amendments to the compact may be proposed by the Interstate Commission for enactment
by the compacting states. No amendment shall become effective and binding upon the
Interstate Commission and the compacting states unless and until it is enacted into
law by unanimous consent of the compacting states. (Added 1999, No. 90 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 27, 2000.)
§ 1362. Article XII; Withdrawal; default; termination; judicial enforcement
(a) Withdrawal. Once effective, the compact shall continue in force and remain binding upon each and
every compacting state, provided that a compacting state may withdraw from the compact
(withdrawing state) by enacting a statute specifically repealing the statute which
enacted the compact into law. The effective date of withdrawal shall be the effective
date of such repeal. A withdrawing state shall immediately notify the chair of the
Interstate Commission in writing upon the introduction of legislation repealing this
compact in the withdrawing state. The Interstate Commission shall notify the other
compacting states of the withdrawing state’s intent to withdraw within 60 days of
its receipt thereof. A withdrawing state shall be responsible for all assessments,
obligations, and liabilities incurred through the effective date of withdrawal, including
any obligations, the performance of which extends beyond the effective date of withdrawal.
Reinstatement following withdrawal by any compacting state shall occur upon the withdrawing
state reenacting the compact or upon such later date as determined by the Interstate
Commission.
(b) Default. If the Interstate Commission determines that any compacting state has at any time
defaulted (defaulting state) in the performance of any of its obligations or responsibilities
under this compact, the bylaws, or any duly promulgated rules, the Interstate Commission
may impose any or all of the following penalties:
(1) fines, fees, and costs in such amounts as are deemed to be reasonable as fixed by
the Interstate Commission;
(2) remedial training and technical assistance as directed by the Interstate Commission;
(3) suspension and termination of membership in the compact.
Suspension shall be imposed only after all other reasonable means of securing compliance
under the bylaws and rules have been exhausted. Immediate notice of suspension shall
be given by the Interstate Commission to the governor, the chief justice or chief
judicial officer of the state, the majority and minority leaders of the defaulting
state’s legislature, and the state council. The grounds for default shall include
failure of a compacting state to perform such obligations or responsibilities imposed
upon it by this compact, Interstate Commission bylaws, or duly promulgated rules.
The Interstate Commission shall immediately notify the defaulting state in writing
of the penalty imposed by the Interstate Commission on the defaulting state pending
a cure of the default. The Interstate Commission shall stipulate the conditions and
the time period within which the defaulting state must cure its default. If the defaulting
state fails to cure the default within the time period specified by the Interstate
Commission, in addition to any other penalties imposed herein, the defaulting state
may be terminated from the compact upon an affirmative vote of a majority of the compacting
states, and all rights, privileges, and benefits conferred by this compact shall be
terminated from the effective date of suspension. Within 60 days of the effective
date of termination of a defaulting state, the Interstate Commission shall notify
the governor, the chief justice or chief judicial officer and the majority and minority
leaders of the defaulting state’s legislature, and the state council of such termination.
The defaulting state shall be responsible for all assessments, obligations, and liabilities
incurred through the effective date of termination, including any obligations, the
performance of which extends beyond the effective date of termination. The Interstate
Commission shall not bear any costs relating to the defaulting state unless otherwise
mutually agreed upon between the Interstate Commission and the defaulting state. Reinstatement
following termination of any compacting state shall require both a reenactment of
the compact by the defaulting state and the approval of the Interstate Commission
pursuant to the rules of the Interstate Commission.
(c) Judicial enforcement. The Interstate Commission may, by majority vote of the members, initiate legal action
in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or, at the discretion
of the Interstate Commission, in the federal district where the Interstate Commission
has its offices to enforce compliance with the provisions of the compact, its duly
promulgated rules, and bylaws, against any compacting state in default. In the event
judicial enforcement is necessary, the prevailing party shall be awarded all costs
of such litigation including reasonable attorney’s fees.
(d) Dissolution of the compact. The compact shall dissolve effective upon the date of the withdrawal or default of
the compacting state which reduces membership in the compact to one compacting state.
Upon the dissolution of this compact, the compact shall become null and void and shall
be of no further force or effect, and the business and affairs of the Interstate Commission
shall be terminated and any surplus funds shall be distributed in accordance with
the bylaws of the Interstate Commission. (Added 1999, No. 90 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 27, 2000.)
§ 1363. Article XIII; Severability and construction
The provisions of this compact shall be severable, and if any phrase, clause, sentence
or provision is deemed unenforceable, the remaining provisions of the compact shall
be enforceable. The provisions of this compact shall be liberally constructed to effectuate
its purposes. (Added 1999, No. 90 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 27, 2000.)
§ 1364. Article XIV; Binding effect of compact and other laws
(a) Nothing in this compact shall prevent the enforcement of any other law of a compacting
state that is not inconsistent with this compact. All compacting states’ laws conflicting
with this compact shall be superseded to the extent of the conflict.
(b) Binding effect of the compact. All lawful actions of the Interstate Commission, including all rules and bylaws promulgated
by the Interstate Commission, shall be binding upon the compacting states. All agreements
between the Interstate Commission and the compacting states shall be binding in accordance
with their terms. Upon the request of a party to a conflict over meaning or interpretation
of Interstate Commission actions, and upon a majority vote of the compacting states,
the Interstate Commission may issue advisory opinions regarding such meaning or interpretation.
In the event any provision of this compact exceeds the constitutional limits imposed
on the legislature of any compacting state, the obligations, duties, powers, or jurisdiction
sought to be conferred by such provision upon the Interstate Commission shall be ineffective
and such obligations, duties, powers, or jurisdiction shall remain in the compacting
state and shall be exercised by the agency thereof to which such obligations, duties,
powers, or jurisdiction is delegated by law in effect at the time this compact becomes
effective. (Added 1999, No. 90 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 27, 2000.)