VermontS.452025-2026 SessionSenateWALLET

An act relating to protection from nuisance suits for agricultural activities

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Stronger protections from farm nuisance suits

Beginning July 1, 2025, farm operations get a legal presumption they are not a nuisance. The presumption applies when the activity follows federal, State, and local laws, uses accepted farm practices, started before nearby non‑farm uses, and has not changed much since. A neighbor who sues must first prove the farm was not using accepted practices, and then prove the rest of the nuisance claim. The protection does not apply if the harm comes from negligent operation, serious health or safety harms shown by objective medical or scientific evidence, or a noxious, significant interference with a neighbor’s use. The law defines accepted practices and what counts as agricultural activity, and lets operators show good standing with letters from State agencies.

Mediation required before suing a farm

Beginning July 1, 2025, you must try mediation before suing over a farm nuisance. The mediator cost is split equally unless you agree otherwise. You may agree to binding arbitration and share that cost. Anyone who files a suit must give the court a sworn statement showing they tried mediation.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Sen. Samuel Douglass
Affiliation unavailable

Cosponsors

Alison Clarkson
Democratic • Senate
Andrew J Perchlik
Democrat/Progressive • Senate
Ann E Cummings
Democratic • Senate
Anne E Watson
Democrat/Progressive • Senate
Brian P Collamore
Republican • Senate
Christopher P Mattos
Republican • Senate
David H Weeks
Republican • Senate
Joseph "Joe" D Major
Democratic • Senate
Sen. Larry Hart
Affiliation unavailable
Martine Larocque L Gulick
Democratic • Senate
Patrick "Pat" M Brennan
Republican • Senate
Randy D Brock
Republican • Senate
Rebecca "Becca" E White
Democratic • Senate
Richard A Westman
Republican • Senate
Robert W Norris
Republican • Senate
Scott L Beck
Republican • Senate
Steven Heffernan
Republican • Senate
Terry K Williams
Republican • Senate
Thomas I Chittenden
Democratic • Senate
Virginia "Ginny" V Lyons
Democratic • Senate
Wendy K Harrison
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 25 • No: 5

Senate vote • 3/18/2025

3rd reading ordered on roll call Passed -- Needed 15 of 30 to Pass -- Yeas = 25, Nays = 5

Yes: 25 • No: 5

Actions Timeline

Senate Message: Signed by Governor June 12, 2025
6/13/2025House
Signed by Governor on June 12, 2025
6/13/2025Senate
Delivered to Governor on June 6, 2025
6/6/2025Senate
Senate Message: Report of Committee of Conference adopted
5/30/2025House
Rules suspended & ordered delivered to Governor forthwith, on motion of Senator Baruth
5/30/2025Senate
As passed by Senate and House
5/30/2025Senate
Committee of Conference report adopted
5/30/2025Senate
Committee of Conference report submitted by Senator Norris for Committee, text
5/30/2025Senate
Rules suspended & taken up for immediate consideration, on motion of Senator Baruth
5/30/2025Senate
House message: House adopted Conference Committee report
5/30/2025Senate
Rules suspended and bill messaged forthwith to the Senate as moved by Rep. McCoy of Poultney
5/30/2025House
Committee of Conference report adopted (Senate bill)
5/30/2025House
Rules suspended and taken up for immediate consideration, pending entry on Notice Calendar, as moved by Rep. McCoy of Poultney
5/30/2025House
House message: House appointed Conference Committee members
5/30/2025Senate
Speaker appointed Reps. Durfee of Shaftsbury, LaLonde of South Burlington, and Morgan, L. of Milton as members of the Committee of Conference on the part of the House
5/30/2025House
Senate Message: House proposal of amendment not concurred in and Committee of Conference appointed
5/29/2025House
Rules suspended & messaged to House forthwith, on motion of Senator Baruth
5/29/2025Senate
Committee of Conference appointed: Senators Norris, Plunkett, and Ingalls
5/29/2025Senate
House proposal of amendment not concurred in; Committee of Conference requested, on motion of Senator Hashim
5/29/2025Senate
House proposal of amendment; text
5/29/2025Senate
Rules suspended & taken up for immediate consideration, on motion of Senator Baruth
5/29/2025Senate
House proposal of amendment
5/29/2025Senate
Entered on Notice Calendar
5/29/2025Senate
House message: House passed bill in concurrence with proposal(s) of amendment
5/28/2025Senate
Rules suspended and bill messaged forthwith to the Senate as moved by Rep. McCoy of Poultney
5/28/2025House

Bill Text

As Enacted (ACT 61)
6/18/2025
PDF
As Passed by Both Chambers
6/3/2025
PDF
As Passed by Both Chambers (Unofficial)
6/3/2025
PDF
House Proposal of Amendment
5/28/2025
PDF
House Proposal of Amendment (Unofficial)
5/28/2025
PDF
As Passed by the Senate
3/20/2025
PDF
As Passed by the Senate (Unofficial)
3/20/2025
PDF
As Introduced
2/3/2025
PDF

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