An act relating to technical corrections for the 2025 legislative session
Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
14 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 4 costs, 5 mixed.
No deductible for qualifying vehicle claims
Vermont's required uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage pays qualifying property-damage claims without a deductible. The damage must come from an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run vehicle. The claim must be legally recoverable and must not be for direct damages. Payment is limited to $10,000 per claim.
Youth diversion access and privacy conditions
Adult and juvenile diversion programs must accept cases referred by the Youth Substance Awareness Safety Program, despite contrary laws. A notice of violation stays confidential unless the person fails to register with or complete the program. The related rule also covers cases under 18 V.S.A. § 4230f(e)(1) and (2).
Injured workers keep control of lawsuits
Other interested parties can join an injured worker's lawsuit against a third party under Vermont's workers' compensation law. The injured worker keeps direction and control of the lawsuit.
Drug-impaired snowmobile driving is banned
A person cannot operate, attempt to operate, or physically control a snowmobile when drugs make safe operation impossible. The same ban applies when alcohol and another drug together prevent safe operation. It covers Vermont lands, waters, and public highways.
Emergency drivers can bypass turn rules
Qualifying emergency vehicle drivers can disregard local direction and turning rules while answering emergency calls or responding to fire alarms. The exception does not cover returning from a fire alarm. Law enforcement officers can also use it during fresh pursuit of a suspected law violator.
Careful employers gain protection from penalties
A covered employer avoids a penalty for an unknown failure if it used reasonable care to meet chapter 19 requirements. This standard applies across 3 V.S.A. chapter 19, rather than only the previously referenced subsection.
Municipal workers face union recognition limits
A municipal employer can voluntarily recognize an employee organization only when it has majority support in the proposed group. No rival organization can be seeking to represent the same workers, jobs, or positions. The proposed bargaining group must also meet 21 V.S.A. § 1724(c). The employer is not required to grant voluntary recognition.
New qualification rules for commercial drivers
Beginning May 13, 2025, commercial licenses follow the expiration rule in 23 V.S.A. § 601; renewal applicants must update information and certifications. To retain a hazardous materials endorsement, applicants must pass its written test and successfully complete the federal security threat assessment. An adverse initial or final Transportation Security Administration decision served on the applicant requires endorsement denial or revocation within 15 days. School bus endorsement applicants must show knowledge of state and federal laws and rules for safely crossing railroad tracks.
Limits on defendants' pretrial supervision placement
A judge can order pretrial supervision as a release condition only for defendants meeting 13 V.S.A. § 7555(d)(2)–(3). This limit applies whether the judge is addressing flight risk or public safety.
Employers face tighter unemployment rate rules
For unemployment contribution rates and employer experience transfers, an attempt to violate the rules includes intentional nondisclosure. Intent to evade and misrepresentation also count. The law does not state a new rate or penalty amount.
Weekly unemployment rules for job seekers
You are totally unemployed for a week when you perform no services and earn no wages. For partial unemployment, you must work less than full time and have counted wages below your full weekly benefit amount. Counted wages exclude the amount specified in 21 V.S.A. § 1338a; the remaining amount is rounded up to the next dollar. A week of unemployment starts after registration at an employment office, unless the Employment Security Board sets another rule.
Local driving rules gain legal clarity
Municipal bodies can set driving, vehicle use, parking, and lighting rules, plus temporary traffic controls for public events or town roadwork. Required signs must be clearly posted; local rules cannot duplicate or contradict state motor vehicle law. State highway parking rules need Traffic Committee approval. Local speed limits adopted under 23 V.S.A. § 1007(a) or (b) are ordinances with the force of law. The Traffic Committee reviews those speed limits, and its decision is final.
Airport property takings follow required procedures
Vermont local governments must follow 19 V.S.A. chapter 5 procedures when taking covered airport-related property interests through condemnation. These interests include air rights, navigation easements, and other airport-related property interests. The rule applies when the property, affected structure, or use is local, or the government owns or is served by the airport.
Heavy freight truck definition changes scope
For 19 V.S.A. §§ 415, 420, and 421, a motor truck has a gross weight of at least 18,000 pounds. It must also be designed and used to carry merchandise or freight. Section 416 is no longer listed among the sections using this definition.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
There is no primary sponsor on record.
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
House message: Governor approved bill on May 13, 2025
5/14/2025HouseSigned by Governor on May 13, 2025
5/13/2025HouseDelivered to Governor on May 7, 2025
5/7/2025HouseHouse message: House concurred in Senate proposal of amendment
5/1/2025HouseSenate proposal of amendment concurred in
4/30/2025HouseAction Calendar: Action postponed until 4/30/2025
4/30/2025HouseRep. Hooper of Burlington moved to postpone action until 4/30/2025, which was agreed to
4/29/2025HouseAction Calendar: Unfinished Business
4/29/2025HouseAction Calendar: Senate Proposal of Amendment
4/28/2025HouseNotice Calendar: Senate Proposal of Amendment
4/25/2025HouseSenate Message: Passed in concurrence with proposal of amendment
4/24/2025SenateRead 3rd time & passed in concurrence with proposal of amendment
4/23/2025SenateNew Business/Third Reading
4/23/2025Senate3rd reading ordered
4/22/2025SenateProposal of amendment by Committee on Government Operations agreed to
4/22/2025SenateRead 2nd time, reported favorably with proposal of amendment by Senator Clarkson for Committee on Government Operations
4/22/2025SenateFavorable report with proposal of amendment by Committee on Government Operations
4/22/2025SenateUnfinished Business/Second Reading
4/22/2025SenateFavorable report with proposal of amendment by Committee on Government Operations
4/18/2025SenateUnfinished Business/Second Reading
4/18/2025SenateFavorable report with proposal of amendment by Committee on Government Operations
4/17/2025SenateNew Business/Second Reading
4/17/2025SenateFavorable report with proposal of amendment by Committee on Government Operations
4/16/2025SenateSecond Reading
4/16/2025SenateEntered on Notice Calendar
4/16/2025Senate
Bill Text
As Enacted (ACT 18)Opens in a new window
5/21/2025
As Passed by Both Chambers
5/6/2025
As Passed by Both Chambers (Unofficial)
5/6/2025
Senate Proposal of Amendment
4/25/2025
Senate Proposal of Amendment (Unofficial)
4/25/2025
As Passed by the House
3/20/2025
As Passed by the House (Unofficial)
3/20/2025
As Introduced
3/11/2025
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