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VermontH.8492025-2026 SessionHouse

An act relating to a civil action for damages for deprivation of federal constitutional rights by any government official

Sponsored By: Martin J LaLonde (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Sue in Vermont over constitutional violations

Beginning July 1, 2026, Vermont citizens and anyone in Vermont can sue in state court if a government official, acting under law, deprives them of rights under the U.S. Constitution. You can seek money damages or a court order. “Color of law” includes actions under U.S., state, territory, or D.C. law. Vermont courts follow how federal courts interpret section 1983 when reading this rule.

Defenses and limits for officials sued

Beginning July 1, 2026, defendants in these Vermont civil-rights suits can use the same defenses available under federal section 1983. This does not create or change qualified or absolute immunity in other Vermont cases. Courts usually cannot issue injunctions against judges for acts taken as judges, unless a declaratory decree was violated or declaratory relief was unavailable.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Martin J LaLonde

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 120 • No: 46

Senate vote • 4/14/2026

3rd reading ordered on roll call Passed -- Needed 15 of 30 to Pass -- Yeas = 23, Nays = 7

Yes: 23 • No: 7

House vote • 3/12/2026

Which was agreed to on a Roll Call Passed -- Needed 68 of 136 to Pass -- Yeas = 97, Nays = 39

Yes: 97 • No: 39 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. House message: Governor allowed to become law without signature on April 27, 2026

    4/29/2026Senate

  2. Allowed to become law without the signature of the Governor on April 27, 2026

    4/28/2026House

  3. Delivered to the Governor on April 21, 2026

    4/21/2026House

  4. Senate Message: Passed in concurrence

    4/16/2026House

  5. Read 3rd time & passed in concurrence

    4/15/2026Senate

  6. New Business/Third Reading

    4/15/2026Senate

  7. 3rd reading ordered on roll call Passed -- Needed 15 of 30 to Pass -- Yeas = 23, Nays = 7

    4/14/2026Senate

  8. Reported favorably by Senator Hashim for Committee on Judiciary

    4/14/2026Senate

  9. Read 2nd time

    4/14/2026Senate

  10. Favorable report by Committee on Judiciary

    4/14/2026Senate

  11. Second Reading

    4/14/2026Senate

  12. Favorable report by Committee on Judiciary

    4/10/2026Senate

  13. Second Reading

    4/10/2026Senate

  14. Entered on Notice Calendar

    4/10/2026Senate

  15. Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Judiciary

    3/18/2026Senate

  16. Read third time and passed

    3/13/2026House

  17. Action Calendar: Third Reading

    3/13/2026House

  18. Third Reading ordered

    3/12/2026House

  19. Which was agreed to on a Roll Call Passed -- Needed 68 of 136 to Pass -- Yeas = 97, Nays = 39

    3/12/2026House

  20. Report of Committee on Judiciary agreed to

    3/12/2026House

  21. Rep. Houghton of Essex Junction demanded yeas and nays

    3/12/2026House

  22. Rep. LaLonde of South Burlington reported for the Committee on Judiciary

    3/12/2026House

  23. Read second time

    3/12/2026House

  24. Action Calendar: Favorable with Amendment

    3/12/2026House

  25. Notice Calendar: Favorable with Amendment

    3/11/2026House

Bill Text

  • As Enacted (ACT 87)

    5/7/2026

    PDF

  • As Passed by Both Chambers

    4/20/2026

    PDF

  • As Passed by Both Chambers (Unofficial)

    4/20/2026

    PDF

  • As Passed by the House

    3/16/2026

    PDF

  • As Passed by the House (Unofficial)

    3/16/2026

    PDF

  • As Introduced

    2/2/2026

    PDF

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