Bill > H0044

This bill makes several modifications to Vermont's laws governing impaired driving and related legal procedures. The bill amends jurisdictional provisions for the Family Division of the Superior Court, expanding its authority to handle certain motor vehicle offense proceedings and clarifying the handling of commercial driver's license violations. It updates definitions and penalties related to operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including new provisions for blood sample collection with a warrant and enhanced penalties for high blood alcohol concentration. The bill also modifies reporting requirements for juvenile and youthful offender motor vehicle violations, ensuring that such adjudications are reported to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. Additionally, the bill creates an Impaired Driving Processing Task Force to study implied consent procedures during impaired driving investigations, with the goal of recommending ways to minimize investigation duration and streamline processing. The task force, composed of representatives from various judicial, law enforcement, and legal organizations, is required to submit a report with legislative recommendations by November 15, 2025, and will operate until February 1, 2026. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.44