Bill > S0151

This bill creates a new legal mechanism to protect unpaid volunteers working for nonprofit organizations or governmental entities from what the bill describes as meritless lawsuits. Under this legislation, a defendant can file a "special motion to strike" in a lawsuit arising from their volunteer work, which automatically stays (pauses) all legal discovery proceedings. The court must grant this motion unless the plaintiff can prove that the defendant was acting outside their volunteer responsibilities or caused harm through recklessness, gross negligence, or intentional misconduct. If the court grants the motion, the defendant will be awarded costs and attorney's fees, and if the court finds the plaintiff's lawsuit was frivolous, the plaintiff will be required to pay the defendant's legal costs. The bill defines "uncompensated volunteer work" as services performed where the volunteer receives no compensation beyond $500 per year or reasonable expense reimbursement. The legislation explicitly does not apply to state enforcement actions, criminal proceedings, or certain healthcare-related cases. Additionally, by 2026, the Court Administrator must report to the state legislature on the frequency and outcomes of these special motions to strike, indicating a desire to evaluate the law's effectiveness.

Justice

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.151