BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.44
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H.44
IntroducedbyRepresentativesLaLondeofSouthBurlingtonandBurdittof
WestRutland
ReferredtoCommitteeon
Date:
Subject:Judiciary;motorvehicles;impaireddriving;reporting
Statementofpurposeofbillasintroduced:Thisbillproposestomake
miscellaneouschangestothelawsgoverningimpaireddriving.Specifically,
thisbillproposeslanguagethattheFamilyDivisionoftheSuperiorCourt
reportsadjudicationsofdelinquenciesandyouthfuloffenderviolationsrelated
toimpaireddrivingtotheCommissionerofMotorVehicles.Further,thisbill
proposestoaligntheimpaireddrivingstatutessothatapersonwhoseblood
alcoholcontentisatthelegallimitisconsideredaviolation.Additionally,this
billproposeslanguagethataperson’srefusaltocomplywithawarrantfora
bloodsamplecouldbeprosecutedasaDUIrefusalcriminalcharge.Finally,
thisbillproposestoadddefinitionsforcertaintermsusedthroughoutthe
statutes.
Anactrelatingtomiscellaneousamendmentstothelawsgoverning
impaireddriving
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ItisherebyenactedbytheGeneralAssemblyoftheStateofVermont:
Sec.1.4V.S.A.§ 33isamendedtoread:
§33.JURISDICTION;FAMILYDIVISION
(a)Notwithstandinganyotherprovisionoflawtothecontrary,theFamily
Divisionshallhaveexclusivejurisdictiontohearanddisposeofthefollowing
proceedingsfiledorpendingonorafterOctober1,1990:
***
(8)Alljuvenileproceedingsfiledpursuantto33V.S.A.chapters51,52,
52A,and53,includingproceedingsinvolving“youthfuloffenders”pursuantto
33V.S.A.§5281whetherthematteroriginatedintheCriminalorFamily
DivisionoftheSuperiorCourt,exceptforaproceedingchargingtheholderof
acommercialdriver’slicenseasdefinedin23V.S.A.§4103withanoffense
orviolationlistedin23V.S.A.§4116thatwouldresultinthelicenseholder
beingdisqualifiedfromdrivingacommercialmotorvehicleifconvicted.
***
(b)TheFamilyDivisionoftheSuperiorCourthasjurisdictiontohearand
disposeofproceedingsinvolvingmisdemeanormotorvehicleoffensesfiledor
pendingonorafterJuly1,2016,pursuantto33V.S.A.§§5201,5203,and
5280,and5281.TheFamilyDivisionoftheSuperiorCourtshallforwarda
recordofanyconvictionforviolationofalawrelatedtomotorvehicletraffic
control,otherthanaparkingviolation,totheCommissionerofMotorVehicles
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pursuantto23V.S.A.§1709.Asusedinthissubsection,“conviction”hasthe
samemeaningasin23V.S.A.§ 4(60).
Sec.2.23V.S.A.chapter13,subchapter13isamendedtoread:
Subchapter13.DrunkenDriving
§1200.DEFINITIONS
Asusedinthissubchapter:
***
(11)“Seriousbodilyinjury”hasthesamemeaningasin13V.S.A.
§ 1021(2).
§1201.OPERATINGVEHICLEUNDERTHEINFLUENCEOF
ALCOHOLOROTHERSUBSTANCE;CRIMINALREFUSAL;
ENHANCEDPENALTYFORBACOF0.16ORMORE
(a)Apersonshallnotoperate,attempttooperate,orbeinactualphysical
controlofanyvehicleonahighway:
(1)whentheperson’salcoholconcentrationis:
(A)0.08ormore;or
(B)0.02ormoreifthepersonisoperatingaschoolbusasdefinedin
subdivision4(34)ofthistitle;or
(C)0.04ormoreifthepersonisoperatingacommercialvehicleas
definedinsubdivision4103(4)ofthistitle;or
(2)whenthepersonisundertheinfluenceofalcohol;or
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(3)whenthepersonisundertheinfluenceofanyotherdrugorunder
thecombinedinfluenceofalcoholandanyotherdrug.
(b)(1)Apersonwhohaspreviouslybeenconvictedofaviolationofthis
sectionshallnotoperate,attempttooperate,orbeinactualphysicalcontrolof
anyvehicleonahighwayandrefusealawenforcementofficer’sreasonable
requestunderthecircumstancesforanevidentiarytestwheretheofficerhad
reasonablegroundstobelievethepersonwasinviolationofsubsection(a)of
thissection.
(2)Apersonshallnotrefusetocomplywithasearchwarrantissued
pursuanttosubsection1202(f)ofthistitle.Thissubdivision(2)shallnotbe
construedasimpairingaperson’srighttochallengethevalidityofasearch
warrantinanysubsequentlegalproceedings.
(c)Apersonshallnotoperate,attempttooperate,orbeinactualphysical
controlofanyvehicleonahighwayandbeinvolvedinacrashorcollision
resultinginseriousbodilyinjuryordeathtoanotherandrefusealaw
enforcementofficer’sreasonablerequestunderthecircumstancesforan
evidentiarytestwheretheofficerhasreasonablegroundstobelievetheperson
hasanyamountofalcoholordrugsinhisorhertheperson’ssystem.
(d)(1)Apersonwhoisconvictedofasecondorsubsequentviolationof
subsection(a),(b),or(c)ofthissectionwhentheperson’salcohol
concentrationisproventobe0.16ormoreshallnot,forthreeyearsfromthe
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dateoftheconvictionforwhichtheperson’salcoholconcentrationis0.16or
more,operate,attempttooperate,orbeinactualphysicalcontrolofany
vehicleonahighwaywhentheperson’salcoholconcentrationis0.02ormore.
Theprohibitionimposedbythissubsectionshallbeinadditiontoanyother
penaltiesimposedbylaw.
(2)Apersonshallnotoperate,attempttooperate,orbeinactual
physicalcontrolofanyvehicleonahighwaywhentheperson’salcohol
concentrationis0.02ormoreifthepersonhaspreviouslybeenconvictedofa
secondorsubsequentviolationofsubsection(a),(b),or(c)ofthissection
withintheprecedingthreeyearsandtheperson’salcoholconcentrationforthe
secondorsubsequentviolationwasproventobe0.16orgreater.Aviolation
ofthissubsectionshallbeconsideredathirdorsubsequentviolationofthis
sectionandshallbesubjecttothepenaltiesofsubsection1210(d)ofthistitle.
(e)Thefactthatapersonchargedwithaviolationofthissectionisorhas
beenentitledtouseadrugunderthelawsofthisStateshallnotconstitutea
defenseagainstanychargeofviolatingthissection.
(f)Apersonmaynotbeconvictedofmorethanoneviolationofsubsection
(a)ofthissectionarisingoutofthesameincident.
(g)Forpurposesofthissectionandsection1205ofthistitle,thedefendant
mayassertasanaffirmativedefensethatthepersonwasnotoperating,
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attemptingtooperate,orinactualphysicalcontrolofthevehiclebecausethe
person:
(1)hadnointentionofplacingthevehicleinmotion;and
(2)hadnotplacedthevehicleinmotionwhileundertheinfluence.
(h)Asusedinsubdivision(a)(3)ofthissection,“undertheinfluenceofa
drug”meansthataperson’sabilitytooperateamotorvehiclesafelyis
diminishedorimpairedintheslightestdegree.Thissubsectionshallnotbe
construedtoaffectthemeaningoftheterm“undertheinfluenceofalcohol.”
(i)Evidenceoftheresultsofastandardizedfieldsobrietytestconductedby
alawenforcementofficertrainedinAdvancedRoadsideImpairedDriving
EnforcementoracertifiedDrugRecognitionExpert’ssystematicevaluationof
observablesignsandsymptomsofapersonchargedwithaviolationofthis
sectionshallbepresumptivelyadmissibleattrialtodemonstratewhetheror
notthepersonwasoperatingundertheinfluenceinviolationofthissection.
***
§1202.CONSENTTOTAKINGOFTESTSTODETERMINEBLOOD
ALCOHOLCONTENTORPRESENCEOFOTHERDRUG
(a)(1)Impliedconsent.Everypersonwhooperates,attemptstooperate,or
isinactualphysicalcontrolofanyvehicleonahighwayinthisStateis
deemedtohavegivenconsenttoanevidentiarytestofthatperson’sbreathfor
thepurposeofdeterminingtheperson’salcoholconcentrationorthepresence
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ofotherdrugintheblood.Thetestshallbeadministeredatthedirectionofa
lawenforcementofficer.
(2)Bloodtest.Ifbreathtestingequipmentisnotreasonablyavailableor
iftheofficerhasreasontobelievethatthepersonisunabletogiveasufficient
sampleofbreathfortestingorifthelawenforcementofficerhasreasonable
groundstobelievethatthepersonisundertheinfluenceofadrugotherthan
alcohol,thepersonisdeemedtohavegivenconsenttothetakingofan
evidentiarysampleofblood.Ifintheofficer’sopinionthepersonisincapable
ofdecisionorunconsciousordead,itisdeemedthattheperson’sconsentis
givenandasampleofbloodshallbetaken.Abloodtestsoughtpursuantto
thissubdivisionshallbeobtainedpursuanttosubsection(f)ofthissection.
(3)Salivatest.Ifthelawenforcementofficerhasreasonablegroundsto
believethatthepersonisundertheinfluenceofadrugotherthanalcohol,or
underthecombinedinfluenceofalcoholandadrug,thepersonisdeemedto
havegivenconsenttoprovidingofanevidentiarysampleofsaliva.Asaliva
testsoughtpursuanttothissubdivisionshallbeobtainedpursuantto
subsection(f)ofthissection.Anysalivatestadministeredunderthissection
shallbeusedonlyforthelimitedpurposeofdetectingthepresenceofadrug
intheperson’sbodyandshallnotbeusedtoextractDNAinformation.
(4)Evidentiarytest.Theevidentiarytestshallberequiredofaperson
whenalawenforcementofficerhasreasonablegroundstobelievethatthe
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personwasoperating,attemptingtooperate,orinactualphysicalcontrolofa
vehicleinviolationofsection1201ofthistitle.
(5)Fatalcollisionorincidentresultinginseriousbodilyinjury.The
evidentiarytestshallalsoberequiredifthepersonisthesurvivingoperatorof
amotorvehicleinvolvedinafatalincidentorcollisionoranincidentor
collisionresultinginseriousbodilyinjuryandthelawenforcementofficerhas
reasonablegroundstobelievethatthepersonhasanyamountofalcoholor
otherdruginhisorhertheperson’ssystem.
***
(d)Atthetimeatestisrequested,thepersonshallbeinformedofthe
followingstatutoryinformation:
(1)Vermontlawauthorizesalawenforcementofficertorequestatestto
determinewhetherthepersonisundertheinfluenceofalcoholorotherdrug.
(2)Iftheofficer’srequestisreasonableandtestingisrefused,the
person’slicenseorprivilegetooperatewillbesuspendedforatleastsix
months.
(3)Ifatestistakenandtheresultsindicatethatthepersonisunderthe
influenceofalcoholorotherdrug,thepersonwillbesubjecttocriminal
chargesandtheperson’slicenseorprivilegetooperatewillbesuspendedfor
atleast90days.
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(4)Apersonwhoisrequestedbyalawenforcementofficertosubmitto
anevidentiarytestortestshasthelimitedrighttoconsultanattorneybefore
decidingwhetherornottosubmittosuchatestortests.Thepersonmust
decidewhetherornottosubmittotheevidentiarytestortestswithina
reasonabletimeandnotlaterthan30minutesfromthetimeoftheinitial
attempttocontacttheattorney,regardlessofwhetheraconsultationtookplace.
Thepersonalsohastherighttohaveadditionaltestsmadebysomeoneofthe
person’sownchoosingattheperson’sownexpense.Thepersonshallalsobe
informedofthelocationofoneormorefacilitiesavailablefordrawingblood.
(5)Apersonwhoisrequestedbyalawenforcementofficertosubmitto
anevidentiarytestadministeredwithaninfraredbreath-testinginstrumentmay
electtohaveasecondinfraredtestadministeredimmediatelyafterreceiving
theresultsofthefirsttest.
(6)Ifthepersonrefusestotakeanevidentiarytest,therefusalmaybe
offeredintoevidenceagainstthepersonattrial,whetherornotasearch
warrantissought.Thepersonmaybechargedwiththecrimeofcriminal
refusaliftheperson:
(A)haspreviouslybeenconvictedofaviolationofsection1201of
thistitle;or
(B)isinvolvedinacrashorcollisionresultinginseriousbodily
injuryordeathtoanother,inwhichcasethecourtmayissueasearchwarrant
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andorderthepersontosubmittoabloodtest,theresultsofwhichmaybe
offeredintoevidenceagainstthepersonattrial;or
(C)refusestocomplywithasearchwarrantthatisobtainedbyalaw
enforcementofficerpursuanttosubsection(f)ofthissection.
(e)Inanyproceedingunderthissubchapter,alawenforcementofficer’s
testimonythatheorshetheofficeriscertifiedpursuanttosection20V.S.A.§
2358shallbeprimafacieevidenceofthatfact.
(f)(1)Ifabloodtestissoughtfromapersonpursuanttosubdivision(a)(2)
ofthissection,orifapersonwhohasbeeninvolvedinacrashorcollision
resultinginseriousbodilyinjuryordeathtoanotherrefusesanevidentiary
test,alawenforcementofficermayapplyforasearchwarrantpursuantto
Rule41oftheVermontRulesofCriminalProceduretoobtainasampleof
bloodforanevidentiarytest.Pursuanttosubdivision(d)(6)ofthissection,if
abloodsampleisobtainedbysearchwarrant,thefactoftherefusalmaystill
beintroducedinevidence,inadditiontotheresultsoftheevidentiarytest.
Oncealawenforcementofficialbeginstheapplicationprocessforasearch
warrant,thelawenforcementofficialisnotobligatedtodiscontinuethe
processevenifthepersonlateragreestoprovideanevidentiarysample.The
limitationcreatedbyRule41(g)oftheVermontRulesofCriminalProcedure
regardingbloodspecimensshallnotapplytosearchwarrantsauthorizedby
thissection.
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(2)Ifanevidentiarysalivatestissoughtfromapersonpursuantto
subdivision(a)(3)ofthissection,alawenforcementofficermayapplyfora
searchwarrantpursuanttoRule41oftheVermontRulesofCriminal
Proceduretoobtainasampleofsalivafortheevidentiarytest.Pursuantto
subdivision(d)(6)ofthissection,ifasalivasampleisobtainedbysearch
warrant,thefactoftherefusalmaystillbeintroducedinevidence,inaddition
totheresultsoftheevidentiarytest.
(g)TheDefenderGeneralshallprovidestatewide24-hourcoverageseven
daysaweektoensurethatadequatelegalservicesareavailabletopersons
entitledtoconsultanattorneyunderthissection.
***
§1205.CIVILSUSPENSION;SUMMARYPROCEDURE
(a)Refusal;alcoholconcentrationatorabovelegallimits;suspension
periods.
***
(2)Uponaffidavitofalawenforcementofficerthattheofficerhad
reasonablegroundstobelievethatthepersonwasoperating,attemptingto
operate,orinactualphysicalcontrolofavehicleinviolationofsection1201
ofthistitleandthatthepersonsubmittedtoatestandthetestresultsindicated
thattheperson’salcoholconcentrationwasatorabovealimitspecifiedin
subsection1201(a)ofthistitle,atthetimeofoperating,attemptingtooperate,
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orbeinginactualphysicalcontrol,theCommissionershallsuspendthe
person’soperatinglicenseornonresidentoperatingprivilegeortheprivilege
ofanunlicensedoperatortooperateavehicleforaperiodof90daysanduntil
thepersoncomplieswithsection1209aofthistitle.However,duringthe
suspension,aneligiblepersonmayoperateunderthetermsofanignition
interlockRDLorignitioninterlockcertificateissuedpursuanttosection1213
ofthistitle.
***
(b)Formofofficer’saffidavit.Alawenforcementofficer’saffidavitin
supportofasuspensionunderthissectionshallbeinastandardizedformfor
usethroughouttheStateandshallbesufficientifitcontainsthefollowing
statements:
(1)Theofficerisacertifiedlawenforcementofficer.
(2)Theofficerwhoadministeredthetestwascertifiedtooperatethe
testingequipment.
(3)Theofficerhadreasonablegroundstobelievethepersonwas
operating,attemptingtooperate,orinactualphysicalcontrolofavehiclein
violationofsection1201ofthistitle(notingthetimeanddateofoperating,
attemptingtooperate,orbeinginactualphysicalcontrol).
(4)Theofficerinformedthepersonofhisorhertheperson’srights
undersubsection1202(d)ofthistitle.
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(5)Theofficerobtainedanevidentiarytest(notingthetimeanddatethe
testwastaken)andthetestindicatedthattheperson’salcoholconcentration
wasatorabovealegallimitspecifiedinsubsection1201(a)or(d)ofthistitle,
orthepersonrefusedtosubmittoanevidentiarytest.
(6)TheofficercompliedwiththeServicemembersCivilReliefAct,
codifiedat50U.S.C.chapter50.
(7)Theofficerconfirmedtheperson’scorrectmailingaddress.
(c)Noticeofsuspension.OnbehalfoftheCommissionerofMotor
Vehicles,alawenforcementofficerrequestingordirectingtheadministration
ofanevidentiarytestshallservenoticeofintentiontosuspendandof
suspensiononapersonwhorefusestosubmittoanevidentiarytestorona
personwhosubmitstoatesttheresultsofwhichindicatethattheperson’s
alcoholconcentrationwasatorabovealegallimitspecifiedinsubsection
1201(a)or(d)ofthistitle,atthetimeofoperating,attemptingtooperate,or
beinginactualphysicalcontrolofavehicleinviolationofsection1201ofthis
title.Thenoticeshallbesignedbythelawenforcementofficerrequestingthe
test.AcopyofthenoticeshallbesenttotheCommissionerofMotor
Vehicles,andacopyshallbemailedorgiventothedefendantwithinthree
businessdaysafterthedatetheofficerreceivestheresultsofthetest.If
mailed,thenoticeisdeemedreceivedthreedaysaftermailingtotheaddress
providedbythedefendanttothelawenforcementofficer.Acopyofthe
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affidavitofthelawenforcementofficershallalsobemailedbyfirst-classmail
orgiventothedefendantandtheCommissionerofMotorVehicleswithin
sevendaysafterthedateofnotice.
***
(f)ReviewbySuperiorCourt.Withinsevendaysfollowingreceiptofa
noticeofintentiontosuspendandofsuspension,apersonmaymakearequest
forahearingbeforetheSuperiorCourtbymailingordeliveringtheform
providedwiththenotice.Therequestshallbemailedordeliveredtothe
CommissionerofMotorVehicles,whoshallthennotifytheCriminalDivision
oftheSuperiorCourtthatahearinghasbeenrequestedandprovidethe
CriminalDivisionandtheState’sAttorneywithacopyofthenoticeof
intentiontosuspendandofsuspensionandtheofficer’saffidavit.
***
(h)Finalhearing.
(1)Ifthedefendantrequestsahearingonthemerits,thecourtshall
scheduleafinalhearingonthemeritstobeheldwithin21daysafterthedate
ofthepreliminaryhearing.Innoeventmayafinalhearingoccurmorethan
42daysafterthedateoftheallegedoffensewithouttheconsentofthe
defendantorforgoodcauseshown.Thefinalhearingmayonlybecontinued
bytheconsentofthedefendantorforgoodcauseshown.Theissuesatthe
finalhearingshallbelimitedtothefollowing:
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(A)Whetherthelawenforcementofficerhadreasonablegroundsto
believethepersonwasoperating,attemptingtooperate,orinactualphysical
controlofavehicleinviolationofsection1201ofthistitle.
(B)Whetheratthetimeoftherequestfortheevidentiarytestthe
officerinformedthepersonoftheperson’srightsandtheconsequencesof
takingandrefusingthetestsubstantiallyassetoutinsubsection1202(d)of
thistitle.
(C)Whetherthepersonrefusedtopermitthetest.
(D)Whetherthetestwastakenandthetestresultsindicatedthatthe
person’salcoholconcentrationwasatorabovealegallimitspecifiedin
subsection1201(a)or(d)ofthistitle,atthetimeofoperating,attemptingto
operate,orbeinginactualphysicalcontrolofavehicleinviolationofsection
1201ofthistitle,whetherthetestingmethodsusedwerevalidandreliable,
andwhetherthetestresultswereaccurateandaccuratelyevaluated.Evidence
thatthetestwastakenandevaluatedincompliancewithrulesadoptedbythe
DepartmentofPublicSafetyshallbeprimafacieevidencethatthetesting
methodsusedwerevalidandreliableandthatthetestresultsareaccurateand
wereaccuratelyevaluated.
(E)Whethertherequirementsofsection1202ofthistitlewere
compliedwith.
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(2)Nolessthansevendaysbeforethefinalhearing,andsubjecttothe
requirementsofVermontRuleofCivilProcedure11,thedefendantshall
providetotheStateandfilewiththecourtalistoftheissues(limitedtothe
issuessetforthinthissubsection)thatthedefendantintendstoraise.Only
evidencethatisrelevanttoanissuelistedbythedefendantmayberaisedby
thedefendantatthefinalhearing.Thedefendantshallnotbepermittedto
raiseanyotherevidenceatthefinalhearing,andallotherevidenceshallbe
inadmissible.
(i)Findingbythecourt.Thecourtshallelectronicallyforwardareportof
thehearingtotheCommissioner.Uponafindingbythecourtthatthelaw
enforcementofficerhadreasonablegroundstobelievethatthepersonwas
operating,attemptingtooperate,orinactualphysicalcontrolofavehiclein
violationofsection1201ofthistitleandthatthepersonrefusedtosubmittoa
test,oruponafindingbythecourtthatthelawenforcementofficerhad
reasonablegroundstobelievethatthepersonwasoperating,attemptingto
operate,orinactualphysicalcontrolofavehicleinviolationofsection1201
ofthistitleandthatthepersonsubmittedtoatestandthetestresultsindicated
thattheperson’salcoholconcentrationwasatorabovealegallimitspecified
insubsection1201(a)or(d)ofthistitle,atthetimethepersonwasoperating,
attemptingtooperate,orinactualphysicalcontrol,theperson’soperating
license,ornonresidentoperatingprivilege,ortheprivilegeofanunlicensed
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operatortooperateavehicleshallbesuspendedorshallremainsuspendedfor
therequiredtermanduntilthepersoncomplieswithsection1209aofthistitle.
Uponafindinginfavoroftheperson,theCommissionershallcausethe
suspensiontobecanceledandremovedfromtherecord,withoutpaymentof
anyfee.
***
(n)Presumption.Inaproceedingunderthissection,ifatanytimewithin
twohoursofoperating,attemptingtooperate,orbeinginactualphysical
controlofavehicleapersonhadanalcoholconcentrationofatorabovea
legallimitspecifiedinsubsection1201(a)or(d)ofthistitle,itshallbea
rebuttablepresumptionthattheperson’salcoholconcentrationwasabovethe
applicablelimitatthetimeofoperating,attemptingtooperate,orbeingin
actualphysicalcontrol.
***
§1210.PENALTIES
***
(f)Deathresulting.
(1)Ifthedeathofanypersonresultsfromaviolationofsection1201of
thistitle,thepersonconvictedoftheviolationshallbefinednotmorethan
$10,000.00orimprisonednotlessthanoneyearnormorethan15years,or
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both.Theprovisionsofthissubsectiondonotlimitorrestrictprosecutionsfor
manslaughter.
(2)Ifthedeathorseriousbodilyinjuryofmorethanonepersonresults
fromaviolationofsection1201ofthistitle,theoperatormaybeconvictedof
aseparateviolationofthissubdivisionforeachdecedentorpersoninjured.
(3)(A)Ifthedeathofanypersonresultsfromaviolationofsection
1201ofthistitleandthepersonconvictedoftheviolationpreviouslyhasbeen
convictedtwoormoretimesofaviolationofthatsection,asentenceordered
pursuanttothissubsectionshall,exceptasprovidedinsubdivision(B)ofthis
subdivision(3),includeatleastafive-yeartermofimprisonment.Thefive-
yearminimumtermofimprisonmentrequiredbythissubdivision(3)(A)shall
beservedandmaynotbesuspended,deferred,orservedasasupervised
sentence.Thedefendantshallnotbeeligibleforprobation,parole,furlough,
oranyothertypeofearlyreleaseuntiltheexpirationofthefive-yeartermof
imprisonment.
(B)Notwithstandingsubdivision(A)ofthissubdivision(3),ifthe
deathorseriousbodilyinjuryofanypersonresultsfromaviolationofsection
1201ofthistitleandthepersonconvictedoftheviolationpreviouslyhasbeen
convictedtwoormoretimesofaviolationofthatsection,thecourtmay
imposeasentencethatdoesnotincludeatermofimprisonmentorthat
includesatermofimprisonmentoflessthanfiveyearsifthecourtmakes
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writtenfindingsontherecordthatsuchasentencewillservetheinterestsof
justiceandpublicsafety.
(g)Injuryresulting.
(1)Ifseriousbodilyinjury,asdefinedin13V.S.A.§1021(2),resultsto
anypersonotherthantheoperatorfromaviolationofsection1201ofthistitle,
thepersonconvictedoftheviolationshallbefinednotmorethan$5,000.00or
imprisonednotmorethan15years,orboth.
(2)Ifseriousbodilyinjuryasdefinedin13V.S.A.§1021(2)ordeath
resultstomorethanonepersonotherthantheoperatorfromaviolationof
section1201ofthistitle,theoperatormaybeconvictedofaseparateviolation
ofthissubdivisionforeachpersoninjuredordecedent.
(3)(A)Ifseriousbodilyinjuryasdefinedin13V.S.A.§1021(2)results
toanypersonotherthantheoperatorfromaviolationofsection1201ofthis
titleandthepersonconvictedoftheviolationpreviouslyhasbeenconvicted
twoormoretimesofaviolationofsection1201,asentenceorderedpursuant
tothissubsectionshall,exceptasprovidedinsubdivision(B)ofthis
subdivision(3),includeatleastafive-yeartermofimprisonment.Thefive-
yearminimumtermofimprisonmentrequiredbythissubdivision(3)(A)shall
beservedandmaynotbesuspended,deferred,orservedasasupervised
sentence.Thedefendantshallnotbeeligibleforprobation,parole,furlough,
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oranyothertypeofearlyreleaseuntiltheexpirationofthefive-yeartermof
imprisonment.
(B)Notwithstandingsubdivision(A)ofthissubdivision(3),if
seriousbodilyinjuryasdefinedin13V.S.A.§1021(2)resultstoanyperson
otherthantheoperatorfromaviolationofsection1201ofthistitleandthe
personconvictedoftheviolationpreviouslyhasbeenconvictedtwoormore
timesofaviolationofsection1201,thecourtmayimposeasentencethatdoes
notincludeatermofimprisonmentorthatincludesatermofimprisonmentof
lessthanfiveyearsifthecourtmakeswrittenfindingsontherecordthatsuch
asentencewillservetheinterestsofjusticeandpublicsafety.
***
Sec.3.33V.S.A.§ 5202isamendedtoread:
§5202.ORDEROFADJUDICATION;NONCRIMINAL
(a)(1)AnorderoftheFamilyDivisionoftheSuperiorCourtin
proceedingsunderthischaptershallnot:
(A)bedeemedaconvictionofcrime;
(B)imposeanycivildisabilitiessanctionsordinarilyresultingfroma
conviction;or
(C)operatetodisqualifythechildinanycivilserviceapplicationor
appointment.
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(2)Notwithstandingsubdivision(1)ofthissubsection,anorderof
delinquencyorestablishingyouthfuloffenderstatusinproceedingsconcerning
achildoryouthfuloffenderwhoisallegedtohavecommittedaviolationof
thosesectionsspecifiedin23V.S.A.§801(a)(1)shallbeaneventinaddition
tothosespecifiedtherein,enablingtheCommissionerofMotorVehiclesto
requireproofoffinancialresponsibilityunder23V.S.A.chapter11.
(3)Notwithstandingsubdivision(1)ofthissubsection,anorderof
delinquencyorestablishingyouthfuloffenderstatusinproceedingsconcerning
achildoryouthfuloffenderwhoisallegedtohavecommittedaviolationof23
V.S.A.chapter13,subchapter13shallbereportedtotheCommissionerof
MotorVehiclesinaccordancewiththeprovisionsof23V.S.A.§ 1709.
***
Sec.4.33V.S.A.§ 5229isamendedtoread:
§5229.MERITSADJUDICATION
***
(g)If,basedonthechild’sadmissionortheevidencepresented,thecourt
findsbeyondareasonabledoubtthatthechildhascommittedadelinquentact,
thecourtshallordertheDepartmenttoprepareadispositioncaseplannotlater
thansevenbusinessdaysbeforethedispositionhearingandshallsendarecord
ofsuchfindingsinaccordancewith23V.S.A.§ 1709and4V.S.A.§ 33(b).In
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noeventshalladispositionhearingbeheldlaterthan35daysafterafinding
thatachildisdelinquent.
***
Sec.5.EFFECTIVEDATE
ThisactshalltakeeffectonJuly1,2025.
Sec.1.4V.S.A.§ 33isamendedtoread:
§33.JURISDICTION;FAMILYDIVISION
(a)Notwithstandinganyotherprovisionoflawtothecontrary,theFamily
Divisionshallhaveexclusivejurisdictiontohearanddisposeofthefollowing
proceedingsfiledorpendingonorafterOctober1,1990:
***
(8)Alljuvenileproceedingsfiledpursuantto33V.S.A.chapters51,52,
52A,and53,includingproceedingsinvolving“youthfuloffenders”pursuantto
33V.S.A.§5281whetherthematteroriginatedintheCriminalorFamily
DivisionoftheSuperiorCourt,exceptforaproceedingchargingtheholderof
acommercialdriver’slicenseasdefinedin23V.S.A.§4103withanoffenseor
violationlistedin23V.S.A.§4116thatwouldresultinthelicenseholderbeing
disqualifiedfromdrivingacommercialmotorvehicleifconvicted.
***
(b)TheFamilyDivisionoftheSuperiorCourthasjurisdictiontohearand
disposeofproceedingsinvolvingmisdemeanormotorvehicleoffensesfiledor
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pendingonorafterJuly1,2016,pursuantto33V.S.A.§§5201,5203,and
5280,and5281.TheFamilyDivisionoftheSuperiorCourtshallforwarda
recordofanyconvictionoradjudicationforviolationofalawrelatedtomotor
vehicletrafficcontrol,otherthanaparkingviolation,totheCommissionerof
MotorVehiclespursuantto23V.S.A.§1709.Asusedinthissubsection,
“conviction”hasthesamemeaningasin23V.S.A.§ 4(60).
Sec.2.23V.S.A.chapter13,subchapter13isamendedtoread:
Subchapter13.DrunkenDriving
§1200.DEFINITIONS
Asusedinthissubchapter:
***
(11)“Seriousbodilyinjury”hasthesamemeaningasin13V.S.A.
§ 1021(a)(2)(A).
§1201.OPERATINGVEHICLEUNDERTHEINFLUENCEOF
ALCOHOLOROTHERSUBSTANCE;CRIMINALREFUSAL;
ENHANCEDPENALTYFORBACOF0.16ORMORE
(a)Apersonshallnotoperate,attempttooperate,orbeinactualphysical
controlofanyvehicleonahighway:
(1)whentheperson’salcoholconcentrationis:
(A)0.08ormore;or BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.44
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(B)0.02ormoreifthepersonisoperatingaschoolbusasdefinedin
subdivision4(34)ofthistitle;or
(C)0.04ormoreifthepersonisoperatingacommercialvehicleas
definedinsubdivision4103(4)ofthistitle;or
(2)whenthepersonisundertheinfluenceofalcohol;or
(3)whenthepersonisundertheinfluenceofanyotherdrugorunder
thecombinedinfluenceofalcoholandanyotherdrug.
(b)Apersonwhohaspreviouslybeenconvictedofaviolationofthis
sectionshallnotoperate,attempttooperate,orbeinactualphysicalcontrol
ofanyvehicleonahighwayandrefusealawenforcementofficer’sreasonable
requestunderthecircumstancesforanevidentiarytestwheretheofficerhad
reasonablegroundstobelievethepersonwasinviolationofsubsection(a)of
thissection.
(c)Apersonshallnotoperate,attempttooperate,orbeinactualphysical
controlofanyvehicleonahighwayandbeinvolvedinacrashorcollision
resultinginseriousbodilyinjuryordeathtoanotherandrefusealaw
enforcementofficer’sreasonablerequestunderthecircumstancesforan
evidentiarytestwheretheofficerhasreasonablegroundstobelievetheperson
hasanyamountofalcoholordrugsinhisorhertheperson’ssystem.
(d)(1)Apersonwhoisconvictedofasecondorsubsequentviolationof
subsection(a),(b),or(c)ofthissectionwhentheperson’salcohol BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.44
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concentrationisproventobe0.16ormoreshallnot,forthreeyearsfromthe
dateoftheconvictionforwhichtheperson’salcoholconcentrationis0.16or
more,operate,attempttooperate,orbeinactualphysicalcontrolofany
vehicleonahighwaywhentheperson’salcoholconcentrationis0.02ormore.
Theprohibitionimposedbythissubsectionshallbeinadditiontoanyother
penaltiesimposedbylaw.
(2)Apersonshallnotoperate,attempttooperate,orbeinactual
physicalcontrolofanyvehicleonahighwaywhentheperson’salcohol
concentrationis0.02ormoreifthepersonhaspreviouslybeenconvictedofa
secondorsubsequentviolationofsubsection(a),(b),or(c)ofthissection
withintheprecedingthreeyearsandtheperson’salcoholconcentrationforthe
secondorsubsequentviolationwasproventobe0.16orgreater.Aviolation
ofthissubsectionshallbeconsideredathirdorsubsequentviolationofthis
sectionandshallbesubjecttothepenaltiesofsubsection1210(d)ofthistitle.
(e)Thefactthatapersonchargedwithaviolationofthissectionisorhas
beenentitledtouseadrugunderthelawsofthisStateshallnotconstitutea
defenseagainstanychargeofviolatingthissection.
(f)Apersonmaynotbeconvictedofmorethanoneviolationofsubsection
(a)or(j)ofthissectionarisingoutofthesameincident.
(g)Forpurposesofthissectionandsection1205ofthistitle,thedefendant
mayassertasanaffirmativedefensethatthepersonwasnotoperating, BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.44
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attemptingtooperate,orinactualphysicalcontrolofthevehiclebecausethe
person:
(1)hadnointentionofplacingthevehicleinmotion;and
(2)hadnotplacedthevehicleinmotionwhileundertheinfluence.
(h)Asusedinsubdivision(a)(3)ofthissection,“undertheinfluenceofa
drug”meansthataperson’sabilitytooperateamotorvehiclesafelyis
diminishedorimpairedintheslightestdegree.Thissubsectionshallnotbe
construedtoaffectthemeaningoftheterm“undertheinfluenceofalcohol.”
(i)Evidenceoftheresultsofastandardizedfieldsobrietytestconductedby
alawenforcementofficertrainedinAdvancedRoadsideImpairedDriving
EnforcementoracertifiedDrugRecognitionExpert’ssystematicevaluationof
observablesignsandsymptomsofapersonchargedwithaviolationofthis
sectionshallbepresumptivelyadmissibleattrialtodemonstratewhetheror
notthepersonwasoperatingundertheinfluenceinviolationofthissection.
(j)Apersonsuspectedofviolatingthissectionshallnotrefusetosubmitto
thecollectionofanevidentiarybloodsamplewhenawarrantforthatperson’s
bloodisissuedpursuanttosubdivision1202(f)(1)ofthistitle.Thissubsection
shallnotbeconstruedasimpairingaperson’srighttochallengethevalidityof
asearchwarrantinanysubsequentlegalproceedings.
***
§1202.CONSENTTOTAKINGOFTESTSTODETERMINEBLOOD BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.44
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ALCOHOLCONTENTORPRESENCEOFOTHERDRUG
(a)(1)Impliedconsent.Everypersonwhooperates,attemptstooperate,or
isinactualphysicalcontrolofanyvehicleonahighwayinthisStateis
deemedtohavegivenconsenttoanevidentiarytestofthatperson’sbreathfor
thepurposeofdeterminingtheperson’salcoholconcentrationorthepresence
ofotherdrugintheblood.Thetestshallbeadministeredatthedirectionofa
lawenforcementofficer.
(2)Bloodtest.Ifbreathtestingequipmentisnotreasonablyavailable
oriftheofficerhasreasontobelievethatthepersonisunabletogivea
sufficientsampleofbreathfortestingorifthelawenforcementofficerhas
reasonablegroundstobelievethatthepersonisundertheinfluenceofadrug
otherthanalcohol,thepersonisdeemedtohavegivenconsenttothetakingof
anevidentiarysampleofblood.Ifintheofficer’sopinionthepersonis
incapableofdecisionorunconsciousordead,itisdeemedthattheperson’s
consentisgivenandasampleofbloodshallbetaken.Abloodtestsought
pursuanttothissubdivisionshallbeobtainedpursuanttosubsection(f)ofthis
section.
(3)Salivatest.Ifthelawenforcementofficerhasreasonablegroundsto
believethatthepersonisundertheinfluenceofadrugotherthanalcohol,or
underthecombinedinfluenceofalcoholandadrug,thepersonisdeemedto
havegivenconsenttoprovidingofanevidentiarysampleofsaliva.Asaliva BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.44
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testsoughtpursuanttothissubdivisionshallbeobtainedpursuantto
subsection(f)ofthissection.Anysalivatestadministeredunderthissection
shallbeusedonlyforthelimitedpurposeofdetectingthepresenceofadrugin
theperson’sbodyandshallnotbeusedtoextractDNAinformation.
(4)Evidentiarytest.Theevidentiarytestshallberequiredofaperson
whenalawenforcementofficerhasreasonablegroundstobelievethatthe
personwasoperating,attemptingtooperate,orinactualphysicalcontrolofa
vehicleinviolationofsection1201ofthistitle.
(5)Fatalcollisionorincidentresultinginseriousbodilyinjury.The
evidentiarytestshallalsoberequiredifthepersonisthesurvivingoperatorof
amotorvehicleinvolvedinafatalincidentorcollisionoranincidentor
collisionresultinginseriousbodilyinjuryandthelawenforcementofficerhas
reasonablegroundstobelievethatthepersonhasanyamountofalcoholor
otherdruginhisorhertheperson’ssystem.
***
(d)Atthetimeatestisrequested,thepersonshallbeinformedofthe
followingstatutoryinformation:
(1)Vermontlawauthorizesalawenforcementofficertorequestatestto
determinewhetherthepersonisundertheinfluenceofalcoholorotherdrug. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.44
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(2)Iftheofficer’srequestisreasonableandtestingisrefused,the
person’slicenseorprivilegetooperatewillbesuspendedforatleastsix
months.
(3)Ifatestistakenandtheresultsindicatethatthepersonisunderthe
influenceofalcoholorotherdrug,thepersonwillbesubjecttocriminal
chargesandtheperson’slicenseorprivilegetooperatewillbesuspendedfor
atleast90days.
(4)Apersonwhoisrequestedbyalawenforcementofficertosubmitto
anevidentiarytestortestshasthelimitedrighttoconsultanattorneybefore
decidingwhetherornottosubmittosuchatestortests.Thepersonmust
decidewhetherornottosubmittotheevidentiarytestortestswithina
reasonabletimeandnotlaterthan30minutesfromthetimeoftheinitial
attempttocontacttheattorney,regardlessofwhetheraconsultationtook
place.Thepersonalsohastherighttohaveadditionaltestsmadebysomeone
oftheperson’sownchoosingattheperson’sownexpense.Thepersonshall
alsobeinformedofthelocationofoneormorefacilitiesavailablefordrawing
blood.
(5)Apersonwhoisrequestedbyalawenforcementofficertosubmitto
anevidentiarytestadministeredwithaninfraredbreath-testinginstrumentmay
electtohaveasecondinfraredtestadministeredimmediatelyafterreceiving
theresultsofthefirsttest. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.44
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(6)Ifthepersonrefusestotakeanevidentiarytest,therefusalmaybe
offeredintoevidenceagainstthepersonattrial,whetherornotasearch
warrantissought.Thepersonmaybechargedwiththecrimeofcriminal
refusaliftheperson:
(A)haspreviouslybeenconvictedofaviolationofsection1201of
thistitle;or
(B)isinvolvedinacrashorcollisionresultinginseriousbodily
injuryordeathtoanother,inwhichcasethecourtmayissueasearchwarrant
andorderthepersontosubmittoabloodtest,theresultsofwhichmaybe
offeredintoevidenceagainstthepersonattrial;or
(C)refusesthecollectionofanevidentiarybloodsamplewhena
warrantforthatperson’sbloodisissuedpursuanttosubdivision(f)(1)ofthis
section.
(e)Inanyproceedingunderthissubchapter,alawenforcementofficer’s
testimonythatheorshetheofficeriscertifiedpursuanttosection20V.S.A.§
2358shallbeprimafacieevidenceofthatfact.
(f)(1)Ifabloodtestissoughtfromapersonpursuanttosubdivision(a)(2)
ofthissection,orifapersonwhohasbeeninvolvedinacrashorcollision
resultinginseriousbodilyinjuryordeathtoanotherrefusesanevidentiary
test,alawenforcementofficermayapplyforasearchwarrantpursuantto
Rule41oftheVermontRulesofCriminalProceduretoobtainasampleof BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.44
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bloodforanevidentiarytest.Pursuanttosubdivision(d)(6)ofthissection,if
abloodsampleisobtainedbysearchwarrant,thefactoftherefusalmaystill
beintroducedinevidence,inadditiontotheresultsoftheevidentiarytest.
Oncealawenforcementofficialbeginstheapplicationprocessforasearch
warrant,thelawenforcementofficialisnotobligatedtodiscontinuethe
processevenifthepersonlateragreestoprovideanevidentiarysample.The
limitationcreatedbyRule41(g)oftheVermontRulesofCriminalProcedure
regardingbloodspecimensshallnotapplytosearchwarrantsauthorizedby
thissection.
(2)Ifanevidentiarysalivatestissoughtfromapersonpursuantto
subdivision(a)(3)ofthissection,alawenforcementofficermayapplyfora
searchwarrantpursuanttoRule41oftheVermontRulesofCriminal
Proceduretoobtainasampleofsalivafortheevidentiarytest.Pursuantto
subdivision(d)(6)ofthissection,ifasalivasampleisobtainedbysearch
warrant,thefactoftherefusalmaystillbeintroducedinevidence,inaddition
totheresultsoftheevidentiarytest.
(g)TheDefenderGeneralshallprovidestatewide24-hourcoverageseven
daysaweektoensurethatadequatelegalservicesareavailabletopersons
entitledtoconsultanattorneyunderthissection.
*** BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.44
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§1205.CIVILSUSPENSION;SUMMARYPROCEDURE
(a)Refusal;alcoholconcentrationatorabovelegallimits;suspension
periods.
***
(2)Uponaffidavitofalawenforcementofficerthattheofficerhad
reasonablegroundstobelievethatthepersonwasoperating,attemptingto
operate,orinactualphysicalcontrolofavehicleinviolationofsection1201
ofthistitleandthatthepersonsubmittedtoatestandthetestresultsindicated
thattheperson’salcoholconcentrationwasatorabovealimitspecifiedin
subsection1201(a)ofthistitle,atthetimeofoperating,attemptingtooperate,
orbeinginactualphysicalcontrol,theCommissionershallsuspendthe
person’soperatinglicenseornonresidentoperatingprivilegeortheprivilege
ofanunlicensedoperatortooperateavehicleforaperiodof90daysanduntil
thepersoncomplieswithsection1209aofthistitle.However,duringthe
suspension,aneligiblepersonmayoperateunderthetermsofanignition
interlockRDLorignitioninterlockcertificateissuedpursuanttosection1213
ofthistitle.
***
(b)Formofofficer’saffidavit.Alawenforcementofficer’saffidavitin
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usethroughouttheStateandshallbesufficientifitcontainsthefollowing
statements:
(1)Theofficerisacertifiedlawenforcementofficer.
(2)Theofficerwhoadministeredthetestwascertifiedtooperatethe
testingequipment.
(3)Theofficerhadreasonablegroundstobelievethepersonwas
operating,attemptingtooperate,orinactualphysicalcontrolofavehiclein
violationofsection1201ofthistitle(notingthetimeanddateofoperating,
attemptingtooperate,orbeinginactualphysicalcontrol).
(4)Theofficerinformedthepersonofhisorhertheperson’srights
undersubsection1202(d)ofthistitle.
(5)Theofficerobtainedanevidentiarytest(notingthetimeanddatethe
testwastaken)andthetestindicatedthattheperson’salcoholconcentration
wasatorabovealegallimitspecifiedinsubsection1201(a)or(d)ofthistitle,
orthepersonrefusedtosubmittoanevidentiarytest.
(6)TheofficercompliedwiththeServicemembersCivilReliefAct,
codifiedat50U.S.C.chapter50.
(7)Theofficerconfirmedtheperson’scorrectmailingaddress.
(c)Noticeofsuspension.OnbehalfoftheCommissionerofMotor
Vehicles,alawenforcementofficerrequestingordirectingtheadministration
ofanevidentiarytestshallservenoticeofintentiontosuspendandof BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.44
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suspensiononapersonwhorefusestosubmittoanevidentiarytestorona
personwhosubmitstoatesttheresultsofwhichindicatethattheperson’s
alcoholconcentrationwasatorabovealegallimitspecifiedinsubsection
1201(a)or(d)ofthistitle,atthetimeofoperating,attemptingtooperate,or
beinginactualphysicalcontrolofavehicleinviolationofsection1201ofthis
title.Thenoticeshallbesignedbythelawenforcementofficerrequestingthe
test.AcopyofthenoticeshallbesenttotheCommissionerofMotorVehicles,
andacopyshallbemailedorgiventothedefendantwithinthreebusinessdays
afterthedatetheofficerreceivestheresultsofthetest.Ifmailed,thenoticeis
deemedreceivedthreedaysaftermailingtotheaddressprovidedbythe
defendanttothelawenforcementofficer.Acopyoftheaffidavitofthelaw
enforcementofficershallalsobemailedbyfirst-classmailorgiventothe
defendantandtheCommissionerofMotorVehicleswithinsevendaysafterthe
dateofnotice.
***
(f)ReviewbySuperiorCourt.Withinsevendaysfollowingreceiptofa
noticeofintentiontosuspendandofsuspension,apersonmaymakearequest
forahearingbeforetheSuperiorCourtbymailingordeliveringtheform
providedwiththenotice.Therequestshallbemailedordeliveredtothe
CommissionerofMotorVehicles,whoshallthennotifytheCriminalDivision
oftheSuperiorCourtthatahearinghasbeenrequestedandprovidethe BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.44
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CriminalDivisionandtheState’sAttorneywithacopyofthenoticeof
intentiontosuspendandofsuspensionandtheofficer’saffidavit.
***
(h)Finalhearing.
(1)Ifthedefendantrequestsahearingonthemerits,thecourtshall
scheduleafinalhearingonthemeritstobeheldwithin21daysafterthedate
ofthepreliminaryhearing.Innoeventmayafinalhearingoccurmorethan
42daysafterthedateoftheallegedoffensewithouttheconsentofthe
defendantorforgoodcauseshown.Thefinalhearingmayonlybecontinued
bytheconsentofthedefendantorforgoodcauseshown.Theissuesatthe
finalhearingshallbelimitedtothefollowing:
(A)Whetherthelawenforcementofficerhadreasonablegroundsto
believethepersonwasoperating,attemptingtooperate,orinactualphysical
controlofavehicleinviolationofsection1201ofthistitle.
(B)Whetheratthetimeoftherequestfortheevidentiarytestthe
officerinformedthepersonoftheperson’srightsandtheconsequencesof
takingandrefusingthetestsubstantiallyassetoutinsubsection1202(d)of
thistitle.
(C)Whetherthepersonrefusedtopermitthetest.
(D)Whetherthetestwastakenandthetestresultsindicatedthatthe
person’salcoholconcentrationwasatorabovealegallimitspecifiedin BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.44
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subsection1201(a)or(d)ofthistitle,atthetimeofoperating,attemptingto
operate,orbeinginactualphysicalcontrolofavehicleinviolationofsection
1201ofthistitle,whetherthetestingmethodsusedwerevalidandreliable,
andwhetherthetestresultswereaccurateandaccuratelyevaluated.Evidence
thatthetestwastakenandevaluatedincompliancewithrulesadoptedbythe
DepartmentofPublicSafetyshallbeprimafacieevidencethatthetesting
methodsusedwerevalidandreliableandthatthetestresultsareaccurateand
wereaccuratelyevaluated.
(E)Whethertherequirementsofsection1202ofthistitlewere
compliedwith.
(2)Nolessthansevendaysbeforethefinalhearing,andsubjecttothe
requirementsofVermontRuleofCivilProcedure11,thedefendantshall
providetotheStateandfilewiththecourtalistoftheissues(limitedtothe
issuessetforthinthissubsection)thatthedefendantintendstoraise.Only
evidencethatisrelevanttoanissuelistedbythedefendantmayberaisedby
thedefendantatthefinalhearing.Thedefendantshallnotbepermittedto
raiseanyotherevidenceatthefinalhearing,andallotherevidenceshallbe
inadmissible.
(i)Findingbythecourt.Thecourtshallelectronicallyforwardareportof
thehearingtotheCommissioner.Uponafindingbythecourtthatthelaw
enforcementofficerhadreasonablegroundstobelievethatthepersonwas BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.44
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operating,attemptingtooperate,orinactualphysicalcontrolofavehiclein
violationofsection1201ofthistitleandthatthepersonrefusedtosubmittoa
test,oruponafindingbythecourtthatthelawenforcementofficerhad
reasonablegroundstobelievethatthepersonwasoperating,attemptingto
operate,orinactualphysicalcontrolofavehicleinviolationofsection1201
ofthistitleandthatthepersonsubmittedtoatestandthetestresultsindicated
thattheperson’salcoholconcentrationwasatorabovealegallimitspecified
insubsection1201(a)or(d)ofthistitle,atthetimethepersonwasoperating,
attemptingtooperate,orinactualphysicalcontrol,theperson’soperating
license,ornonresidentoperatingprivilege,ortheprivilegeofanunlicensed
operatortooperateavehicleshallbesuspendedorshallremainsuspendedfor
therequiredtermanduntilthepersoncomplieswithsection1209aofthistitle.
Uponafindinginfavoroftheperson,theCommissionershallcausethe
suspensiontobecanceledandremovedfromtherecord,withoutpaymentof
anyfee.
***
(n)Presumption.Inaproceedingunderthissection,ifatanytimewithin
twohoursofoperating,attemptingtooperate,orbeinginactualphysical
controlofavehicleapersonhadanalcoholconcentrationofatorabovea
legallimitspecifiedinsubsection1201(a)or(d)ofthistitle,itshallbea
rebuttablepresumptionthattheperson’salcoholconcentrationwasabovethe BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.44
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applicablelimitatthetimeofoperating,attemptingtooperate,orbeingin
actualphysicalcontrol.
***
§1210.PENALTIES
***
(f)Deathresulting.
(1)Ifthedeathofanypersonresultsfromaviolationofsection1201of
thistitle,thepersonconvictedoftheviolationshallbefinednotmorethan
$10,000.00orimprisonednotlessthanoneyearnormorethan15years,or
both.Theprovisionsofthissubsectiondonotlimitorrestrictprosecutionsfor
manslaughter.
(2)Ifthedeathorseriousbodilyinjuryofmorethanonepersonresults
fromaviolationofsection1201ofthistitle,theoperatormaybeconvictedof
aseparateviolationofthissubdivisionforeachdecedentorpersoninjured.
(3)(A)Ifthedeathofanypersonresultsfromaviolationofsection1201
ofthistitleandthepersonconvictedoftheviolationpreviouslyhasbeen
convictedtwoormoretimesofaviolationofthatsection,asentenceordered
pursuanttothissubsectionshall,exceptasprovidedinsubdivision(B)ofthis
subdivision(3),includeatleastafive-yeartermofimprisonment.Thefive-
yearminimumtermofimprisonmentrequiredbythissubdivision(3)(A)shall
beservedandmaynotbesuspended,deferred,orservedasasupervised BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.44
2025 Page39of45
sentence.Thedefendantshallnotbeeligibleforprobation,parole,furlough,
oranyothertypeofearlyreleaseuntiltheexpirationofthefive-yeartermof
imprisonment.
(B)Notwithstandingsubdivision(A)ofthissubdivision(3),ifthe
deathorseriousbodilyinjuryofanypersonresultsfromaviolationofsection
1201ofthistitleandthepersonconvictedoftheviolationpreviouslyhasbeen
convictedtwoormoretimesofaviolationofthatsection,thecourtmay
imposeasentencethatdoesnotincludeatermofimprisonmentorthat
includesatermofimprisonmentoflessthanfiveyearsifthecourtmakes
writtenfindingsontherecordthatsuchasentencewillservetheinterestsof
justiceandpublicsafety.
(g)Injuryresulting.
(1)Ifseriousbodilyinjury,asdefinedin13V.S.A.§1021(2),resultsto
anypersonotherthantheoperatorfromaviolationofsection1201ofthis
title,thepersonconvictedoftheviolationshallbefinednotmorethan
$5,000.00orimprisonednotmorethan15years,orboth.
(2)Ifseriousbodilyinjuryasdefinedin13V.S.A.§1021(2)ordeath
resultstomorethanonepersonotherthantheoperatorfromaviolationof
section1201ofthistitle,theoperatormaybeconvictedofaseparateviolation
ofthissubdivisionforeachpersoninjuredordecedent. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.44
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(3)(A)Ifseriousbodilyinjuryasdefinedin13V.S.A.§1021(2)results
toanypersonotherthantheoperatorfromaviolationofsection1201ofthis
titleandthepersonconvictedoftheviolationpreviouslyhasbeenconvicted
twoormoretimesofaviolationofsection1201,asentenceorderedpursuant
tothissubsectionshall,exceptasprovidedinsubdivision(B)ofthis
subdivision(3),includeatleastafive-yeartermofimprisonment.Thefive-
yearminimumtermofimprisonmentrequiredbythissubdivision(3)(A)shall
beservedandmaynotbesuspended,deferred,orservedasasupervised
sentence.Thedefendantshallnotbeeligibleforprobation,parole,furlough,
oranyothertypeofearlyreleaseuntiltheexpirationofthefive-yeartermof
imprisonment.
(B)Notwithstandingsubdivision(A)ofthissubdivision(3),ifserious
bodilyinjuryasdefinedin13V.S.A.§1021(2)resultstoanypersonotherthan
theoperatorfromaviolationofsection1201ofthistitleandtheperson
convictedoftheviolationpreviouslyhasbeenconvictedtwoormoretimesofa
violationofsection1201,thecourtmayimposeasentencethatdoesnot
includeatermofimprisonmentorthatincludesatermofimprisonmentofless
thanfiveyearsifthecourtmakeswrittenfindingsontherecordthatsucha
sentencewillservetheinterestsofjusticeandpublicsafety.
*** BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.44
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Sec.3.33V.S.A.§ 5202isamendedtoread:
§5202.ORDEROFADJUDICATION;NONCRIMINAL
(a)(1)AnorderoftheFamilyDivisionoftheSuperiorCourtin
proceedingsunderthischaptershallnot:
(A)bedeemedaconvictionofcrime;
(B)imposeanycivildisabilitiessanctionsordinarilyresultingfroma
conviction;or
(C)operatetodisqualifythechildinanycivilserviceapplicationor
appointment.
(2)Notwithstandingsubdivision(1)ofthissubsection,anorderof
delinquencyinproceedingsameritsadjudicationorderissuedpursuantto
section 5229ofthistitleinproceedingsconcerningachildoryouthfuloffender
whoisallegedtohavecommittedaviolationofthosesectionsspecifiedin23
V.S.A.§801(a)(1)shallbeaneventinadditiontothosespecifiedtherein,
enablingtheCommissionerofMotorVehiclestorequireproofoffinancial
responsibilityunder23V.S.A.chapter11.
(3)Notwithstandingsubdivision(1)ofthissubsection,amerits
adjudicationorderissuedpursuanttosection 5229ofthistitleinproceedings
concerningachildoryouthfuloffenderwhoisallegedtohavecommitteda
violationof23V.S.A.chapter13,subchapter13shallbereportedtothe BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.44
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CommissionerofMotorVehiclesinaccordancewiththeprovisionsof23V.S.A.
§ 1709.
***
Sec.4.33V.S.A.§ 5229isamendedtoread:
§5229.MERITSADJUDICATION
***
(g)If,basedonthechild’sadmissionortheevidencepresented,thecourt
findsbeyondareasonabledoubtthatthechildhascommittedadelinquentact,
thecourtshallordertheDepartmenttoprepareadispositioncaseplannot
laterthansevenbusinessdaysbeforethedispositionhearingandshallsenda
recordoftheadjudicationtotheCommissionerofMotorVehicleswithin10
daysfollowingitsissuance.Innoeventshalladispositionhearingbeheld
laterthan35daysafterafindingthatachildisdelinquent.
***
Sec.5.IMPAIREDDRIVING;IMPLIEDCONSENT;PROCESSING;TASK
FORCE;REPORT
(a)Creation.ThereiscreatedtheImpairedDrivingProcessingTaskForce
tostudytheconceptofimpliedconsentduringimpaireddrivinginvestigations
withtheobjectivetorecommendapproachesthatminimizethedurationfor
whichimpaireddrivingsuspectsareheldduringinvestigationsandto
streamlinetheprocessingandpaperworkassociatedwithsuchinvestigations. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.44
2025 Page43of45
(b)Membership.TheTaskForceshallbecomposedofthefollowing
members:
(1)theChiefJudgeoftheSuperiorCourtordesignee;
(2)theDefenderGeneralordesignee;
(3)theCommissionerofPublicSafetyordesignee;
(4)theCommissionerofMotorVehiclesordesignee;
(5)theExecutiveDirectoroftheDepartmentofState’sAttorneysand
Sheriffsordesignee;and
(6)arepresentativefromtheVermontPoliceAssociation.
(b)Membership.TheTaskForceshallbecomposedofthefollowing
members:
(1)theChiefJudgeoftheSuperiorCourtordesignee;
(2)theDefenderGeneralordesignee;
(3)theCommissionerofPublicSafetyordesignee;
(4)theCommissionerofMotorVehiclesordesignee;
(5)theExecutiveDirectoroftheDepartmentofState’sAttorneysand
Sheriffsordesignee;
(6)thePresidentoftheVermontSheriffs’Associationordesignee;and
(7)arepresentativefromtheVermontPoliceAssociation.
(c)Powersandduties.TheTaskForceshallstudyimpaireddriving
investigationsinVermont,includingthefollowingissues: BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.44
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(1)theconstitutionalandstatutoryrequirementsofimpliedconsent;
(2)howconstitutionalandstatutoryrequirementsrelatedtoimplied
consentaffectthedurationforwhichsuspectedimpaireddriversareheldby
lawenforcement;
(3)methodstominimizestatutoryrequirementsrelatedtoimplied
consentthatpassconstitutionalmuster;and
(4)anyotherrelevantissuesinaccordancewithsubsection(a)ofthis
section.
(d)Assistance.TheTaskForceshallhavetheadministrative,technical,
andlegalassistanceoftheDepartmentofPublicSafety.
(e)Report.OnorbeforeNovember15,2025,theTaskForceshallsubmit
awrittenreportintheformofproposedlegislationtotheHouseandSenate
CommitteesonJudiciarywithanyrecommendationsforlegislativeaction.
(f)Meetings.
(1)TheCommissionerofPublicSafetyordesigneeshallcallthefirst
meetingoftheTaskForcetooccuronorbeforeAugust1,2025.
(2)TheTaskForceshallselectachairfromamongitsmembersatthe
firstmeeting.
(3)TheTaskForceshallmeetnotmorethansixtimes.
(4)AmajorityoftheTaskForce’smembershipshallconstitutea
quorum. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.44
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(5)TheTaskForceshallceasetoexistonFebruary1,2026.
(g)Compensationandreimbursement.MembersoftheTaskForcewhoare
nototherwisecompensatedorreimbursedfortheirattendanceshallbeentitled
tocompensationandreimbursementofexpensespursuantto32V.S.A.§ 1010
fornotmorethansixmeetings.
Sec.6.EFFECTIVEDATE
ThisactshalltakeeffectonJuly1,2025.