The bill S.4 aims to clarify and enhance the authority of municipalities in Vermont regarding the maintenance and regulation of legal trails. It specifies that municipalities have the discretionary authority to maintain these trails and grants municipal legislative bodies the power to adopt ordinances that regulate their use. Key amendments include redefining the term "legislative body" to align with existing definitions in state law, and establishing that municipalities can maintain trails without being held responsible for maintenance issues such as culverts and bridges.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision allowing municipalities to regulate the use of legal trails through ordinances, including the types of vehicles permitted on these trails. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025. Overall, the bill seeks to empower local governments to manage legal trails more effectively while ensuring that they are not liable for maintenance-related injuries.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 24-2291