The bill amends 7 V.S.A. § 656 to lower the age threshold for civil violations related to the procurement, possession, or consumption of alcoholic beverages from 16 years to 12 years. It introduces penalties for impaired driving and cannabis possession, allowing individuals aged 12 and older to be penalized for knowingly possessing one ounce or less of cannabis or five grams or less of hashish. The bill also establishes definitions for terms such as "alcohol," "cannabis," and "motor vehicle," and outlines procedures for handling violations, including the issuance of notices and suspension of driving privileges. Individuals referred to the Court Diversion Program must enroll in the Youth Substance Awareness Safety Program, with penalties for non-completion, emphasizing educational measures over punitive ones.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws related to the Diversion Program and impaired driving violations, allowing individuals aggrieved by a suspension to seek review before filing a complaint with the Judicial Bureau. It mandates that both adult and juvenile diversion programs accept cases from the Youth Substance Awareness Safety Program and establishes confidentiality measures for suspension records. The bill also repeals certain statutes concerning underage alcohol and cannabis possession and conditions for license reinstatement. An annual report from the Office of the Attorney General will be required starting October 1, 2026, to detail metrics related to the Youth Substance Awareness Safety Program and impaired driver violations, with the act set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 7-656, 7-657a, 23-1216
As Passed By the House -- Official: 7-656, 7-657a, 23-1216, 23-1209a(a), 23-1209a
As Passed By the House -- Unofficial: 7-656, 23-1209a(a), 23-1209a
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Official: 7-656, 7-657a, 23-1216, 23-1209a(a), 23-1209a
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Unofficial: 7-656, 23-1209a(a), 23-1209a
As Enacted: 7-656, 23-1209a(a), 23-1209a