The bill H.105, introduced by Representative Dolan, aims to expand the Youth Substance Awareness Safety Program (YSASP) by lowering the minimum age for eligibility from 16 to 10 years. It includes provisions for youth who engage in impaired driving with a blood alcohol concentration of at least 0.02. The bill emphasizes accountability and treatment, stating that individuals who do not successfully complete the YSASP will be subject to a delinquency petition. Additionally, it integrates relevant provisions from 23 V.S.A. 1216 into 7 V.S.A. 656, thereby streamlining the legal framework surrounding underage alcohol possession and impaired driving.

Key changes in the bill include the insertion of new language that defines prohibited conduct for individuals aged 10 to 21, which now encompasses impaired driving. The penalties for violations are also detailed, with civil violations leading to referrals to the YSASP and potential license suspensions. The bill further establishes confidentiality measures regarding the records of adjudications and repeals certain existing statutes, including 7 V.S.A. 657a and 23 V.S.A. 1216. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 7-656, 7-657a, 23-1216