Bill H.105 amends 7 V.S.A. § 656 to expand the Youth Substance Awareness Safety Program by lowering the age for individuals subject to certain alcohol and cannabis-related civil violations from 16 to 12 years old. The bill introduces new definitions related to alcohol and cannabis and outlines prohibited conduct for individuals aged 12 to 21, including misrepresenting age, possession of alcohol or cannabis, and impaired driving. It establishes penalties for violations, which may include referral to the Court Diversion Program, civil penalties, and license suspensions for non-compliance. Additionally, individuals who fail to complete the program will face civil violations and increased penalties for subsequent offenses.

The bill also 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 records related to suspensions. Several existing statutes concerning underage alcohol and cannabis possession are repealed, and the Office of the Attorney General is required to submit an annual report starting in 2026 on metrics related to the program and impaired driver violations. The act is 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