The bill amends 7 V.S.A. § 656 to lower the age threshold for prohibited actions related to the misrepresentation of age, procurement, possession, or consumption of alcoholic beverages and cannabis, as well as impaired driving, from 16 to 12 years. It introduces new definitions for "alcohol," "cannabis," and "motor vehicle," and outlines specific prohibited actions, including unlawful possession of cannabis and operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.02 or more. The legislation establishes civil penalties for violations, including referral to the Court Diversion Program for the Youth Substance Awareness Safety Program, with penalties for non-completion including civil fines and license suspensions.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws related to the Diversion Program and impaired driving violations, allowing individuals to seek review of suspensions before filing a complaint with the Judicial Bureau. It also ensures confidentiality for records related to suspensions and mandates annual reporting by the Office of the Attorney General on the Youth Substance Awareness Safety Program. The bill repeals several statutes concerning underage alcohol and cannabis possession and clarifies conditions for reinstating licenses suspended under the relevant subchapter, with the act set to take effect on July 1, 2025. These changes aim to enhance accountability, improve the management of impaired driving cases, and ensure the confidentiality of participants' records.

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