Bill H.138 proposes to establish a maximum liability for municipalities in Vermont regarding tort claims, setting the limit at $500,000 for any one person and $2,000,000 for all persons arising from a single occurrence. The bill amends existing laws to include municipalities alongside the State in terms of liability for injuries or damages caused by their employees while acting within the scope of their employment. It also clarifies that the Superior Courts will have exclusive jurisdiction over these actions and specifies that the maximum liability established will apply to claims against municipal officers as well.

Additionally, the bill modifies legal language to replace references to "town" with "municipality" throughout the relevant statutes, ensuring consistency in terminology. It also stipulates that municipalities will cover reasonable legal fees for officers acting within their duties without malicious intent. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 12-189, 24-33