The bill H.138 proposes to amend existing laws regarding tort claims against the State and municipalities in Vermont. It establishes a maximum liability for municipalities at $500,000 for any one person and $2,000,000 for all persons arising from a single occurrence. The bill modifies the legal language to include municipalities alongside the State, ensuring that both are subject to the same liability standards. Additionally, it clarifies that the maximum liability of a municipality under this section will align with the limits set forth in 12 V.S.A. § 5601.

Furthermore, the bill updates terminology to replace "town" with "municipality" in various sections, ensuring consistency in the language used throughout the law. It also stipulates that municipalities will cover reasonable legal fees for officers acting within their duties, provided there was no malicious intent. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

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