The bill H.435, introduced by Representative Durfee, aims to establish new penalties for maintaining a common nuisance related to the use, keeping, or selling of regulated drugs. It amends 18 V.S.A. § 4222 to define unlawful conduct as any property used for these purposes and introduces several new provisions. These include a civil penalty of up to $50 per day for violations, a private right of action for individuals harmed by such violations, and civil enforcement mechanisms allowing the Attorney General, State's Attorney, or local municipalities to seek injunctive relief against violators.

Additionally, the bill amends 4 V.S.A. § 1102 to grant the Judicial Bureau jurisdiction over violations of the common nuisance law. It also modifies 18 V.S.A. § 4252 regarding the knowingly permitting the sale of regulated drugs in a dwelling, adding a new provision that requires courts to impose specific conditions of release to protect the public. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 18-4222, 4-1102, 18-4252