An act relating to citation of operators for motor vehicle accidents resulting in death of a vulnerable user

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bram Kleppner

The bill allows law enforcement to issue citations in fatal crashes involving vulnerable users and defines penalties to deter dangerous driving near pedestrians and cyclists.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary

Summary of Bill H.912 (2025-2026) – Vermont

Purpose and intent

This act addresses accountability for motor vehicle operators whose actions result in the death of a vulnerable user.

Its goal is to establish clear legal requirements and potential consequences to promote safer driving near pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vulnerable travelers.

Key provisions and changes

Citation authority: The bill creates or expands the ability for law enforcement to issue citations to operators in incidents where a death occurs involving a vulnerable user. The focus is on incidents that result in fatality and involve vulnerable road users.

Scope of “vulnerable user”: The bill defines or relies on a statutory category of vulnerable users, typically including pedestrians, bicyclists, and possibly other non-motorized travelers or certain users with limited protection in traffic.

Procedures for citation: Establishes the process by which a citation is issued, including necessary evidence, notification, and any required documentation or filing with the court or appropriate administrative body.

Potential penalties and enforcement: The act may specify penalties, fines, or sanctions available upon conviction or adjudication, and could outline how these penalties interact with existing criminal or traffic statutes.

Coordination with other laws: The bill may reference how citations under this law interact with death-penalty or criminal statutes, or how these cases are prosecuted or handled in Vermont courts.

Overview of safety and prevention goals: By enabling clearer accountability, the bill aims to deter high-risk behaviors and improve safety outcomes for vulnerable travelers.

Who would be affected

Motor vehicle operators involved in traffic incidents resulting in the death of a vulnerable user.

Law enforcement agencies responsible for investigating fatal crashes and issuing citations under this authority.

Courts and prosecutors handling cases brought under the act.

Potentially vulnerable users and the broader public seeking safer roadways.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Read first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary (as of 2026-02-24).

Legislative process: The bill will undergo committee review, potential amendments, and, if advanced, floor consideration in the Vermont General Assembly.

Sponsorship: Co-sponsor listed (Bram Kleppner) in addition to primary sponsor(s) not specified in the provided text.

Notes

The summary reflects available information from the bill’s title, action history, and sponsor details. Specific statutory text, definitions, exact penalties, and procedural steps will be clarified in the bill’s full language and any accompanying fiscal notes or committee reports.

If enacted, the bill would complement existing traffic and criminal statutes by formalizing citation issuance in fatal crashes involving vulnerable users.