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H 702

An act relating to criminal trespass and residing on land or premises of another person without authority

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Debbie Dolgin

The bill clarifies and strengthens criminal trespass and unauthorized residence provisions to enforce and penalize unlawful occupancy on someone else’s property.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 702

Summary of H.702 (2025-2026) – Vermont

Purpose and intent

H.702, titled “An act relating to criminal trespass and residing on land or premises of another person without authority,” proposes changes to Vermont’s criminal trespass framework. The bill appears to address two main domains: (1) criminal trespass offenses on property and (2) terms related to residing on land or premises owned or controlled by another person. The overall aim is to clarify unlawful occupancy and trespass scenarios, potentially enhancing enforcement provisions and penalties for unlawful presence.

Key provisions and changes (as indicated by title and filing notes)

Note: Specific statutory language is not provided in the summary. The following outlines are based on the bill’s title and typical components of similar Vermont trespass legislation. When reviewing the bill text, items may include:

  • Definitions

    • Clarification of what constitutes “criminal trespass” in various contexts (e.g., occupied residences, fenced properties, publicly/privately controlled lands).
    • Definition of “residing on land or premises without authority,” including what constitutes authority or lack thereof (e.g., unauthorized occupancy, trespass after notification).

  • Offense elements

    • Establishment of offenses for entering or remaining on property without permission.
    • Distinctions between first offense, aggravated or continuing trespass, and violations occurring after warnings or prior notices.
    • Possible inclusion of penalties, such as fines, restitution, or jail time, with noted thresholds.

  • Notice and removal procedures

    • Requirements for posted notices, lawful exit orders, and eviction-like processes for trespassers.
    • Standards for law enforcement response and discretion in enforcing trespass statutes.

  • Exceptions and defenses

    • Potential carve-outs for emergency situations, lawful authority (e.g., law enforcement, property managers, tenants with rights), or consent of the owner.

  • Residence-specific provisions

    • Provisions addressing living or residing on someone else’s land or premises without authority, possibly creating specific offenses distinct from general trespass.

  • Enforcement and penalties

    • Penalty schedules, enhancements for repeat offenders, and any jurisdictional or procedural nuances for charging and prosecuting trespass.

Who would be affected

  • Property owners and occupants: clearer rights and remedies for enforcing trespass prohibitions and removing unlawful occupants.
  • Law enforcement: new or clarified offenses and enforcement criteria.
  • Occupants/visitors: individuals who enter or reside on someone else’s land or premises without authorization could be subject to criminal penalties under the updated framework.
  • Courts: adjudication of trespass-related offenses and any evolving procedures for notices, hearings, or evictions tied to trespass.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Sponsor: Rep. Deborah Dolgin (co-sponsor listed).
  • Committee referral: Read first time and referred to the House Committee on Judiciary on January 15, 2026.
  • Current status: No meeting history listed yet for Regular Session 2025-2026; action history confirms referral to Judiciary for consideration.
  • Next steps: Committee deliberation, potential amendments, and eventual floor votes. If advanced, the bill would proceed to the full House, then to the Senate, and potentially to a conference committee or governor’s desk depending on legislative progress.

Additional notes

  • The provided materials do not include the full text or specific numeric penalties, exceptions, or detailed procedural provisions. For a precise understanding, the bill’s full statutory language, any fiscal notes, and committee amendments should be consulted.
  • As with any trespass-related legislation, key considerations include balancing property rights, civil liberties, emergency exceptions, and ensuring proportional penalties.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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