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H 18

An act relating to decriminalizing nonmoving DLS violations for third-time offenders

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Angela Arsenault and 2 co-sponsors

H 18 would decriminalize third-time nonmoving driving-while-suspended violations, replacing criminal penalties with alternative civil or administrative remedies.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 18

Summary of Bill H 18 (2025-2026, Vermont)

Purpose and intent

  • H 18 seeks to decriminalize nonmoving driving-while-suspended (DLS) violations for individuals who are third-time offenders. In practical terms, the bill aims to reduce or eliminate criminal penalties for nonmoving DLS violations when a person has accrued three prior offenses, shifting the approach away from criminalization to an alternative enforcement or remedial framework.

Key provisions and changes (as proposed)

  • Decriminalization of nonmoving DLS: The bill would remove the classification of certain nonmoving DLS violations as crimes for third-time offenders, meaning those violations would no longer be subject to criminal penalties (e.g., potential imprisonment or criminal fines) in those specific circumstances.
  • Eligibility criterion: The decriminalization applies to offenders who have been charged with DLS violations three times, focusing on repeat, nonmoving offenses.
  • Enforcement and penalties (potential framework): While the text provided does not include the full statutory language, such proposals typically involve:
    • Redirecting third-time nonmoving DLS violations away from the criminal code.
    • Replacing criminal penalties with civil penalties, administrative drivers-licensing actions, reinstatement requirements, or mandated education/rehabilitation components.
    • Maintaining or enhancing public safety by ensuring that habitually noncompliant drivers address underlying issues (e.g., licensing status, financial obligations, or awareness).

Note: The exact mechanism (whether civil fines, administrative actions, or other remedies) would be detailed in the bill’s full text and any implementing sections.

Who would be affected

  • Individuals with three prior nonmoving DLS violations: The primary beneficiaries would be repeat offenders who meet the third-offender criterion.
  • Courts and law enforcement: Procedures would shift away from prosecuting certain third-time offenses criminally; agencies would implement new administrative or civil processes, notices, and compliance requirements.
  • DMV and licensing authorities: Likely involved in new processes for license reinstatement, penalties, or education requirements tied to the decriminalized offenses.
  • Public safety stakeholders: The bill aims to balance decriminalization with mechanisms to ensure driver responsibility and minimize ongoing risk.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: The bill was read in the House and referred to the Committee on Judiciary on January 9, 2025.
  • Sponsors: The bill includes three co-sponsors—Barbara Rachelson, Angela Arsenault, and Karen Dolan—indicating bipartisan support among some members.
  • Next steps: The Committee on Judiciary would review, hold hearings, and potentially amend the bill before reporting it back to the House for consideration. If passed, it would move through the usual legislative process (Senate and governor’s desk) per Vermont’s legislative calendar.

Practical implications and considerations

  • Policy rationale: The bill aligns with reform efforts to reduce the criminalization of nonviolent traffic violations and to focus sanctions on enforcement and rehabilitation rather than incarceration.
  • Potential impacts on offenders: Third-time nonmoving DLS offenders could see relief from criminal penalties, but may be subject to alternative penalties or remedial requirements designed to improve compliance and road safety.
  • Administrative considerations: Implementation would require clear definitions, notice procedures, reinstatement criteria, and funding or resources for any education or rehabilitation programs ordered by the new framework.

If you’d like, I can compare H 18 to existing Vermont statutes on DLS and summarize how current penalties differ from the proposed decriminalization for third-time nonmoving offenses.

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

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