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Bill

H 526

An act relating to driver safety courses and discounts for motor vehicle insurance

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Anne Donahue and 1 co-sponsor

The bill would create approved driver safety courses and offer insurance discounts for completing them, to improve driving safety and reduce premiums.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development
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Bill Summary · H 526

Summary of H.526 (2025-2026) — An act relating to driver safety courses and discounts for motor vehicle insurance

Purpose and intent

  • The bill aims to enhance road safety and reduce motor vehicle insurance costs by promoting driver safety education and creating or expanding savings opportunities for insured drivers who participate in approved safety programs.

Key provisions and changes proposed

  • Driver safety courses
    • Establish or authorize driver safety courses that may be offered to Vermonters, with the goal of improving driving skills and reducing at-fault incidents.
    • Possible standards for course content, delivery (e.g., in-person or online), and eligibility for participants. (Note: specific course design details are not provided in the available summary; the bill intends to regulate or approve safety curriculum as part of the program.)
  • Insurance discounts/discount programs
    • Create or expand eligibility for discounts on motor vehicle insurance premiums for individuals who complete the approved driver safety courses.
    • Establish the structure of discounts (e.g., percentage reductions, duration of discount, caps, and any required minimum coverage levels). The intent is to pass savings from safer driving to consumers through lower insurance costs.
  • Administration and oversight
    • Likely designates a state department or agency (e.g., Department of Insurance or a related Vermont body) to administer the program, approve curricula, and certify participating providers.
    • Establishes reporting or compliance requirements for insurers to apply the discounts and verify course completion.
  • Target groups
    • Potentially applicable to new drivers, at-risk drivers, or broad consumer eligibility depending on program design. The bill’s language would define who must or may take the courses (e.g., first-time licensees, drivers with violations, or voluntary participation).

Who would be affected

  • Drivers and vehicle owners in Vermont who enroll in approved driver safety courses.
  • Insurance providers operating in Vermont, required to apply the approved discounts and verify course completion.
  • Course providers (schools, organizations) that offer the approved driver safety programs and seek certification to participate in the discount program.
  • State regulators, likely the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation or Department of Public Safety, overseeing approval, verification, and reporting.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral
    • H.526 was introduced by Rep. Anne B. Donahue with a co-sponsor, Rep. Kenneth Goslant.
    • On January 6, 2026, the bill was read the first time and referred to the House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development.
  • Committee process
    • The bill was scheduled for consideration by the House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development, with a noted meeting on January 21, 2026.
    • The committee will review, amend if needed, and determine whether to advance the bill toward floor action.
  • Next steps (typical legislative path)
    • If approved by the committee, the bill would move to the House floor for debate and a vote, then potentially to the Senate (where a companion measure or the same bill would be considered), and finally to the governor for signature or veto.
  • Effective date
    • The bill’s text would specify when any new requirements or discounts take effect, including any phase-in period for providers and insurers.

Notes

  • The available information emphasizes the bill’s focus on driver safety education and insurance discounts but does not provide detailed text on discount amounts, eligible populations, or exact administrative mechanisms. The final version from the committee may include specific eligibility criteria, discount percentages, the duration of discounts, and certification processes for providers.

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

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