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Bill

H 25

An act relating to imposing Impaired Driver Rehabilitation Program fees based on a person’s ability to pay

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

H.25 ties IDRP fees for Alcohol and Driving Education and related screenings to income, waiving or reducing costs for lower earners and capping charges for higher earners.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 25

Summary of H.25 (2025-2026) – Vermont

Purpose

H.25 proposes to base the fees charged by Vermont’s Impaired Driver Rehabilitation Program (IDRP) on a person’s ability to pay. Specifically, it requires the Department of Health to determine fees for the Alcohol and Driving Education Program and related alcohol assessment screenings using a graduated schedule tied to gross income relative to the federal poverty level. The goal is to reduce or eliminate fees for lower-income individuals and impose higher, but still capped, fees on those with greater financial resources.

Key Provisions

  • Fees governed by the IDRP and related programs

    • The Alcohol and Driving Education Program fee: capped at $250.
    • The alcohol assessment screening fee: capped at $200.
    • For more intensive or weekend residential programs combining both components, total charges capped at $625.
    • These fees are collected by the Department of Health’s Drinking Impaired Driver Rehabilitation Program and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) as part of the reinstatement process.

  • Income-based fee adjustments (graduated schedule)

    • The Commissioner must adopt rules establishing a fee schedule tied to an individual’s gross income relative to the federal poverty guidelines.
    • Fees are to be reduced or eliminated based on income:
    • If annual gross income is less than or equal to 175% of the federal poverty level, the individual shall not pay any program fees.
    • If annual gross income is up to 575% (i.e., up to 575% of the federal poverty guidelines), the individual is eligible for discounted fees.
    • Individuals seeking a reduction must disclose gross income; disclosures are confidential and used solely for determining fee reductions.

  • Eligibility and disclosure

    • An individual requesting a fee reduction must disclose gross income.
    • Income information is confidential and used only for determining the fee reduction.

  • Administration and implementation

    • The DMV and the Department of Health are to educate the public about fees and possible discounts.
    • Fees collected under this section are to be credited to separate special funds for each service type, to offset program operating costs.

  • Fees and reinstatement context

    • Fees apply in the context of reinstatement conditions for licenses or privileges after suspension, including:
    • Completing Alcohol and Driving Education and a risk/need assessment.
    • If needed, completing a therapy program (at the individual’s expense) prior to reinstatement.
    • Consideration of ignition interlock requirements, where applicable.
    • Reinstatement is conditioned on meeting these education, screening, and, if required, treatment requirements, subject to outstanding charges or fines.

Affected Parties

  • Individuals convicted of alcohol-impaired driving or otherwise subject to driving under the influence interventions in Vermont.
  • Vermont Department of Health (IDRP administrator).
  • Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (administrative liaison and implementation).
  • Providers of Alcohol and Driving Education Programs, screening services, and therapy programs (since their services are referenced and funded by these fees).
  • Administrative and legal system participants involved in license reinstatement processes (courts, diversion programs, and related agencies).

Timeline and Implementation

  • Rulemaking and implementation date: The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles must adopt the required rules by January 1, 2026.
  • Effective date: The act is slated to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Potential Impacts

  • Equity in access: Lower-income individuals could access IDRP services at reduced or no cost, potentially increasing participation in education, screening, and treatment as part of reinstatement.
  • Staged cost recovery: Fees are designed to be proportional to ability to pay, potentially smoothing the financial burden of rehabilitation programs.
  • Compliance considerations: Individuals must disclose income, raising considerations about confidentiality and data handling, with protections stated in the bill.
  • Funding for programs: Revenue from fees (including from higher-resource individuals) would fund separate special funds to support program operations.

Notes

  • The bill reflects an emphasis on income-based affordability for rehabilitation-related services and aligns with broader efforts to tailor penalties and supports to financial circumstances.
  • The fiscal impact would depend on enrollment in the program and the uptake of discounted or waived fees, as well as the volume of reinstatements.

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

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