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2008 SUMMARY OF NEW STATE LAWS - VERMONT

Vermont State Legislative Website

BILL #

CHAPTER #

ISSUE

BILL DESCRIPTION

HB 704

135

State Regulation

Provides that a fire and casualty or property and casualty insurer may transfer a policy to an affiliate upon expiration of the policy without providing notice of nonrenewal provided that certain conditions are met; relates to certain notice related to renewal of liability insurance policies. Effective date: July 1, 2008.

SB 2

108

Bail Bonds

Repeals a provision of law authorizing a district court to require cash-only bail; clarifies that a defendant charged with retail theft qualifies for a public defender only if the value of the items stolen exceeds a certain amount. Effective date: July 1, 2008.

SB 168

170

DUI

Amends provisions related to operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs; broadens the definition of a drug; allows law enforcement officers access to department of corrections records of probation, parole and conditions of release; provides for an alcohol ignition interlock study of high-blood-alcohol and multiple DUI convictions and a study of the feasibility of conditional drivers licenses; relates to allowing another to drive a vehicle because of threats to self or family. Effective date: July 1, 2008.

SB 226

180

Smoke Detectors

Requires photoelectric-only-type smoke detectors to be installed in all places where people sleep; provides that a person who constructs a single-family dwelling shall install photoelectric-only-type smoke detectors; provides that single -family dwellings constructed after a certain date shall have smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors powered by the electrical service in the building and by battery; provides for sale of homes lacking smoke detectors. Effective date: May 29, 2008.

SB 345

208

Workers' Compensation

Reduces the cost of workers' compensation insurance by rewarding employers who have safe and healthy workplaces by reducing premiums; requiring insurers to offer small deductible workers' compensation insurance policies to all employers; permitting employer to pay single-visit, medical only claims out of pocket; and improving enforcement of workers' compensation fraud. Effective date: July 1, 2008.

The information contained in this summary is not intended as a portrayal of every property/casualty-related law enacted in each state. Rather, it represents recently enacted legislation specifically identified by NAMIC State and Regulatory Affairs Staff as bearing direct relevance to those issues that represent NAMIC's National State Legislative Agenda or otherwise deemed pertinent to the interests of the majority of NAMIC members.

This summary is for use as a convenient tool for our members, and is not intended, and should not be considered to be, legal advice. Please consult your legal representatives.