An act relating to a six-year statute of repose for actions arising out of improvements to real property

H 589 establishes a six-year statute of repose for lawsuits involving defects in real property improvements (like construction or renovations) in Vermont. It requires such claims - covering design, construction, or supervision - to be filed within six years of "substantial completion," defined as when the property is ready for its intended use. The bill excludes fraud cases, which remain subject to Vermont’s standard statute of limitations under Section 555. This change affects property owners, contractors, and developers by setting a fixed deadline for legal action related to construction defects. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.