S 261 Vermont Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

An act relating to liability limitations for certain railroad and utility property open to the public for recreational use

S.261 limits legal liability for railroads and utilities that allow the public to use their undeveloped property (like rights-of-way and utility corridors) for recreation. The bill defines "land" to specifically include these areas when open to the public, while excluding commercial recreational sites and equipment. This changes liability rules by clarifying that landowners aren't responsible for injuries on these recreational-access areas under Vermont law. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.
Bill status introduced 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 15, 2026 Last action Jan 15, 2026
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Jan 15, 2026
Introduced
Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Judiciary
upper
3 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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