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
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
1
Key actions
0
Committee
0
Jan 15, 2026
Introduced
Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Judiciary
upper
3 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Alison Clarkson
DDemocratic
P
Martine Gulick
DDemocratic
P
Wendy Harrison
DDemocratic
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