Vermont H0849 - Civil Action for Damages for Deprivation of Federal Constitutional Rights by Government Officials
Summary
Vermont H0849 was enacted creating a civil cause of action for damages when federal constitutional rights are deprived by government officials. The bill passed the House on March 12, 2026 (97-39) and the Senate on April 14, 2026 (23-7). This legislation allows individuals to seek civil remedies in state court for constitutional rights violations by state government officials.
What changed
Vermont enacted H0849, establishing a new civil cause of action allowing individuals to sue government officials for damages when federal constitutional rights are deprived. The bill creates a direct state remedy for constitutional violations that previously may have required federal court proceedings.
Government officials and agencies should prepare for potential increased civil litigation exposure. Affected parties may face damages claims in Vermont state courts for constitutional rights deprivations. Legal professionals should monitor for implementing regulations or court rules governing these civil actions.
What to do next
- Monitor for bill implementation and any state court guidance
- Review internal policies for constitutional rights compliance
- Consult legal counsel regarding potential exposure to civil damages claims
Archived snapshot
Apr 15, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
ChangeBridge / Vermont / H0849 Passed H0849 H Passed 2026-03-13
An act relating to a civil action for damages for deprivation of federal constitutional rights by any government official
Bill Details
State Vermont
Session 2025-2026 Session
Chamber House
Official Source legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H...
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Sponsors
Martin LaLonde (Rep - D)
Action History
2026-04-14 S 3rd reading ordered on roll call Passed -- Needed 15 of 30 to Pass -- Yeas = 23, Nays = 7 2026-04-14 S Reported favorably by Senator Hashim for Committee on Judiciary 2026-04-14 S Read 2nd time 2026-04-14 S Favorable report by Committee on Judiciary 2026-04-14 S Second Reading 2026-04-10 S Favorable report by Committee on Judiciary 2026-04-10 S Second Reading 2026-04-10 S Entered on Notice Calendar 2026-03-18 S Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Judiciary 2026-03-13 H Read third time and passed 2026-03-13 H Action Calendar: Third Reading 2026-03-12 H Third Reading ordered 2026-03-12 H Which was agreed to on a Roll Call Passed -- Needed 68 of 136 to Pass -- Yeas = 97, Nays = 39 2026-03-12 H Report of Committee on Judiciary agreed to 2026-03-12 H Rep. Houghton of Essex Junction demanded yeas and nays 2026-03-12 H Rep. LaLonde of South Burlington reported for the Committee on Judiciary 2026-03-12 H Read second time 2026-03-12 H Action Calendar: Favorable with Amendment 2026-03-11 H Notice Calendar: Favorable with Amendment 2026-03-10 H Notice Calendar: Favorable with Amendment 2026-02-03 H Read first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary
Votes
2026-03-12 Which was agreed to on a Roll Call Passed -- Needed 68 of 136 to Pass -- Yeas = 97, Nays = 39 Yea: 97 Nay: 39 2026-04-14 3rd reading ordered on roll call Passed -- Needed 15 of 30 to Pass -- Yeas = 23, Nays = 7 Yea: 23 Nay: 7
Committee Referrals
2026-02-03 H Judiciary 2026-03-18 S Judiciary
Bill Text Versions
2026-02-02 Introduced 2026-03-16 Engrossed Legislative data powered by LegiScan (CC BY 4.0)
Named provisions
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