An act relating to land improvement fraud and timber trespass

This bill creates a new crime called land improvement fraud in Vermont, targeting contractors who deceive homeowners about construction or landscaping work. It applies to anyone performing work like driveway installation, tree removal, or forestry operations on residential or non-residential property, and it criminalizes actions such as failing to complete agreed-upon work, misrepresenting facts, or charging excessive prices during emergencies. People convicted of this crime face fines and jail time depending on the amount of financial loss caused, and they must either work under supervision of a licensed company or post a $50,000 surety bond to continue working in the industry. The bill also allows law enforcement to seize equipment used in fraudulent activities and requires convicted individuals to register with the Attorney General. Additionally, the legislation expands restrictions on timber trespass by requiring convicted offenders or those with civil judgments to post a bond before they can resume timber harvesting work.