An act relating to protection from nuisance suits for agricultural activities
H.407 protects Vermont farmers from nuisance lawsuits by establishing that agricultural activities generally do not constitute a nuisance if they follow "generally accepted agricultural practices." This applies to routine farm operations like crop cultivation, livestock management, and equipment use, directly affecting farmers and neighboring property owners who might otherwise file lawsuits. The bill requires parties to attempt mediation before filing a lawsuit and excludes protection if negligence or violations of water quality rules occur. It also ensures protection continues through ownership changes, farm method shifts, or temporary operational pauses (up to 10 years), preserving farm continuity.
Bill status
introduced
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025
Last action Feb 27, 2025
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
1
Key actions
0
Committee
0
Feb 27, 2025
Introduced
Read first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary
lower
37 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Brenda Steady
RRepublican
P
Carolyn Branagan
RRepublican
P
Debbie Powers
RRepublican
P
Eric Maguire
RRepublican
P
Greg Burtt
RRepublican
P
James Gregoire
RRepublican
P
Jay Hooper
DDemocratic
P
Jed Lipsky
IIndependent
P
Jim Casey
RRepublican
P
Jonathan Cooper
DDemocratic
P
Joseph Parsons
RRepublican
P
Josh Dobrovich
RRepublican
P
Ken Wells
RRepublican
P
Kenneth Goslant
RRepublican
P
Kevin Winter
RRepublican
P
Kristi Morris
DDemocratic
P
Larry Labor
RRepublican
P
Laura Sibilia
IIndependent
P
Leland Morgan
RRepublican
P
Lucy Boyden
DDemocratic
P
Mark Higley
RRepublican
P
Marty Feltus
RRepublican
P
Mary Morrissey
RRepublican
P
Matt Walker
RRepublican
P
Michael Boutin
RRepublican
P
Mike Morgan
RRepublican
P
Mike Southworth
RRepublican
P
Mike Tagliavia
RRepublican
P
Richard Nelson
RRepublican
P
Rob North
RRepublican
P
Sandy Pinsonault
RRepublican
P
Shawn Sweeney
DDemocratic
P
Todd Nielsen
RRepublican
P
Tom Charlton
RRepublican
P
Wayne Laroche
RRepublican
P
Will Greer
DDemocratic
P
Zak Harvey
RRepublican
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about H 407
Scope: VT
Hi! I can help you understand H 407. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline