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Senate advances bill expanding 'right to farm' protections, orders third reading after 25-5 vote
Summary
The Vermont Senate voted 25–5 to order third reading of S 45, which would expand statutory protection for agricultural activities from nuisance and trespass suits, shift the burden of proof to plaintiffs, and require mediation before litigation; the bill includes an effective date of July 1, 2025.
The Vermont Senate on March 18, 2025 voted 25–5 to order third reading of S 45, a bill that expands statutory protections for agricultural activities from nuisance and trespass lawsuits and shifts the burden of proof to plaintiffs who sue farmers.
Senator Norris, reporting for the Senate Judiciary Committee, told the floor that S 45 would “enhance protection for farmers from suit by expanding the protection to include protection from trespass complaints as well as nuisance, and by amending the criteria for protection.”
The bill’s proponents told the committee the measure is intended to preserve farmland and reduce litigation-driven conversions of agricultural land. Under S 45, the statutory definition of…
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