VT S0183

Amends Vermont's home improvement and land improvement fraud statute (13 V.S.A. § 2029) to require that a person knowingly intends to defraud a client, adding an explicit intent element to the offense.

Expands coverage to include change orders (written or oral) in addition to contracts and agreements, with thresholds of $1,000+ for single contracts or $2,500+ in aggregate for multiple owners.

Establishes criminal penalties ranging from up to 2 years imprisonment and/or $1,000 fine for losses under $1,500, up to 5 years imprisonment and/or $10,000 fine for repeat offenders with losses of $1,500+ (single consumer) or $2,500+ (aggregate).

Requires convicted individuals to either work under supervision of a non-affiliated company or file a $250,000 surety bond or irrevocable letter of credit with the Attorney General's Office to continue home/land improvement work.

Prohibits convicted persons from receiving State grants or contracting with the State for up to 3 years, and takes effect July 1, 2026.