VT S0218

Secretary of Natural Resources must establish a voluntary Chloride Contamination Reduction Program by July 1, 2027, providing education, training, and certification for commercial salt applicators on best management practices for applying salt and salt alternatives to roads, parking lots, and sidewalks

Certified commercial salt applicators and property owners using them gain an affirmative defense against slip-and-fall liability claims from snow or ice hazards when following the program's best management practices, provided damages were caused solely by snow/ice and not due to gross negligence

Municipal salt applicators who complete updated Vermont Local Roads curriculum training receive the same affirmative defense protection; the Secretary must update this curriculum by November 1, 2027

Secretary of Natural Resources must submit a report by January 15, 2027 inventorying State and municipal salt/sand storage facilities, estimating how many are covered or uncovered, and calculating costs to cover or relocate uncovered facilities near water sources

Implementation of the program is contingent upon General Fund appropriation; any certification fees charged to commercial or municipal applicators must be approved by the General Assembly