The Vermont Statutes Online
The Statutes below include the actions of the 2025 session of the General Assembly.
NOTE: The Vermont Statutes Online is an unofficial copy of the Vermont Statutes Annotated that is provided as a convenience.
(Cite as: 12 V.S.A. § 5603)
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§ 5603. Settlement of claims
(a) The Attorney General may consider, adjust, determine, and settle any claim for damages
against the State of Vermont resulting from the acts or omissions of an employee as
provided under 3 V.S.A. § 159. If the State elects to self-insure the liability as defined in 12 V.S.A. § 5601, the Attorney General shall consult with the Secretary of Administration prior to
exercising his or her authority under this subsection.
(b) If the State of Vermont has undertaken the defense of a claim against a State employee
as required by 3 V.S.A. § 1101, the acceptance by the claimant of any award, compromise, or settlement shall be
final and conclusive on the claimant and shall constitute a complete release of any
claim against the State of Vermont and all of its employees.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, if the employee
has purchased a policy of liability insurance which covers claims based on gross negligence
or willful misconduct in the operation of a motor vehicle, the acceptance of an award,
compromise, or settlement shall not bar a claim for gross negligence or willful misconduct
covered by that policy. (Added 1961, No. 265, § 3, eff. Oct. 1, 1961; amended 1963, No. 215, § 2; 1989, No. 114, § 3, eff. June 20, 1989; 1989, No. 163 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; 1995, No. 148 (Adj. Sess.), § 4(c)(2), eff. May 6, 1996; 2021, No. 74, § E.103.1.)