The Vermont Statutes Online
The Statutes below include the actions of the 2024 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.
Title 20 : Internal Security and Public Safety
Chapter 001 : Emergency Management
(Cite as: 20 V.S.A. § 4)-
§ 4. Repealed. 1996, No. 188, § 4. [Effective until July 1, 2025]
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§ 4. Language assistance services for State emergency communications [Effective July 1, 2025]
(a) If an all-hazards event occurs, the Vermont Emergency Management Division shall ensure that language assistance services are available for all State communications regarding the all-hazards event, including relevant press conferences and emergency alerts, as soon as practicable. Language assistance services shall be provided for:
(1) individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind; and
(2) individuals with limited English proficiency.
(b) As used in this section, an “individual with limited English proficiency” means a person who does not speak English as the person’s primary language and who has a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English.
(c) Annually, the Vermont Emergency Management Division shall hold a public meeting with members of the Vermont Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind Advisory Council; the Office of Racial Equity; the Vermont Association of Broadcasters; and other relevant stakeholders to review the adequacy and efficacy of the provision and distribution of language assistance services of emergency communications over mass communication platforms to individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind as well as individuals with limited English language proficiency. (Added 2023, No. 143 (Adj. Sess.), § 21, eff. July 1, 2025.)
