Vermont § 1991 - Definitions As used in this chapter:
Full text of Vermont Vermont Statutes Online § 1991 — Definitions As used in this chapter:, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 1991. Definitions As used in this chapter:
- (1) “Advisory body” means a public body that does not have supervision, control, or jurisdiction
over legislative, quasi-judicial, tax, or budgetary matters. (2) “Candidate” and “candidate’s committee” have the same meanings as in 17 V.S.A. § 2901. (3) “Commission” means the State Ethics Commission established under 3 V.S.A. chapter 31, subchapter 3. (4) “Confidential information” means information that is exempt from public inspection
and copying under 1 V.S.A. § 315 et seq. or is otherwise designated by law as confidential. (5) “Conflict of interest” means a direct or indirect interest of a municipal officer
or such an interest, known to the officer, of a member of the officer’s immediate
family or household, or of a business associate, in the outcome of a particular matter
pending before the officer or the officer’s public body, or that is in conflict with
the proper discharge of the officer’s duties. “Conflict of interest” does not include
any interest that is not greater than that of other individuals generally affected
by the outcome of a matter. (6) “Department head” means any authority in charge of an agency, department, or office
of a municipality. (7) “Designated complaint recipient” means: (A) a department head or employee specifically designated or assigned to receive a complaint
that constitutes protected activity, as set forth in section 1997 of this title; (B) a board or commission of the State or a municipality; (C) the Vermont State Auditor; (D) a State or federal agency that oversees the activities of an agency, department, or
office of the State or a municipality; (E) a law enforcement officer as defined in 20 V.S.A. § 2358; (F) a federal or State court, grand jury, petit jury, law enforcement agency, or prosecutorial
office; (G) the legislative body of the municipality, the General Assembly or the U.S. Congress;
or (H) an officer or employee of an entity listed in this subdivision (7) when acting within
the scope of the officer’s or employee’s duties. (8) “Domestic partner” means an individual in an enduring domestic relationship of a spousal
nature with the municipal officer, provided the individual and municipal officer: (A) have shared a residence for at least six consecutive months; (B) are at least 18 years of age; (C) are not married to or considered a domestic partner of another individual; (D) are not related by blood closer than would bar marriage under State law; and (E) have agreed between themselves to be responsible for each other’s welfare. (9) “Illegal order” means a directive to violate, or to assist in violating, a federal,
State, or local law. (10) “Immediate family” means an individual’s spouse, domestic partner, or civil union
partner; child or foster child; sibling; parent; or such relations by marriage or
by civil union or domestic partnership; or an individual claimed as a dependent for
federal income tax purposes. (11) “Legislative body” means the selectboard in the case of a town, the mayor, alderpersons,
and city council members in the case of a city, the president and trustees in the
case of an incorporated village, the members of the prudential committee in the case
of a fire district, and the supervisor in the case of an unorganized town or gore. (12) “Municipal officer” or “officer” means: (A) any member of a legislative body of a municipality; (B) any member of a quasi-judicial body of a municipality; or (C) any individual who holds the position of, or exercises the function of, any of the
following positions in or on behalf of any municipality:
Source: official Vermont text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Vermont § 1991
What does Vermont Statutes Online § 1991 cover?
Section 1991 ("Definitions As used in this chapter:") is part of the Vermont Statutes Online, the codified statutory law of Vermont. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Vermont § 1991?
A common citation format is "Vermont Statutes Online § 1991" (Vermont). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Vermont law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Vermont official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Vermont attorney.
How does Vermont § 1991 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Vermont can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Vermont.