The Vermont Supreme Court's Advisory Committee on the Rules of Civil Procedure is set to convene virtually at 9:00 a.m. on March 7, 2025. The meeting will cover several agenda items, including welcoming new committee members and approving the draft minutes from the January 3, 2025 meeting.
A key topic for discussion will be the reconsideration of making Rule 9.2 permanent. This follows a recommendation under #23-2.3, which involves reviewing case law related to the expired Cares Act notification requirement.
The committee will also review proposed rules currently out for comment. Among these is Rule 4(c), suggested by Senator Hasim, which emphasizes special appointments for service by an "indifferent person." The amendments aim to broaden reasons for special appointment and require service of the order of appointment.
Additionally, proposed amendments to Rule 30(e) regarding filing deadlines for printed cases are up for review. Comments on this proposal close on March 5, 2025.
Another amendment under consideration is Rule 65(b)(1), which would require a motion to apply for a preliminary injunction instead of including it in the complaint.
The committee will discuss shifting responsibilities from clerks to courts concerning taxation of costs and preparation of judgment forms as per Judge Hoar's suggestion (#23-7).
Other items include automatic withdrawal upon final judgment (Rule #25-1), client contact information with motions to withdraw (Rules #23-5 & #24-9), post-conviction relief (Rule #24-10), citation requirements for out-of-state service (Rule #24-3), and service notification rules (#24-12).
Chair Keyes and other members will report on various proposals and updates during the meeting. Future meetings are scheduled for May 2, September 5, November 7 in 2025, and January 9 and March 6 in 2026.