H 469 Vermont House · 2023-2024 Regular Session

An act relating to remote and electronic processes for executing an advance directive

This bill makes permanent the ability to use remote and electronic methods for signing advance directives, which were previously only allowed through March 31, 2024. It allows witnesses and neutral explainers to participate via live video or telephone, and permits all parties to use digital signatures. The law also expands remote witnessing options for a special clause called a Ulysses clause, which lets a named agent make medical decisions even against the principal's wishes if they lose capacity. These changes affect individuals creating advance directives, their witnesses, and healthcare providers in Vermont. The bill takes effect on April 1, 2024.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2024
House Passage
Mar 2024
Senate Passage
Mar 2024
Signed into Law
Mar 2024
Introduced Mar 14, 2023 Signed Mar 27, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
24
Key actions
8
Committee
6
Amendments
3
Mar 27, 2024
Signed into law
Signed by Governor on March 27, 2024
executive
Mar 21, 2024
Lower · Passed
Delivered to the Governor on March 21, 2024
lower
Mar 12, 2024
Lower · Passed
Senate Message: Passed in concurrence
lower
Feb 29, 2024
Upper · Passed
Reported favorably by Senator Lyons for Committee on Health and Welfare, read 2nd time and 3rd reading ordered
upper
Feb 29, 2024
Upper · Passed
Favorable report by Committee on Health and Welfare
upper
Feb 28, 2024
Upper · Passed
Favorable report by Committee on Health and Welfare
upper
Jan 3, 2024
Committee
Referred to Committee on Health and Welfare per Temporary Senate Rule 44A
upper
May 8, 2023
Introduced
Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Rules
upper
May 3, 2023
Lower · Passed
Report of Committee on Human Services agreed to
lower
May 3, 2023
Lower · Passed
Rep. Hyman of South Burlington reported for the Committee on Human Services
lower
May 3, 2023
Introduced
Action Calendar: Favorable with Amendment
lower
May 2, 2023
Introduced
Notice Calendar: Favorable with Amendment
lower
May 1, 2023
Introduced
Notice Calendar: Favorable with Amendment
lower
Mar 14, 2023
Introduced
Read first time and referred to the Committee on Human Services
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Theresa Wood
Theresa Wood
DDemocratic
VT
Washington-Chittenden