Vermont Congressional Bills

in committee · Vermont · Senate Apr 19, 2023

S 1196: Ending Qualified Immunity Act

S 1196, the "Ending Qualified Immunity Act," amends Section 1983 of federal law to remove qualified immunity as a defense for government officials who violate constitutional rights. It directly affects state and local officials (like police officers) sued under Section 1983 for civil rights violations. The bill eliminates four specific defenses: claims of acting in "good faith," believing conduct was lawful, arguments that rights weren't "clearly established," or that the law was unclear at the time of the violation. This change would allow lawsuits to proceed without requiring plaintiffs to prove the right was explicitly defined before the incident. The bill aims to restore the original intent of Section 1983, which Congress states was never meant to include these immunity defenses.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · Vermont · Senate Apr 19, 2023

S 1197: Community Broadband Act of 2023

The Community Broadband Act of 2023 prohibits states from banning local governments, cooperatives, or public-private partnerships from providing broadband services. It ensures these community-based providers (like city-run networks or utility cooperatives) can offer internet access without state restrictions, while requiring them to apply rules fairly to competing private providers. Key provisions define "public provider" (e.g., a city or county), "cooperatively organized provider" (tax-exempt co-ops), and "public-private partnership," with anti-discrimination safeguards to prevent favoritism. The bill does not override existing federal or state regulations governing all broadband providers. It directly affects communities seeking to build local broadband infrastructure, particularly in underserved areas.

Topics ✓ Technology

in committee · Vermont · Senate Apr 19, 2023

S 1193: Latonya Reeves Freedom Act of 2023

The Latonya Reeves Freedom Act of 2023 establishes a federally protected right for individuals with disabilities who require long-term services and supports (LTSS) to live in community-based settings rather than institutions. The bill defines specific requirements for "community-based" settings, including housing options that allow individuals to live in their own homes or shared residences with privacy rights, choice, and control over their services. It requires states to develop transition plans with measurable goals to move people from institutional settings to community-based supports within 12 years, along with annual reporting on progress. The Department of Justice and Department of Health and Human Services will enforce the law through investigations, compliance reviews, and the ability to seek injunctive relief for violations.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Vermont · Senate Apr 19, 2023

S 1206: Do No Harm Act

The Do No Harm Act amends the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) to clarify that RFRA does not apply when federal laws protect against discrimination (like the Civil Rights Act of 1964), guarantee workplace protections (such as the Family and Medical Leave Act), prevent child exploitation, or ensure health care access. It specifically prevents religious freedom claims from blocking enforcement of these existing laws. The bill directly affects individuals or entities attempting to use RFRA to challenge such federal protections in court. This amendment ensures that religious freedom arguments cannot override established civil rights, workplace, child safety, or health care regulations.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Cory A. Booker (D) · 38 co-sponsors

in committee · Vermont · Senate Apr 19, 2023

S 1219: Health Equity for People with Disabilities Act

The Health Equity for People with Disabilities Act amends Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act to ensure people with disabilities are explicitly included in federal health programs serving medically underserved populations. Key provisions require community health centers and related programs to provide accessible services - such as communication devices, aids, and disability-focused planning - while defining "disability" per the Americans with Disabilities Act. The bill updates existing program language to mandate inclusion without altering current funding mechanisms, ensuring people with disabilities have equal access to care under existing health initiatives.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Vermont · Senate Apr 19, 2023

S 1190: End the Threat of Default Act

S.1190, the "End the Threat of Default Act," repeals the statutory debt ceiling (Section 3101 of Title 31, U.S. Code), eliminating the legal limit on federal borrowing. This directly affects how the U.S. Treasury manages debt issuance, as it removes the requirement for Congress to vote on raising the debt limit. The bill replaces all references to "debt subject to limit" with terms like "face value of obligations" to align with the repealed ceiling mechanism, preventing future government shutdowns or default risks tied to debt ceiling negotiations.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

Brian Schatz (D) · 18 co-sponsors

in committee · Vermont · Senate Apr 19, 2023

S 1208: Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act of 2023

S 1208, the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act of 2023, establishes minimum standards for Department of Homeland Security detention facilities based on American Bar Association guidelines to protect detainees' health and safety. The bill requires annual unannounced inspections by the Inspector General, with public reporting of findings, and imposes fines on private facilities that fail to meet standards. It phases out private detention facilities over three years, requiring all facilities to be owned and operated by the Department, and prohibits solitary confinement for all detainees. The bill also creates new procedures to ensure detainees have access to legal counsel and makes custody determinations more transparent and individualized.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare ✓ Immigration

in committee · Vermont · Senate Apr 19, 2023

S 1204: Veterans Medical Marijuana Safe Harbor Act.

The Veterans Medical Marijuana Safe Harbor Act (S.1204) creates a federal "safe harbor" protecting veterans who use medical marijuana in states where it is legal, and allows VA physicians to discuss or recommend it under state law. It directly affects veterans in states with legal medical marijuana programs and their VA healthcare providers. Key provisions include prohibiting federal penalties for compliant veterans and requiring the VA to conduct research on medical marijuana's effects for pain management and PTSD treatment, with reports to Congress within two years. The bill sunsetted after five years but established a framework for evidence-based policy on veteran care.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

in committee · Vermont · House Apr 19, 2023

HR 2715: Keep Our PACT Act

HR 2715, the Keep Our PACT Act, mandates increased federal funding for two key education programs. It requires specific annual funding levels for Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (which supports high-poverty schools) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), guaranteeing students with disabilities access to a high-quality education. The bill sets mandatory funding amounts that rise each year, with IDEA funding gradually increasing to reach 40% of the national average per-pupil expenditure for students with disabilities by fiscal year 2033. This directly affects school districts receiving Title I funds and states administering IDEA services for students with disabilities. The bill fulfills a prior commitment made under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

Susie Lee (D) · 78 co-sponsors

in committee · Vermont · House Apr 19, 2023

HR 2725: Do No Harm Act

HR 2725, the "Do No Harm Act," amends the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) to clarify that RFRA does not apply when federal laws protect against discrimination or promote equal opportunity. It specifically exempts protections under the Civil Rights Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, workplace benefits like leave, child labor safeguards, and healthcare access from RFRA challenges. The bill also clarifies that RFRA does not block private lawsuits between individuals, applying only to cases involving government entities. This amendment ensures that existing federal civil rights and workplace protections remain enforceable under RFRA.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Vermont · House Apr 19, 2023

HR 2708: Latonya Reeves Freedom Act of 2023

The Latonya Reeves Freedom Act of 2023 strengthens the Americans with Disabilities Act's requirement that individuals with disabilities receive long-term services and supports in community settings rather than institutions. It defines "community-based" services to include specific housing options where individuals with disabilities can live independently with maximum control over their lives, including access to integrated housing, employment, and community participation. The bill requires states to develop transition plans to move people from institutional settings to community-based services within 12 years, with measurable annual targets for reducing institutionalization. It establishes enforcement mechanisms through the Department of Justice and Department of Health and Human Services to ensure compliance with these requirements.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Housing

Steve Cohen (D) · 224 co-sponsors

in committee · Vermont · House Apr 19, 2023

HR 1624: Puppy Protection Act of 2023

The Puppy Protection Act of 2023 sets new standards for businesses that sell dogs (dealers), directly affecting pet stores and breeders operating under the Animal Welfare Act. It requires specific housing with space allowances based on dog size (e.g., 12-30 square feet per dog), temperature control (45-85°F), clean food twice daily, and daily exercise or socialization with humans/dogs for at least 30 minutes. The bill also mandates annual veterinary exams including dental care, strict breeding limits (e.g., age restrictions, maximum 2 litters in 18 months), and efforts to place retired breeding dogs in homes instead of selling them to other breeders. Regulations must be finalized within 18 months of enactment.

Vermont Congressional Bills

Bill results