H.649 regulates captive insurance companies and risk retention groups in Vermont. It bans risk retention groups from making loans or investments in their parent companies or affiliates (except existing arrangements before 2026) and revises reporting requirements. Captive insurance companies must now file annual financial reports by March 1 (or March 15 for specific types), using standardized accounting methods, while risk retention groups must submit annual and quarterly reports to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). The bill also requires certification statements for each "protected cell" within sponsored captive insurance companies. These changes directly affect Vermont-based captive insurers, risk retention groups, and their financial reporting obligations.
This bill (H 545) authorizes Vermont's Commissioner of Health to issue immunization recommendations for both children and adults, including standing orders for healthcare providers. It requires health insurers to cover all recommended vaccines without any cost-sharing (like copays or deductibles) and allows the Department of Health to purchase vaccines directly from the CDC or other vendors at the lowest cost. The bill directly affects Vermont residents (ensuring free access to recommended vaccines), healthcare providers (who gain liability protection when following standing orders), and health insurers (mandated to cover costs). Key policy changes include eliminating out-of-pocket costs for recommended immunizations and establishing a new advisory committee to set annual vaccine funding assessments.
H.790 adjusts specific line items in Vermont's fiscal year 2026 budget, primarily modifying existing funding allocations rather than creating new programs. It increases renter rebate funding from $9.5 million to $11 million (a $1.5 million increase) and decreases homeowner rebate funding from $19 million to $17.5 million (a $1.5 million reduction). The bill also raises legislative counsel funding by $720,000 (from $4.88 million to $5.60 million) and makes minor adjustments to other state agency budgets. These changes directly affect renters and homeowners through rebate program funding levels, while state government operations are impacted through revised budget allocations.
H 516 proposes to approve several amendments to the charter of the Town of Essex. The bill clarifies when a Selectboard member's office is considered vacant, such as if they move out of town or fail to attend at least 50 percent of meetings in a year. It also establishes the duties of the Town Moderator and outlines procedures for electing a temporary Moderator when needed. Additionally, the bill authorizes the Selectboard to appoint members to the Town Cemetery Commission and requires the Selectboard to hire a public accountant to examine the Town's financial statements.
S 23 prohibits the distribution of deceptive synthetic media (AI-generated content falsely representing political candidates) within 90 days of Vermont elections without clear disclosure. It requires visible or audible disclaimers stating the media was "created or manipulated by digital technology," with specific formatting rules for different formats. The law exempts news media during bona fide reporting, satire, and platforms under Section 230 of federal law. Violations carry fines up to $15,000 (with higher penalties for repeat offenses or intent to cause harm), and candidates can seek court injunctions to stop distribution.
H 474, now law after being signed by the Governor on June 25, 2025, makes two key changes to Vermont's election rules. First, it prevents candidates who lose a major party primary from appearing as independents on the general election ballot for the same office (Sec. 4-5). Second, it requires write-in candidates for state or federal offices to file a form with the Secretary of State by 5:00 p.m. on the Thursday before the election to have their votes counted, and sets a minimum vote threshold to qualify as a primary winner (Sec. 9-10). These changes directly affect candidates running for office and election officials handling ballots. The bill also updates procedures for military/overseas voters to request electronic ballot delivery (Sec. 7), but this is a minor amendment to existing process.
H 480 requires all Vermont public school districts and independent schools to establish behavioral threat assessment teams by July 1, 2025, with full implementation of threat assessment programs by October 1, 2025. This includes training staff (with bias training), adopting policies, updating emergency plans, and educating school communities. The bill also creates a new framework for virtual learning, allowing Vermont public school students to enroll in supervised online courses that meet state standards, with districts counting these students in enrollment totals. Additionally, it exempts specific accredited colleges from certain education law requirements and clarifies that school nutrition contracts do not require public bidding.
Vermont's S.51 creates a $1,000-per-child refundable tax credit for residents with children under age 6, regardless of whether they or their children have a federal tax ID number. It also expands the state's earned income tax credit to cover individuals who qualify federally but lack required tax IDs, and adjusts exclusions for Social Security and Civil Service retirement income based on income thresholds (e.g., full exclusion for single filers earning ≤$55,000 or married couples ≤$70,000). The bill directly affects low-to-moderate-income families, retirees, and individuals with limited access to federal tax IDs. Signed into law by Governor on June 25, 2025, it modifies Vermont's tax code to broaden eligibility for existing federal credit programs.
H.454 establishes the Commission on the Future of Public Education to study Vermont's education system and develop recommendations for a statewide vision ensuring all students have substantially equal opportunities. The bill mandates creating new, larger school district boundaries effective July 1, 2027, and requires updates to career and technical education governance by 2026. It also plans for a full transition to these new districts by July 1, 2029, with funding and guidance to support the change. This directly affects Vermont’s 119 current school districts, students, teachers, and local communities by restructuring governance and resource allocation. The law, signed by the governor in July 2025, aims to address declining enrollment and unequal educational quality.
This bill (S.53) expands Vermont Medicaid coverage to include community-based perinatal doula services. It requires the Department of Vermont Health Access to seek federal approval for this coverage by July 1, 2026, with coverage becoming effective on that date or after federal approval, whichever comes later (per 33 V.S.A. § 1901n). The law directly affects Vermont Medicaid recipients seeking perinatal doula care and the doulas providing these services. The policy change mandates Medicaid reimbursement for doula services following the state’s federal approval process.
This bill allows Vermont schools to maintain a stock supply of epinephrine auto-injectors (like EpiPens) for emergency use. It authorizes trained school staff, not just nurses, to administer the medication during severe allergic reactions - regardless of whether the individual has a personal prescription - following established protocols. Schools must develop written allergy management plans with parents, train staff on recognizing and responding to reactions, and adopt policies for allergen prevention and emergency procedures. The law provides legal immunity for staff administering epinephrine in good faith, and it takes effect July 1, 2025.
S 63 requires Vermont's Green Mountain Care Board to establish annual budgets for general hospitals by September 15 and psychiatric hospitals (excluding state-run facilities) by December 15, with written decisions following. Hospitals must operate within these budgets, and violations can result in fines up to $100,000 or 0.1% of annual revenue for ongoing noncompliance. The Board may issue emergency orders without prior notice during immediate financial threats to hospitals or public safety, with hospitals entitled to a hearing within 30 days. This directly affects all Vermont hospitals under the Board's oversight.
