Vermont Bills

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 5, 2024

H 652: An act relating to updates to the HOME Act

This Vermont bill updates the HOME Act to streamline zoning rules and expand housing options across municipalities. It directly affects local governments, developers, and residents by modifying how parking requirements, multi-unit housing, and land development standards are regulated. Key provisions include limiting parking requirements to one space per dwelling unit in areas with sewer and water infrastructure, allowing duplexes and small multi-unit buildings to be built on the same lot size as single-family homes, and requiring municipalities to permit at least five dwelling units per acre in residential areas. The bill also clarifies definitions of areas served by municipal infrastructure and sets a 60-day timeline for municipal panels to decide appeals on zoning decisions.

Topics ✓ Housing

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 5, 2024

H 672: An act relating to work search requirements for individuals receiving unemployment insurance benefits

This bill requires individuals receiving unemployment insurance benefits in Vermont to repay benefits received during weeks when they failed to attend a scheduled job interview or provided false information to an employer that prevented an interview from occurring. The law defines these failures as lacking reasonable efforts to secure work and establishes that affected individuals must return any overpaid benefits, with notices specifying the amount owed and the weeks involved. The bill also sets a three-year limit from the date of overpayment for the state to make repayment determinations and takes effect on July 1, 2024.

Topics ✗ Labor & Employment

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 5, 2024

H 663: An act relating to requiring payment of the prevailing wage for State-funded storm repair and climate change mitigation projects

This bill requires workers on State-funded storm repair and climate change mitigation projects to receive the prevailing wage if the project costs more than $100,000. It applies to projects involving storm damage cleanup, temporary shelter construction, disaster preparation, and climate change mitigation efforts. The prevailing wage would be determined by whichever is higher: the federal Davis-Bacon Act rate or local rates from collective bargaining agreements. The bill also prevents the Governor from suspending these wage requirements during a state of emergency and directs the Commissioner of Labor to create rules for implementation.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Labor & Employment

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 5, 2024

H 662: An act relating to the merger of entities that hold separate alcoholic beverage licenses

This bill allows two or more businesses with separate alcoholic beverage licenses to merge into a single parent corporation while keeping their individual licenses active. The key provision permits these merged entities to operate under one unified payroll and administrative system without requiring them to consolidate their licenses. It directly affects businesses in Vermont that have combined operations but wish to maintain their existing licensing structure. The legislation aims to provide flexibility for corporate mergers in the alcohol beverage industry without disrupting current regulatory compliance.

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 5, 2024

H 660: An act relating to youth sports in Vermont

This bill allows Vermont public and private schools to join athletic associations without being permanently banned from future participation if a school forfeits a game or tournament. It also establishes two study committees to examine how high school and youth sports programs are regulated and operated across the state. The Vermont Interscholastic Sports Study Committee will review high school athletics oversight and submit recommendations by January 2025, while the Vermont Youth Sports Leagues Study Committee will gather data on privately and municipally run youth sports programs. Both committees will include representatives from various counties and sports, with the first meeting scheduled for July 2024.

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 5, 2024

H 656: An act relating to establishing a right to repair powered wheelchairs

This bill establishes a legal right for owners of powered wheelchairs and independent repair shops to repair their devices without relying solely on the original equipment manufacturer. It requires manufacturers to provide parts, tools, and documentation at fair and reasonable terms, including access to diagnostic software and security features needed for repairs. The law defines key terms like "independent repair provider" and "original equipment manufacturer" to clarify who must comply with these requirements. By mandating access to repair resources, the bill aims to give wheelchair users more control over maintenance and reduce dependence on manufacturer-approved service centers.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Technology

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 5, 2024

H 658: An act relating to banking, insurance, and securities

This bill proposes amendments to Vermont laws governing banking, insurance, and securities, but the full text is not included in this short-form version. It directly affects financial institutions and consumers by updating regulatory frameworks, though specific changes cannot be detailed without the complete legislation. The bill was introduced by Representatives Marcotte and Jerome and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development for further review.

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 5, 2024

H 681: An act relating to home-delivered meals as a Medicaid covered service

This bill would require Vermont's Secretary of Human Services to request federal approval to include home-delivered meals as a covered Medicaid service. The change would directly affect elderly and disabled Vermonters who currently receive nutrition services through area agencies on aging but do not have home-delivered meals reimbursed under their Medicaid plans. The bill specifies that meals must be part of an individual's service plan and meet nutrition standards set by the Older Americans Act. If approved, this change would take effect on July 1, 2024, aligning Vermont with approximately 32 other states that already cover home-delivered meals under their Medicaid waiver programs.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 5, 2024

H 679: An act relating to establishing a property tax surcharge and allocation of property transfer tax revenue

This bill proposes adding a 2% surcharge to property transfer taxes on transactions exceeding $600,000 in Vermont. The additional revenue would be distributed across multiple state funds, with 75% going to the Vermont Housing and Conservation Trust Fund, 20% split between the Municipal Technical Assistance Program and Department of Taxes, and smaller portions allocated to the Clean Water Fund, tax administration, and the General Fund. The legislation directly affects real estate transactions and state budget allocations by modifying how property transfer tax revenue is collected and distributed.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment ✓ Housing

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 5, 2024

H 682: An act relating to the Education Equity Team Pilot Project and report

This bill creates a pilot program to support diversity, equity, and inclusion work in Vermont schools by funding Equity Teams in up to five supervisory unions or school districts. An Equity Team Commission would oversee the program, selecting participating districts and managing $50,000 in stipends to provide each Equity Team with $10,000 for resources like meeting supplies and transportation. The Equity Teams themselves would consist of administrators, students, and teachers who review school policies and curriculum through an antiracism and inclusion lens. The Commission must submit a report to the legislature by September 2025 detailing the teams' work and recommending whether to expand the program. The pilot project is set to begin on July 1, 2024, and the Commission will cease to exist on October 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Education

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 5, 2024

H 677: An act relating to providing positions and funding to support statewide student support systems

This bill creates new positions and provides funding to the Vermont Agency of Education to support student support systems, literacy efforts, and community schools. It establishes five new staff roles focused on coaching educators in tiered support systems and scientifically-based literacy techniques, while also extending funding for the Community Schools Program for three years. The legislation includes requirements for schools to conduct needs assessments, implement community school programs, and undergo annual evaluations to ensure progress. Additionally, it allocates money to improve the state's Learning Management System and allows flexibility in how literacy funding is used between contractors and internal positions.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

introduced · Vermont · Senate Jan 5, 2024

S 219: An act relating to municipal regulation of private airstrips

This bill clarifies the authority of Vermont municipalities to regulate private airstrips through zoning laws. It directly affects local governments and private airstrip operators by explicitly allowing zoning bylaws to govern the location, construction, repair, maintenance, and alteration of restricted landing areas. The key provision amends existing zoning statutes to include restricted landing areas alongside other land uses that municipalities can regulate for public health, safety, and welfare. This change takes effect on July 1, 2024, giving local communities clearer legal grounds to manage airstrip development within their jurisdictions.

Bill results