Vermont Bills

introduced · Vermont · Senate Feb 25, 2025

S 85: An act relating to approval of railroad lease extensions

This bill requires Vermont's General Assembly to approve all extensions of leases for State-owned railroad property, shifting authority from the Secretary of Transportation. It directly affects state railroads and their operators, who will need legislative consent for any lease extension beyond the current term. Key provisions mandate that the Secretary notify transportation committees 12 months before lease expiration or extension, and specify that short-term leases (up to six months) may be arranged without immediate approval. The bill amends existing law to ensure legislative oversight of railroad lease renewals, while maintaining existing federal approval requirements.

introduced · Vermont · House Feb 25, 2025

H 312: An act relating to the appointment of members of the State Board of Education and the Secretary of Education

This bill changes how Vermont's State Board of Education members and the Secretary of Education are appointed. It establishes a new system where the Governor appoints four members (including student members), the Senate Committee on Committees appoints three, and the House Speaker appoints three, with all appointments requiring Senate approval. The bill also prohibits governors from reappointing someone without Senate consent and mandates a national search for a new Secretary of Education within 45 days of a resignation. These changes affect the composition and leadership of Vermont's education governance structure.

introduced · Vermont · House Feb 25, 2025

H 320: An act relating to stabilizing Vermont’s rural hospitals

H.320 aims to stabilize Vermont's rural hospitals by delaying certain financial changes until July 2026 while advancing other recommendations. The bill blocks the Green Mountain Care Board from implementing policies that limit hospital subsidies, restrict outpatient units, or standardize accounting methods before 2026, but requires them to simplify licensing and support freestanding clinics. It mandates the Board to collect hospital data to create stabilization plans by March 2026, directs health insurers to expand coverage options on Vermont's health exchange, and tasks medical education programs with placing trainees in rural hospitals using scholarship programs. These provisions directly affect rural hospitals, the Green Mountain Care Board, health insurers, and medical training programs across Vermont.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

introduced · Vermont · House Feb 25, 2025

H 329: An act relating to the towing and storage of abandoned motor vehicles

This Vermont bill (H 329) creates new consumer protections for owners of vehicles deemed "abandoned" and towed under state law. It directly affects towing companies, property owners who remove vehicles, and vehicle owners. Key provisions require towing services to document removals (including photos and caller details), securely store vehicles, and let owners retrieve specific personal items (like medical devices, licenses, or cash) before paying fees. Owners can also challenge removals or fees in court. The bill updates definitions of "abandoned vehicles" and adds requirements for the state to notify owners.

introduced · Vermont · Senate Feb 25, 2025

S 88: An act relating to creating an enhanced growth incentive for employee-owned businesses

This bill creates a new enhanced incentive within Vermont's Vermont Employment Growth Incentive Program (VEGI) specifically for employee-owned businesses. It directly affects qualifying employee-owned businesses (including worker cooperatives and ESOPs) applying for VEGI funding by increasing their share of state funds from 80% to 90% of new revenue growth generated. Key changes include a modified payroll calculation method and a specific definition for "employee-owned business" that aligns with federal tax definitions. The goal is to support these locally controlled businesses, which typically offer higher wages and benefits, by providing a stronger financial incentive for growth. The incentive becomes effective July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Labor & Employment

passed both · Vermont · House Feb 25, 2025

HCR 39: House concurrent resolution designating February 19, 2025 as Recovery Day at the State House

This House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 39) designates February 19, 2025, as "Recovery Day at the State House" to honor Vermonters in recovery from substance use disorders. It recognizes the work of organizations like VAMHAR and Recovery Partners of Vermont, which support recovery pathways and community connections. The resolution commemorates Recovery Day 2025's theme, "Recovery Rooted in Community Connection," and directs the Secretary of State to share the resolution with these organizations. As a ceremonial designation, it does not create new laws or funding but publicly acknowledges the recovery community's efforts.

passed both · Vermont · House Feb 25, 2025

HCR 34: House concurrent resolution congratulating the 2024 Green Mountain Union High School Chieftains Division III championship boys soccer team

This is a ceremonial resolution (HCR 34) that formally congratulates the Green Mountain Union High School Chieftains boys' soccer team for winning the 2024 Division III championship. It does not create new laws or affect policy; it is solely a symbolic gesture of recognition by the Vermont legislature. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the high school, with no financial or regulatory impact. It directly honors the team, coaches, and school for their athletic achievement.

passed both · Vermont · House Feb 25, 2025

HCR 38: House concurrent resolution honoring dedicated Jamaica community leader and volunteer Clara Robinson

HCR 38 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Clara Robinson, a longtime Jamaica, Vermont community volunteer and leader. It recognizes her decades of service in roles including justice of the peace, school board member, youth group leader, and church trustee, highlighting her dedication to local youth, schools, and community events. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies to Clara Robinson and the Jamaica Town Clerk. This is a purely symbolic gesture with no policy changes or legislative effect.

passed both · Vermont · House Feb 25, 2025

HCR 40: House concurrent resolution designating February 20, 2025 as NEK Day at the State House

This House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 40) designates February 20, 2025, as "NEK Day" at the Vermont State House to ceremonially recognize the Northeast Kingdom (NEK) region. The resolution acknowledges the NEK - comprising Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties - as a distinct rural area with unique natural assets, economic strengths (including outdoor recreation, agriculture, and education), and community challenges. It does not create new laws or policies but formally honors the region's identity and contributions through a designated day of recognition at the State House.

introduced · Vermont · Senate Feb 25, 2025

S 80: An act relating to establishing Vermont Digital Addictions Awareness Day

S 80 establishes Vermont Digital Addictions Awareness Day on the last Saturday in July to raise public awareness about digital addiction, particularly among younger people. The bill directly affects Vermont families and residents by waiving one-day entry fees at all state parks and historic sites on this designated day, encouraging outdoor activities. Key provisions include designating the last Saturday of July as the awareness day (per 1 V.S.A. § 378) and requiring the Commissioner of Forests, Parks and Recreation to waive park fees on that day (per 10 V.S.A. § 2603(c)(5)), though waivers may be limited to Vermont residents based on department funding. The policy change takes effect July 1, 2025, with the goal of promoting outdoor engagement as a counter to excessive digital use.

died · Vermont · Senate Feb 25, 2025

S 54: An act relating to voluntary engagement in sex work

S 54 would repeal Vermont’s laws criminalizing consensual sex work between adults and "indiscriminate sexual intercourse" for hire, while maintaining felony penalties for human trafficking. It directly affects adult sex workers who engage voluntarily, removing criminal penalties for their work. The bill replaces outdated laws (dating to the early 1900s) with a focus on protecting those compelled into sex work through force, fraud, or coercion. The legislation cites research showing criminalization increases health risks and safety threats for sex workers, aligning with a 2018 Johns Hopkins study on the harms of sex work laws.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

passed both · Vermont · House Feb 25, 2025

HCR 3: House concurrent resolution congratulating the 2024 Enosburg Falls High School Hornets Division II championship softball team

HCR 3 is a ceremonial resolution congratulating the 2024 Enosburg Falls High School Hornets Division II softball team on their championship victory. It specifically recognizes their dramatic 10-8 comeback win in the championship game against Lyndon Institute. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the school, formally acknowledging the team's achievement without creating any new laws or affecting policies. This is a symbolic gesture with no binding effect, solely honoring the team's athletic accomplishment.

Bill results