This bill restricts Vermont's Department of Corrections (DOC) from cooperating with federal immigration authorities. It prohibits DOC staff from contacting federal agencies about an individual's immigration status, prolonging detention to investigate status, or accepting requests for immigration enforcement support. The DOC must terminate existing agreements with federal immigration authorities within 30 days and submit annual reports to legislative committees detailing any federal requests for assistance. Additionally, the DOC must create staff training protocols and penalties for noncompliance with these restrictions.
This bill establishes strict drinking water standards for harmful PFAS chemicals in Vermont. It requires the state to set a maximum contaminant level (MCL) of zero parts per trillion for six specific PFAS chemicals (including PFOA and PFOS), and a limit of 20 parts per trillion for all other testable PFAS combined. These standards apply to all public water systems in Vermont, mandating compliance by July 1, 2026. The rulemaking must be completed by the Secretary of Natural Resources by that date to protect drinking water sources.
H.287 creates the Vermont Small Nuclear Consortium to study the feasibility of reintroducing nuclear power generation in Vermont, specifically focusing on small modular reactors. The bill requires the Secretary of Administration to convene this group by August 2025, including diverse members like legislators from both parties, environmental representatives, utility companies, and state agencies. The consortium must examine past nuclear plant closures, legal barriers, stakeholder input, and financial resources, then submit a report with recommendations by August 2026. The bill appropriates $23,000 for the consortium’s operations and consultant fees.
H.292 bans the land application and sale of biosolids, sewage sludge, or similar liquid wastes containing PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances) after testing confirms their presence. It requires mandatory PFAS testing before any land use or sale and prohibits landfill disposal of such materials if PFAS levels exceed Vermont’s hazardous waste standards. The bill directly affects wastewater treatment facilities, agricultural landowners using sludge as fertilizer, and waste management companies handling these materials. Key provisions include establishing testing protocols, public disclosure of results, and enforcing the bans for both land application and disposal. These changes aim to prevent PFAS contamination in soil and water from waste products.
H.297 creates the Free Degree Promise Grant Program to provide free associate’s degrees at Vermont’s Community College of Vermont (CCV) for eligible students. It directly affects Vermont students who completed CCV’s Early College program (earning 20+ credits), require full-time enrollment (12+ credits), and meet income thresholds. The program covers remaining tuition/fees after other aid and provides $500-$1,000 per semester for books/supplies based on household income, with support for up to five semesters or degree completion. This aims to address equity gaps in college access, particularly for low-income, first-generation, and historically underserved students.
H 295 requires Vermont employers to pay employees for unused vacation time they have earned when leaving a job, whether voluntarily or involuntarily. The bill amends state law to mandate that final wage payments include the value of accrued vacation leave, ensuring employees receive compensation for time earned but not taken. This applies to all Vermont employers and takes effect on July 1, 2025. Employees will no longer forfeit earned vacation benefits upon separation from employment.
This bill, S.75, funds and expands Vermont’s transportation programs to reduce emissions and improve equity. It allocates $10 million for new electric vehicle incentives, $3 million for mileage-based rebates, $1 million for vehicle replacement programs, and $150,000 for e-bike incentives in fiscal year 2026. The bill also imposes a $0.30 fee on taxable retail deliveries (like online orders) and provides $1.28 million to maintain public transit service levels. Key provisions require agencies to prioritize emissions reductions in project planning, expand electric vehicle charging access, and support "complete streets" infrastructure. These changes directly affect Vermont residents, businesses, transit agencies, and local municipalities through new funding streams and fee structures.
Topics
✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $10M+ for transportation programs via $0.30 delivery fee, directly funding public services and equity initiatives per bill's fiscal provisions.92% confidence
✓ EnergySupports EnergyFunds $10M EV incentives, $1M vehicle replacement, $150K e-bikes, and $1.28M public transit to reduce emissions, directly advancing clean energy infrastructure and renewable transportation adoption.95% confidence
✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly funds EV incentives, e-bikes, and public transit to reduce emissions (allocates $10M+ for emission-reduction programs) with clear intent to advance environmental goals.95% confidence
✓ TransportationSupports TransportationAllocates $10M+ for EV incentives, public transit, e-bikes, and emissions-reducing programs, directly advancing transportation infrastructure and sustainability goals.95% confidence
This bill appropriates $10.1 million from Vermont's Opioid Abatement Special Fund for fiscal year 2026 to support opioid use disorder services. It allocates funds for 26 new outreach staff, Burlington's overdose prevention center, certified recovery residences, syringe services, youth programs, harm reduction at shelters, and training for judges and correctional staff. The funding directly supports individuals with opioid use disorder, homeless populations, youth, and community organizations across Vermont. All allocations require outcome reporting, with annual funding intended unless the Special Fund lacks sufficient funds.
S 74, the Vermont My Health My Data Act, regulates how businesses collect, share, and sell Vermont residents' health data. It directly affects Vermont residents and any company handling their health information within the state. Key provisions require clear consumer consent before collecting or sharing data (prohibiting deceptive "dark patterns" in terms of use), grant consumers the right to delete their data, and ban selling health data without explicit authorization. The law specifically protects sensitive health information - including reproductive care, gender-affirming treatment, and biometric data - and prohibits tracking near healthcare facilities through geofencing.
This bill changes Vermont's health equity reporting requirements by reducing the frequency of formal reports from annually to every three years, starting in 2028. The Department of Health must still analyze and publish data on racial/ethnic disparities, language, disability, and other equity factors biannually on its website, but will submit a consolidated report to legislative committees only every three years. It also updates confidentiality rules for cancer and ALS registries, requiring written data-sharing agreements with researchers or other states and mandating institutional review board approvals before sharing identifiable information. These changes directly affect the Department of Health, cancer/ALS registries, and researchers seeking access to health data.
S.78 establishes the Vermont-Ireland Trade Commission within the State Treasurer’s office to advance trade, investment, and cultural exchange between Vermont and Ireland. The commission, composed of 10 members appointed by the governor, House speaker, and Senate committee, will promote business partnerships, policy collaboration, and infrastructure investment between the two regions. It may raise funds through donations and submit annual reports to the governor and legislature, with appointments required by October 2025. The commission will cease operations on June 30, 2030, and the law takes effect July 1, 2025.
This bill allows Vermont's State Registrar to amend a death certificate to reflect the deceased person's gender identity at the time of death. It permits correction upon application by a healthcare provider, medical examiner, or close family members (spouse, child, parent, or guardian). The Department of Health must create rules specifying acceptable evidence (like advanced directives) and required forms for these requests. The changes take effect July 1, 2025.
