Vermont Bills | MyRepTracker

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 28, 2026

H 810: An act relating to protections for covered bridges

H.810 requires Vermont's Agency of Transportation to provide municipalities with technical assistance and informational materials by November 2026 to establish weight, height, and width limits for covered bridges. It also directs the agency to help communities implement physical barriers or warning systems to prevent vehicles exceeding these limits from using the bridges, while outlining grant funding opportunities for such measures. The bill increases criminal penalties for violating bridge limits (to enhanced fines) and significantly raises penalties for intentionally damaging covered bridges - up to 10 years imprisonment for arson or injury compared to 5 years under current law. This directly affects municipalities managing covered bridges and drivers operating vehicles on them, focusing on preservation of historic infrastructure through safety standards and stronger enforcement.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Will Greer (D) Tom Charlton (R) Dave Bosch (R) Matt Walker (R) Jim Masland (D)

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 28, 2026

H 803: An act relating to apprenticeship programs

This bill updates Vermont's apprenticeship programs to improve diversity and accessibility. It defines "underserved communities" broadly to include racial minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, people with disabilities, rural residents, and others facing systemic barriers. Key requirements include a 5-year strategic plan (starting 2026), annual reports tracking participation by race, gender, age, and occupation, and working groups focused on removing barriers for underrepresented groups. The changes directly affect all Vermont apprenticeship programs, sponsors, and participants, aiming to increase equitable access to skilled trades careers.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Veterans

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 28, 2026

H 804: An act relating to companion chatbots

H 804 requires operators of companion chatbots (AI systems designed to provide social interaction) to clearly disclose to users that they are interacting with artificial intelligence, not humans. It mandates safety protocols to prevent chatbots from generating suicidal content or ignoring users expressing self-harm, and requires operators to provide crisis resources when such content is detected. For minors (users under 18), the bill adds specific requirements: immediate AI disclosure, 30-minute reminders to take breaks, and protocols blocking sexually explicit content. The bill applies to operators of platforms offering these companion chatbots, excluding standard customer service, gaming, or basic voice assistant tools. Operators must annually report safety protocol usage to Vermont's Attorney General without sharing user data.

Topics ✓ Technology

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 28, 2026

H 798: An act relating to impersonating a law enforcement officer

This bill (H.798) amends Vermont law to clarify that impersonating any law enforcement officer - including local, state, or federal officers - is illegal, and specifically prohibits officers from impersonating officers from other agencies. It expands the definition of "law enforcement officer" to include all officers acting on behalf of local, state, or federal agencies, and sets penalties: up to six months in jail or a $500 fine for a first offense, and up to two years or $1,000 for repeat offenses. The law aims to protect public trust in law enforcement by ensuring impersonation is clearly punishable regardless of the officer's agency. This directly affects anyone who falsely presents themselves as a law enforcement officer, including other officers impersonating colleagues from different agencies.

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 28, 2026

H 806: An act relating to cannabis advertising

H.806 revises Vermont's restrictions on advertising by licensed cannabis businesses. It removes the requirement for administrative preapproval of all ads (including social media and email), while prohibiting claims about medical benefits, free samples, or ads targeting minors (limiting under-21 audiences to 30% in paid ads). The bill requires health warnings in third-party ads and allows business signage, news releases, and educational materials without preapproval. This directly affects licensed cannabis establishments across Vermont, aiming to balance constitutional speech rights with youth protection.

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 27, 2026

JRH 7: Joint resolution strongly supporting the existing U.S.-Denmark treaty related to Greenland and opposing American efforts to secure sovereignty over the island

Vermont's Joint Resolution JRH 7 expresses strong support for the existing U.S.-Denmark treaty governing Greenland and opposes any U.S. efforts to secure sovereignty over the island. It specifically references recent statements by President Trump and his administration suggesting potential military action or purchase of Greenland, which Vermont lawmakers characterize as disregarding Greenland and Denmark's sovereignty. The resolution directs Vermont's Secretary of State to send a copy to President Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. This non-binding resolution directly addresses U.S. foreign policy toward Greenland and NATO allies, reflecting Vermont's position on current diplomatic tensions. It does not alter laws but formally states the state's opposition to moves that could disrupt the current treaty framework.

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 27, 2026

H 784: An act relating to the regulation of chatbots

This bill requires chatbot providers operating in Vermont to protect users' data privacy and security, clearly disclose when users are interacting with an AI (not a human), and allow users to access their own chat logs. It defines key terms like "chatbot" (AI systems simulating conversation) and "affirmative consent" (clear permission, not hidden terms of use), and prohibits deceptive "dark patterns." The law applies to all chatbot providers within Vermont, directly affecting users who interact with these services. Key provisions mandate transparent data handling, user access to their input/output data, and strict rules against misleading consent practices.

Topics ✓ Technology

introduced · Vermont · Senate Jan 27, 2026

S 318: An act relating to casino gaming

This bill proposes to authorize up to two casino gaming operations in Vermont by requiring the Board of Liquor and Lottery to issue licenses for casinos. It establishes a 10% tax on a casino's adjusted gross receipts and sets a $5 million license fee (payable in full or installments), with applications requiring a $100,000 nonrefundable fee. The bill directly affects potential casino operators, the Board of Liquor and Lottery (which would oversee licensing and enforcement), and Vermont residents through potential tax revenue and local economic impacts. The legislation defines key terms like "casino" and "gaming operation" but focuses on the regulatory framework for licensing, taxation, and oversight.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 27, 2026

H 785: An act relating to dementia respite and dementia capable programming

This bill appropriates $750,000 for Vermont's dementia respite grant program and $100,000 for a pilot program creating dementia-friendly activities. It directly affects low-income Vermonters with dementia (income ≤400% federal poverty level) and their unpaid caregivers, providing up to $3,000 per person for respite care like adult day programs. The pilot program funds community organizations in Rutland and Washington Counties to develop activities supporting brain health for people with cognitive impairment. Funds are distributed on a first-come basis, with respite grants prioritizing out-of-home daytime care options. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

introduced · Vermont · Senate Jan 27, 2026

S 314: An act relating to a fee for posting land enrolled in the Use Value Appraisal Program

This bill (S 314) adds a $1.00 annual fee per acre for land enrolled in Vermont's Use Value Appraisal Program that is posted against hunting, fishing, or trapping. It directly affects landowners who participate in the program and choose to restrict public access for recreation. The fee, collected when land is posted under 10 V.S.A. § 5201, must be deposited into the Fish and Wildlife Fund. The bill amends existing law to require this surcharge and clarifies reporting requirements for landowners who post their land after enrollment. The change takes effect January 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

introduced · Vermont · Senate Jan 27, 2026

S 315: An act relating to a homestead property tax exemption for long-term residents who are 65 years of age or older

S 315 would exempt Vermont residents aged 65 or older who have lived in the state continuously for 10 years from the homestead property tax. The exemption phases in over four years: 75% reduction in 2027, 50% in 2028, 25% in 2029, and full exemption beginning fiscal year 2030. It applies only to the education property tax portion of homestead taxes. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

introduced · Vermont · Senate Jan 27, 2026

S 311: An act relating to posting of land

This bill clarifies that landowners who post restrictions on hunting or fishing must do so "annually" by maintaining one sign per year, not multiple times within a year. It directly affects landowners, private preserve operators, and those managing private ponds or propagation farms who wish to prohibit or limit recreational hunting and fishing on their property. The key provision requires landowners to record their annual posting with the town clerk (using a specified form, paying a $5 fee), with the posting remaining valid for 365 days. Signs must be placed at boundaries, dated yearly, and include the owner's contact information. The bill amends Vermont law to standardize this process without changing the core requirement for posting restrictions.