H 116 would limit campaign contributions for Vermont State Representative and State Senator candidates. It sets a $1,000 maximum per source (including political committees) for Representatives and $1,500 for Senators, with a total cap of $29,000 from all sources per election cycle. The bill also clarifies that candidates may contribute unlimited amounts to their own campaigns. These limits apply specifically to candidates for State Representative and State Senator positions, not to other offices like Governor or county officials. The bill does not restrict contributions from political parties.
H 120 requires Vermont's Secretary of Administration to study and design a long-term care trust fund. The study must examine funding through income-based contributions (starting July 2026 for Vermont residents with taxable income over 150% of the federal poverty level), a two-year payment requirement for benefits, and how the fund would interact with Medicaid. The Secretary must submit a report by January 15, 2026, including proposed legislation to establish the fund. This bill would directly affect Vermont residents who pay into the program and future beneficiaries of long-term care services.
This bill (H.115) would allow Vermont's Commissioner of Taxes to forgive income tax debt for individuals who lost income due to fraud. It directly affects victims of fraud who have unpaid tax liabilities tied to stolen funds. The key provision gives the Commissioner authority to waive these specific tax debts upon verification of fraud. The bill does not change tax rates or create new taxes, but provides targeted relief for fraud victims. It was recently referred to the Committee on Ways and Means for review.
Vermont's JRH 1 is a joint resolution applying to Congress for a Convention of the States under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. It requests that such a convention propose constitutional amendments specifically focused on imposing fiscal restraints on the federal government, limiting federal power and jurisdiction, and establishing term limits for federal officials and members of Congress. The resolution states this application remains active until two-thirds of U.S. states apply for the same purpose, and directs the Secretary of State to send copies to federal officials and other state legislatures. This is a procedural step seeking to initiate a potential constitutional convention, not a direct policy change affecting residents.
H.117 would prevent candidates who lose a major party primary election from appearing on the general election ballot as independents or for another party for the same office. This rule directly affects candidates who compete in a primary but do not win their party's nomination. The bill amends Vermont election law to explicitly bar such candidates from being listed on the general ballot under any other party or as independents. The change would take effect immediately upon the bill's passage.
This bill proposes creating a new civil violation for driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) between 0.06 and 0.079, distinct from existing DUI laws that begin at 0.08 BAC. It would apply to drivers whose BAC falls in this range, subjecting them to a civil penalty of up to $500 and license suspension (similar to DUI penalties) but without creating a criminal record. The bill amends Vermont law to define "impaired by alcohol" as BAC 0.06-0.079 under Section 1201(a)(4), separating this offense from criminal DUI charges. This change aims to address lower-level impairment without triggering criminal consequences. The bill is currently pending in the Judiciary Committee.
HCR 8 is a procedural resolution designating January 29, 2025, as "Mental Health Advocacy Day" at the Vermont State House. It symbolically recognizes the importance of mental health care parity with physical health care, referencing Vermont law (8 V.S.A. § 4089b) that requires equal treatment. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to share a copy with mental health advocacy organizations present at the State House on that date. This is a ceremonial gesture with no new policy or funding changes, solely intended to highlight ongoing advocacy efforts.
This bill would remove criminal penalties for adult children who fail to support their destitute parents in Vermont. Currently, adult children who refuse to provide financial support to a parent unable to support themselves (and living in Vermont) could face up to two years in jail or a $300 fine. The bill specifically repeals these criminal penalties under Vermont law but does not change the underlying obligation for adult children to support parents in need. It directly affects Vermont residents who are adult children and parents in destitute circumstances.
This bill (H.95) replaces Vermont’s outdated health insurance statutes (8 V.S.A. Chapter 107) with a reorganized, updated version. It defines key terms like "covered individual" and "health insurance plan," aligns Vermont’s rules with federal laws (including the Affordable Care Act and No Surprises Act), and sets standards for advertising practices. The bill directly affects health insurers, health care providers, and the Vermont Department of Banking, Insurance, and Health Care Administration, which enforces these rules. It modernizes the legal framework without changing coverage requirements or creating new benefits.
This bill requires out-of-state breweries to have reciprocal shipping rights with Vermont. It directly affects breweries in other states seeking to sell malt beverages directly to Vermont consumers. The key provision blocks Vermont from issuing shipping licenses unless the other state allows Vermont breweries to ship malt beverages to its residents. This creates a mutual requirement for direct-to-consumer shipping access, changing the licensing process to ensure reciprocity.
This bill requires health care sharing organizations that aren't licensed insurance providers in Vermont to annually report detailed financial and operational data to the state's Financial Regulation Commissioner. It affects entities offering "health care sharing plans" that facilitate payment for health care costs but operate outside standard insurance regulations. Organizations must submit specific information including participant numbers (individuals, households, employers), total fees collected, reimbursement requests processed, denied claims, and details about third-party partners. The Commissioner will compile these reports into a public annual summary posted online. This aims to increase transparency for Vermont residents using these non-insurance health care arrangements.
This bill transforms Vermont's Agency of Education into a Department of Education, replacing the Secretary of Education with a Commissioner of Education appointed by the State Board of Education (with Governor approval). The Commissioner serves as the department's chief executive officer and is responsible for implementing the Board's policies. Key provisions require the Board to prepare biennial budgets for the Department, establish an information clearinghouse for schools to share effective educational practices, and annually report statewide education conditions - including student performance, bullying data (disaggregated by protected characteristics), and resource allocation - to the public and legislature. These changes directly affect Vermont's school districts, supervisory unions, and students by standardizing reporting and improving transparency in education funding and outcomes.
