Vermont Bills

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 23, 2025

H 62: An act relating to repealing the Global Warming Solutions Act

H 62 repeals Vermont's Global Warming Solutions Act, specifically removing the Vermont Climate Council and replacing mandatory greenhouse gas reduction requirements with voluntary "goals." It amends state law to change emissions targets from legally binding requirements to non-binding goals, removes the requirement for state agencies to consider emissions in decisions, and repeals the Low Emission Vehicle Rules. These changes would shift climate policy from a structured, mandated approach to a more flexible framework without oversight. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.

Topics ✗ Energy ✗ Environment

Woody Page (R) Mike Southworth (R) Mary Morrissey (R) Joe Luneau (R) Joseph Parsons (R)

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 23, 2025

H 77: An act relating to creating a new income tax bracket

This bill (H 77) creates a new 8.75% income tax bracket for Vermont taxpayers earning above $237,950 annually (for married couples filing jointly), with corresponding thresholds for other filing statuses. It directly affects higher-income earners by increasing their tax rate on income above these thresholds. Revenue from this new bracket will be allocated as follows: 2% to the Education Fund, 1% to the Transportation Fund, and 1% to the Higher Education Endowment Trust Fund. The bill also updates annual inflation adjustments for tax brackets using the Consumer Price Index. The bill is currently pending in the Committee on Ways and Means.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 23, 2025

H 65: An act relating to revoking Vermont’s use of California’s Clean Air Act waiver

H 65 revokes Vermont's adoption of California's Clean Air Act waiver for vehicle emissions, prohibiting the state from using California's standards for new motor vehicles. The bill amends Vermont law to explicitly ban the adoption of California's emission rules (42 U.S.C. § 7507) and repeals existing Vermont Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) and Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) rules. This directly affects how Vermont regulates vehicle emissions, shifting away from California's standards to potentially adopt alternative state rules. The changes take effect on July 1, 2025, requiring the Secretary of Natural Resources to develop new emission control requirements without California's framework.

Topics ✗ Energy ✗ Environment

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 23, 2025

H 76: An act relating to an income tax exemption for National Guard active duty subsistence and quarters allowance

This bill exempts Vermont National Guard members' state active duty subsistence and quarters allowance from the state's personal income tax. It directly affects Vermont-resident National Guard members who receive this specific allowance during state active duty. The key provision adds this allowance to Vermont's list of exempt military income, removing it from taxable income calculations. The exemption applies retroactively to tax years beginning January 1, 2025, and takes effect January 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Veterans

passed both · Vermont · Senate Jan 23, 2025

JRS 8: Joint resolution relating to weekend adjournment on January 24, 2025

This joint resolution (JRS 8) is a procedural scheduling measure, not a policy bill. It directs Vermont's Senate and House of Representatives to adjourn on Friday, January 24, 2025, and reconvene no later than Tuesday, January 28, 2025. It directly affects the legislative calendar by extending the weekend recess for the state legislature. The resolution was adopted by both chambers on January 23, 2025.

passed · Vermont · Senate Jan 23, 2025

SR 6: Senate resolution relating to a temporary rule for short form bills

This Senate resolution establishes a temporary rule (Rule 40A) allowing Vermont Senators to submit "short form bills" focused solely on education reform and finance. Short form bills require only the introducer's name, subject, title, and a brief purpose statement, bypassing standard detailed drafting. These bills must appear on the Senate Calendar for two legislative days before a second reading. The rule is effective until May 1, 2025, and applies only to education-related proposals.

introduced · Vermont · Senate Jan 22, 2025

S 22: An act relating to prohibiting discharge of firearms within 500 feet of a child care facility or school

This bill prohibits discharging a firearm within 500 feet of school property or an open child care facility. It defines "child care facility" to include centers regulated under Vermont law (like licensed providers or prekindergarten programs) and "school property" as land owned by a school. Violators face up to one year in jail or a $1,000 fine, but law enforcement officers acting in their official duties are exempt. The law directly affects anyone discharging a firearm near schools or child care centers during operating hours.

Topics ✓ Education

introduced · Vermont · Senate Jan 22, 2025

S 19: An act relating to expanding the scope of hate-motivated crimes

This bill expands Vermont's hate crime law to include offenses targeting a "group of particular persons" (like a religious community or LGBTQ+ group), not just individual victims. It increases penalties for crimes motivated by bias against protected categories - such as race, religion, sexual orientation, or disability - based on the original crime's severity. For example, a misdemeanor hate crime could now carry up to two years in prison or a $2,000 fine, while felony-level offenses face enhanced sentencing. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and defines "protected categories" to include both actual and perceived membership in these groups.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 22, 2025

H 53: An act relating to counteracting federal discriminatory mandates

This bill requires Vermont public schools to adopt and enforce inclusive policies aligned with state education standards. It prevents schools from implementing federal mandates that conflict with Vermont's equity and inclusivity standards. The Vermont Agency of Education gains authority to provide guidance and support to schools resisting such conflicting federal requirements. The bill directly affects all public schools and the state education agency, focusing on preempting federal policy conflicts rather than creating new school obligations.

Topics ✓ Education

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 22, 2025

H 59: An act relating to approval of amendments to the charter of the City of Burlington

This bill approves amendments to the City of Burlington's charter that reform police oversight. It directly affects the Burlington Police Department, the Board of Police Commissioners, and the Chief of Police by: (1) allowing the Board and Chief to jointly propose department rules; (2) giving the Board sole authority to review all misconduct allegations and conduct independent investigations; and (3) enabling the Board to request an independent panel to resolve disagreements with the Chief over misconduct outcomes. These changes, approved by Burlington voters in November 2024, aim to strengthen civilian oversight of police conduct through clearer procedures and independent review processes. The bill does not change police staffing or funding but modifies how misconduct reviews and rule-making are handled.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 22, 2025

H 56: An act relating to establishing an essential medication stockpile for reproductive and gender-affirming care

This bill requires Vermont's Department of Health to create and maintain an emergency stockpile of essential medications for reproductive health care (like contraceptives and pregnancy termination drugs) and gender-affirming care (including puberty blockers and hormone therapies). The stockpile must be strategically placed across the state, with priority for underserved and rural communities, and managed through specific procurement, storage, and distribution rules. The Department must report annually by January 15 on stock levels, usage, and future supply needs. The bill aims to ensure ongoing access to these medications during potential shortages.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 22, 2025

H 55: An act relating to coverage for fertility treatment and gender-affirming health care services

This bill (H 55) requires all health insurance plans in Vermont - including Medicaid - to cover gender-affirming health care services that are medically necessary and clinically appropriate, such as facial procedures and hair removal, without extra cost-sharing. It also mandates coverage for fertility-related services, including diagnostic care, IVF procedures, fertility preservation (like egg freezing), and related medications, while prohibiting financial barriers or restrictions based on donor use. The bill prohibits insurers from denying coverage for these services based on factors like donor sperm or eggs, though it excludes experimental procedures and nonmedical costs (e.g., donor fees). Insurers must report compliance annually to state health committees, and the Agency of Human Services must seek federal approval for Medicaid coverage changes. The bill directly affects all Vermont health insurers, Medicaid, and individuals seeking these specific health services.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Bill results