This bill amends Vermont's legislative structure to establish an Office of New Americans Study Committee, not a new agency. It requires the Governor to appoint six committee members, including one New American with lived experience nominated by a specific community organization (e.g., Association of Africans Living in Vermont or Migrant Justice). The committee's purpose is to study issues affecting New Americans in Vermont, with membership directly reflecting input from key immigrant-serving organizations. The bill passed both chambers and was signed into law by the Governor on May 21, 2025.
This bill clarifies Vermont's authority to enter federal immigration agreements. It states only the Governor (with the Attorney General's consultation) can authorize such agreements under federal law, except when local law enforcement needs to address immediate public safety threats during emergencies. The law prohibits all other state, county, or municipal agencies from entering these agreements without the Governor's specific approval. It directly affects Vermont's executive branch, law enforcement agencies, and any entity seeking to partner with federal immigration authorities. The change ensures centralized oversight of immigration-related agreements while allowing limited emergency exceptions.
This bill prohibits intentionally harming or sexually abusing a dead body without legal permission. It bans actions like burning, mutilating, disfiguring, or destroying a dead body (excluding cremated remains), and specifically prohibits sexual conduct on a dead body. Violations carry penalties of up to $5,000 fines or 5 years in prison for basic violations, and up to $10,000 fines or 15 years for offenses involving crime concealment or sexual acts. The bill also updates burial permit rules to require authorization for moving or burying bodies. It becomes effective July 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor.
H 27 establishes the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Commission to investigate deaths related to domestic violence. The bill creates a formal process for reviewing these cases to identify patterns and improve prevention strategies. It became law after passing both legislative chambers and receiving the Governor's signature on May 20, 2025. The commission's work directly affects domestic violence prevention efforts and policy development in the state.
H 398 creates the Vermont Disaster Recovery Loan Fund within the Vermont Economic Development Authority. The fund provides loans and financial assistance to businesses, including agricultural and forest product enterprises, after disasters. It requires the Authority to consult with specific state secretaries when considering aid for non-declared disasters, though no consultation is needed for disasters declared by the Governor or President. This bill directly affects Vermont businesses recovering from disaster-related losses.
This bill modifies Maine's adoption and guardianship laws. It allows parents to finalize certain adoptions without court approval and enables parents to designate standby guardians for their children without requiring court involvement. The changes affect families seeking to formalize adoptions or plan for child care in emergencies. The bill became law when the Governor signed it on May 22, 2025.
H 461 expands Vermont's unpaid leave protections by updating definitions to include more family relationships and caregiving situations. It specifically broadens eligibility for family leave to cover individuals standing "in loco parentis" (day-to-day caregivers without legal ties), domestic partners meeting specific cohabitation requirements, and nontraditional family structures. The bill also clarifies safe leave for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, including specific protections for estate administration during bereavement. These changes directly affect Vermont workers who care for extended family members, LGBTQ+ partners, or victims of violence, ensuring they qualify for leave under the same standards as traditional family situations. The law, signed by the Governor on May 22, 2025, aligns state policy with inclusive standards for low-income workers and nontraditional households.
This bill, H.494, allocates $29.6 million in state bonding funds for capital construction projects across Vermont's government buildings and community initiatives over two fiscal years (2026-2027). It directly affects state agencies like the Department of Buildings and General Services, which will use funds for building repairs (e.g., Rutland building roof repairs, Burlington parking garage upgrades), and community grant programs. Key provisions include $1.8 million for historic preservation grants (like Bennington Battle Monument maintenance) and $3.9 million for community projects such as cultural facilities, recreational spaces, and agricultural fairs. The bill was signed into law by the Governor on May 22, 2025, and specifies exact project allocations with no new policy requirements.
This bill, H 493 (the "BIG BILL - Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations Act"), provides funding for all Vermont state government operations and capital projects for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). It directly affects all state agencies, departments, and commissions by requiring them to operate within the specified budget limits, including restrictions on new positions and mandatory staffing adjustments. Key provisions include categorizing funds for "operating expenses" (like salaries and utilities) versus "capital appropriations" (for major projects like buildings), and directing that federal funds accepted by the Governor must align with the purposes of this bill. The bill serves as the primary funding reference for state operations during FY2026, with no new policy changes beyond budget allocation.
H 491 sets specific property tax yields and rates for fiscal year 2026 in Vermont. It establishes the property dollar equivalent yield at $8,596.00 and the income dollar equivalent yield at $12,172.00. The bill also determines the nonhomestead property tax rate to be $1.703 per $100.00 of equalized education property value. Additionally, it amends the definition of "equalized value of the housesite" for tax purposes. These provisions directly affect property owners by defining components of their education property taxes for the specified fiscal year.
H.137 regulates virtual currency business activities, particularly those involving virtual-currency kiosks, to protect consumers. It requires licensed virtual currency operators to provide clear disclosures to customers before engaging in any activity, outlining fee schedules, insurance coverage, and liability for unauthorized transfers, and stating that virtual currency is not money. For each transaction at a virtual-currency kiosk, operators must disclose specific details such as transaction amounts, fees, refund policies, and daily limits. These measures aim to ensure transparency for individuals using virtual currency services.
Bill S 36 amends existing law by replacing the term "public inebriates" with "persons who are incapacitated." It requires the Departments of Health and Mental Health to prioritize expanding services for incapacitated individuals in Chittenden County and report on these efforts by February 2026. The Department of Corrections must also report on efforts to connect incapacitated persons in correctional facilities with substance use recovery providers. Additionally, the bill mandates reports from the Agency of Human Services and the Human Services Board by December 2025. These reports will propose improvements to the Human Services Board's appeal processes, focusing on attorney training, data collection, and making the process more accessible and consistent for appellants.
