Vermont Bills

passed both · Vermont · Senate Jan 8, 2025

JRS 2: Joint resolution to provide for a Joint Assembly to receive the report of the committee appointed to canvass votes for state officers

This procedural joint resolution (JRS 2) schedules a joint meeting of Vermont's Senate and House of Representatives on January 9, 2025, at 10 a.m. to receive the report from the committee that canvassed votes for state officers. It directly affects the legislative body and the canvassing committee, requiring them to convene to review election results for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, State Treasurer, Secretary of State, Auditor of Accounts, and Attorney General. If the committee finds no valid election for any of these offices, the joint assembly would immediately proceed to elect the unchosen officers. The resolution is purely procedural with no policy changes, having been adopted by both chambers on January 8, 2025.

passed both · Vermont · Senate Jan 8, 2025

JRS 1: Joint resolution relating to joint rules

This joint resolution (JRS 1) continues using the existing joint rules adopted by the Vermont Senate and House in 2023 for the current legislative session. It directly affects how the Senate and House operate during this biennium, maintaining established procedures for conducting business. The resolution has no substantive policy changes - it simply extends the current rules until new ones are formally adopted. The resolution was unanimously adopted by both chambers on January 8, 2025.

passed both · Vermont · Senate Jun 17, 2024

S 96: An act relating to privatization contracts

This bill amends Vermont state law to establish stricter rules for privatization contracts, which are agreements to hire private contractors for services previously or potentially provided by state employees. The law defines privatization contracts as those valued at $25,000 or more per year that replace or substantially replace state employee duties. Key requirements include a 35-day notice period before bidding where unions can discuss alternatives, written statements detailing service quality and wage rates, and mandatory certification by the Attorney General and Agency of Administration. Contracts must include provisions for comparable wages, health insurance, nondiscrimination policies, quarterly payroll reporting, and just cause employment protections for contractor workers.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

passed both · Vermont · Senate Jun 17, 2024

S 167: An act relating to miscellaneous amendments to education law

This bill proposes amendments to Vermont's education law, primarily affecting how school construction projects are bid and which postsecondary institutions are recognized for federal financial aid purposes. The first major change raises the threshold for high-cost school construction contracts from $500,000 to $2,000,000, requiring school boards to publicly advertise for contractors and establish prequalification criteria before bidding on projects exceeding this amount. The bill also updates the list of accredited postsecondary institutions in Vermont that are exempt from certain state charter requirements, while clarifying that this recognition does not affect their existing charters. Additionally, the legislation adjusts the effective date for a previous Holocaust education data collection requirement to July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Education

passed · Vermont · Senate Jun 17, 2024

S 289: An act relating to age-appropriate design code

This Vermont bill establishes an age-appropriate design code that requires online companies to protect the privacy and safety of children under 18. It applies to any business that offers online services, products, or features likely to be accessed by minors, including social media platforms, gaming sites, and apps with targeted advertising. The law mandates that companies avoid using manipulative design features that exploit children's developing brains, such as endless scrolling or autoplay functions, and requires them to set age-appropriate defaults for privacy settings. Companies must also limit the collection of personal data from minors and prohibit the use of precise geolocation tracking for users under 16. The bill defines specific age ranges for different developmental stages and requires businesses to consider these needs when designing their digital products and services.

Topics ✓ Technology

passed · Vermont · Senate Jun 17, 2024

SR 20: Senate resolution in memory of Senator and former Bennington Selectboard Chair Richard Sears

This Senate resolution honors the life of Senator Richard Sears, who passed away in June 2024 at age 81. The document formally acknowledges his career as a state senator, his work as a youth counselor, and his leadership on the Judiciary Committee where he helped advance legislation on civil unions, marriage equality, and juvenile justice. It also notes his personal history, including being adopted as an infant and later establishing a mentoring program for boys in the justice system. The resolution expresses the Senate's sadness at his passing and directs that a copy be sent to his family.

passed both · Vermont · House Jun 17, 2024

H 81: An act relating to fair repair of agricultural equipment

This bill, known as the Fair Repair Act, aims to improve access to repair services for agricultural and forestry equipment by ensuring independent repair providers and equipment owners can obtain necessary parts, tools, and documentation. The legislation addresses challenges such as limited availability of authorized repair shops in rural areas, workforce shortages, and restrictions on software-related repairs that may prevent independent technicians from fixing equipment safely and effectively. By establishing clear definitions for key terms and promoting equitable access to repair resources, the bill seeks to extend equipment lifespans, reduce costs for farmers and foresters, and support Vermont's agricultural and forestry sectors. The measure does not mandate specific repair practices but creates a framework to facilitate fair access to the information and components needed for maintenance and repairs.

passed · Vermont · Senate Jun 17, 2024

SR 19: Senate resolution honoring the distinguished Executive Branch and legislative public service of Senator Martha Jane Kitchel

This Senate resolution honors the public service career of Senator Martha Jane Kitchel, recognizing her work in both the Executive Branch and the Vermont Senate. The document highlights her progression from social work to leadership roles in the Department of Social Welfare and later as Secretary of the Agency of Human Services, followed by her legislative service in the Senate. It specifically acknowledges her contributions as Chair of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, where she led budget analysis and supported infrastructure projects like the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail. The resolution formally recognizes her two decades of service and her recent announcement that she will not seek reelection in 2024.

signed · Vermont · House Jun 17, 2024

H 55: An act relating to miscellaneous unemployment insurance, workers' compensation, and employment practices amendments and to establishing the Vermont Baby Bond Trust

This bill amends Vermont's unemployment insurance system to improve how employers are charged for benefits, protect workers affected by major disasters, and strengthen protections against benefit fraud. It requires employers to be exempt from experience-rating charges when employees receive unemployment benefits due to federally declared disasters, and it updates rules for handling overpayments by allowing more flexible repayment plans and clearer waiver processes. The legislation also clarifies penalties for individuals who intentionally misrepresent information to claim benefits and mandates that the state provide written notice of rights to appeal overpayment decisions.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

passed both · Vermont · Senate Jun 17, 2024

JRS 57: Joint resolution relating to compensation of Members of the General Assembly during the remainder of the 2024 Adjourned Session.

This bill adjusts how Vermont General Assembly members are paid during the remainder of the 2024 Adjourned Session. It changes their compensation from a weekly rate to a daily rate, calculated as one-fourth of the standard weekly amount, for each day their legislative house meets and they attend. The resolution also limits members to receiving compensation for no more than four days per week. This change applies to all state legislators serving during this specific session period.

signed · Vermont · House Jun 17, 2024

H 890: An act relating to delaying implementation of certain health insurance claims editing requirements

This bill delays the implementation of certain health insurance claims editing requirements in Vermont to give health plans and providers more time to adjust their systems. It extends deadlines for prior authorization timeframes to January 1, 2025, with some technology-dependent plans having until January 1, 2026, to comply. Specific claims validation and review provisions are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, while other sections begin on January 1, 2025. The law applies to all health plans issued, provider contracts entered into or renewed, and claims processed on or after the specified effective dates.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

passed both · Vermont · House Jun 17, 2024

JRH 12: Joint resolution relating to final adjournment of the General Assembly in 2024

This bill directs the Vermont General Assembly to officially end its 2024 legislative session by adjourning without further business on June 17 or 18, 2024. It applies to both the House of Representatives and the Senate, requiring their leaders to formally close the legislative year on those specific dates. The resolution uses the legal term "sine die," which means the session ends permanently until the next year begins. This procedural measure allows the legislature to conclude its work for the year and prepares for the start of the next legislative cycle.

Bill results