This bill modifies Vermont's income tax rules to allow taxpayers to deduct more medical expenses related to continuing care retirement communities. It specifically removes the current cap that limits how much of these entrance fees or monthly payments can be deducted, aligning them more closely with federal rules for long-term care insurance premiums. The change directly affects Vermont residents who pay for continuing care retirement community services and itemize their medical expenses on their state income tax returns. By removing this restriction, the bill increases the amount of these specific payments that can be deducted from taxable income. The law applies retroactively to January 1, 2023, and covers taxable years beginning on or after that date.
This bill proposes changes to Vermont's child abuse and neglect investigation and substantiation standards, as well as procedures for placing individuals on the Child Protection Registry. It establishes a tiered registry system that considers different degrees of abuse or neglect and aims to balance child protection with employment consequences for those substantiated for abuse. The legislation also defines specific types of harm and risk, clarifies investigation procedures including mandatory recording of interviews, and sets standards for determining whether reports are substantiated based on a preponderance of evidence. Additionally, the bill maintains immunity for good faith reporters while allowing for liability if multiple reports are found to lack a good faith basis.
This bill requires state agencies to install renewable heating systems and non-fossil fuel cooking appliances when replacing existing equipment in buildings they own or control. It applies to the Department of Buildings and General Services, the Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation, and the Agency of Transportation, mandating that new primary heating and cooking systems use non-fossil fuel sources starting in fiscal year 2024. Agencies may request written exemptions if installing renewable systems is deemed financially impracticable, and they must report any exemptions or continued use of fossil fuel systems to legislative committees annually. The legislation also permits fossil fuel systems to serve as backup heating during peak periods if non-fossil fuel backup options are unavailable.
This bill aims to improve patient access to and payment for health care services in Vermont by establishing several new rules for hospitals and health care providers. It limits the cost of coronavirus diagnostic tests to twice the Medicare rate, prevents hospitals from placing liens on accident victims without first seeking payment from insurance, and requires hospitals to report wait times annually. The legislation also mandates that health care providers submit payment claims within 60 days of service and requires medical records to be sent to patients within 10 days of request, with limited fees allowed for copies. These provisions would take effect on July 1, 2023, and apply to all hospitals and health care providers operating in Vermont.
This bill restricts the use of studded snow tires on Vermont highways between November 1 and May 15, with specific exceptions for out-of-state vehicles, farm tractors, and emergency vehicles. It amends existing state law to prohibit operating vehicles with studded tires during the winter season, except for the listed exemptions. Violations of this ban result in a warning for first offenses and a civil penalty of at least $100 for subsequent violations. The law takes effect on July 1, 2023.
This bill establishes minimum hourly reimbursement rates for labor on automobile insurance claims in Vermont, directly affecting insurance companies and repair facilities. It requires the Commissioner of Financial Regulation to survey labor rates at repair shops and insurance companies, compare them with other New England states, and set a fair minimum rate that adjusts annually based on the Consumer Price Index. The new rates apply to claims filed on or after January 1, 2024, while still allowing insurers and claimants to negotiate higher rates for specific factors like vehicle type or required expertise.
This bill creates a temporary working group to study and develop guidelines for eco-sanitation systems, including waterless toilets and low-flow greywater systems, which would primarily affect property owners and operators in Vermont. The five-member group, composed of experts from the University of Vermont, composting associations, and state environmental agencies, must meet up to six times between July 2023 and February 2024 to create best management practices and educational materials. The Secretary of Natural Resources is required to adopt these guidelines and update state wastewater and water supply rules to allow for reduced design flow requirements and exemptions for systems operating according to the new standards.
This bill allows homeowners in Vermont to use low-impact wastewater systems for small, low-water-use residences like yurts or rustic cabins that rely on hand-carried or hand-pumped water. The law permits these systems when structures have three or fewer plumbing fixtures, a daily wastewater flow of 25 gallons or less, and use waterless toilets such as composting or incinerating units. It simplifies the permitting process by removing the requirement to identify a replacement area on the property and waiving separate toilet permits for these systems. The bill also establishes a reduced $100 fee for permits covering low-impact disposal systems compared to higher fees for conventional wastewater projects.
This bill grants Vermont municipalities the authority to create local rules that limit or reduce firearm discharges, with the exception of existing sport shooting ranges. The law allows towns, cities, and villages to regulate firearm use for public safety but explicitly forbids them from banning shooting at established ranges. Municipalities must ensure any new ordinances align with state regulations and cannot prohibit firearm discharges at current sport shooting facilities. The changes take effect on July 1, 2023, giving local governments new regulatory tools over firearm discharge while protecting designated shooting ranges.
This bill creates the Vermont State Building Security Board to oversee safety and security for state facilities and employees, excluding the State House which remains under the Sergeant at Arms. The Board will consist of seven members appointed by the Governor, Attorney General, State Employees' Association, and the Court Administrator, who will develop security plans, set statewide standards for security equipment and upgrades, and coordinate responses to security needs. The legislation also establishes a new Buildings and Courthouses Police Department to support security operations across state buildings and court facilities. The Board will hold regular meetings, produce annual reports on security incidents, and appoint a Director of Safety and Security to implement comprehensive security plans.
This bill requires that petitions for guardianship of individuals with developmental disabilities include a statement confirming the person is at least 18 years old or will turn 18 within six months of filing. It directly affects people seeking to establish legal guardianship over adults with developmental disabilities in Vermont. The change adds a specific age verification requirement to the petition documents filed with the Family Division of the Superior Court. This amendment ensures that guardianship petitions only apply to adults, aligning the process with the legal definition of adulthood. The law takes effect on July 1, 2023.
This bill requires write-in candidates in Vermont state elections to file a consent form with the Secretary of State or municipal clerk before their votes can be counted. The form must include the candidate's name, the office they seek, their town of residence, and mailing address, and must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on the second Friday before primary and general elections. If a write-in candidate does not file this consent form, their votes will be treated as blank and not counted toward their candidacy. The bill also establishes that write-in candidates must receive at least half the number of petition signatures required for their office to qualify as a primary winner, unless they receive more votes than a printed ballot candidate. These changes take effect on July 1, 2023.
