This bill establishes the Vermont Broadband Internet Access Service Privacy Act to protect customer data collected by internet service providers operating in the state. It directly affects broadband providers and the subscribers who use their services by requiring companies to obtain customer consent before using or sharing certain personal information. The law defines specific types of data that require protection, including browsing history, device identifiers, and sensitive information like health or financial records, while allowing providers to use aggregated, anonymized data without consent. Providers must choose between an opt-in system, where customers must explicitly agree to data use, or an opt-out system, where customers can decline by objecting after being notified. The legislation incorporates federal privacy standards that were previously revoked at the national level, giving Vermont consumers greater control over their personal information.
This bill requires the Agency of Administration to establish separate mileage reimbursement rates for plug-in electric vehicles, including plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles, for state employees, General Assembly members, and members of boards and commissions. Under the new policy, these individuals can choose to be reimbursed at the rate applicable to their specific type of electric vehicle or at the standard rate used for non-plug-in vehicles. The legislation also mandates that mileage rates for electric vehicles be included in collective bargaining agreements for state employees covered by such agreements. The policy updates will take effect on July 1, 2024, for most provisions, with some sections becoming effective upon passage.
This bill would require Vermont's Medicaid program to cover doula services for pregnant individuals, including support during prenatal visits, labor and delivery, and the postpartum period. To qualify for reimbursement, doulas must be certified by an approved national organization, complete additional training on Medicaid participation and special populations, pass a background check, and maintain liability insurance. The bill sets a maximum coverage limit of $850 per pregnancy, with specific allocations for prenatal visits, labor and delivery support, and postpartum care, while excluding reimbursement for travel expenses. The Department of Vermont Health Access would establish a registry of qualified doulas and create rules to implement these requirements, with the law taking effect on July 1, 2023, or upon federal approval of a state plan amendment, whichever occurs later.
This bill prohibits the manufacture, sale, and distribution of specific products containing PFAS chemicals in Vermont, with different deadlines for different product categories. It immediately bans PFAS in pesticides, apparel, cookware, and paper products by January 1, 2024, while also restricting certain cosmetic products by 2026 and aiming for a complete PFAS ban across all products by 2030. The law requires manufacturers to submit confidential formula statements and mandates testing for pesticides packaged in fluorinated containers to detect chemical leaching. These provisions directly affect manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of the listed products while establishing clear compliance timelines and reporting requirements.
This bill creates the Vermont Climate Corps, a program designed to provide employment opportunities for Vermont residents to work on climate resilience and adaptation projects. The program would be administered by SerVermont, the state's service commission, and would allow individuals aged 18 and older to commit up to 12 months of service. Funding would be provided to program hosts, which can be state entities, municipalities, or nonprofits, to support Corps members in eligible projects such as weatherization and environmental restoration. The bill includes requirements for diversity in recruitment and specifies that participants are not state employees but are instead the responsibility of their program hosts. An initial appropriation of $5 million is authorized for fiscal year 2024 to launch the program, with the first class of Corps members expected to be established in 2025.
This bill proposes to gradually implement Green Mountain Care, a publicly financed health care program for all Vermont residents, over a ten-year period. It would begin with primary care coverage in the first year, add preventive dental and vision care in the second year, and expand to additional services in subsequent years based on recommendations from an advisory group. The legislation requires the Green Mountain Care Board to analyze and report on financing sustainability, economic impact, and cost containment measures before full implementation. It also seeks a federal waiver to adjust health insurance benefits and funding to avoid duplication with Green Mountain Care coverage.
This bill proposes multiple changes to Vermont's tax laws, including adjustments to personal income tax, meals and rooms tax, sales and use tax, property valuation, and property transfer tax. It updates the state's adoption of federal income tax laws to reflect changes through December 31, 2022, and expands the definition of taxable income to exclude certain cannabis-related deductions. The legislation also increases the income thresholds for Social Security benefit exclusions, raising limits from $50,000 to $65,000 for single filers and from $65,000 to $80,000 for married couples filing jointly. Additionally, it ensures military retirement income and survivor benefits remain excluded from taxable income. These changes directly affect Vermont residents filing state tax returns and those receiving Social Security or military retirement benefits.
This bill amends Vermont's adult protective services laws to strengthen protections for vulnerable adults against abuse, neglect, and exploitation. It clarifies definitions of abuse and exploitation, including specific provisions against sexual misconduct by caregivers and unauthorized use of a vulnerable adult's personal information or property. The legislation requires Adult Protective Services to investigate reports of maltreatment while ensuring interventions respect individual autonomy and accommodate barriers that may prevent vulnerable adults from reporting mistreatment. The bill directly affects caregivers, employers, and the Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living by establishing clearer standards for care and investigation procedures.
This Vermont joint resolution formally applies to Congress to call a Convention of the States under Article V of the U.S. Constitution, which would allow state legislatures to propose constitutional amendments. The resolution specifically requests that any resulting convention be limited to proposing amendments that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit federal power and jurisdiction, and restrict terms of office for federal officials and members of Congress. By submitting this application, Vermont joins other states in seeking a constitutional process to address concerns about federal spending, mandates, and overreach. The resolution directs Vermont's Secretary of State to send copies of this application to federal officials and other state legislatures to track progress toward the required two-thirds state threshold.
This bill would exempt unemployment compensation from Vermont state income tax for individuals whose adjusted gross income is $125,000 or less. The change applies retroactively to January 1, 2023, and affects taxpayers who received unemployment benefits during that period. By removing unemployment benefits from taxable income for lower-earning households, the legislation aims to reduce the financial burden of job loss on Vermonters with low to moderate incomes.
This bill proposes to expand Vermont's Housing Improvement Program to include financial incentives for home modifications that accommodate people with disabilities. The measure would allow homeowners with disabilities to receive funding for changes to their residences that improve accessibility and independence. Directly affected individuals would be Vermont residents with disabilities seeking to modify their homes, while the program administrators would manage the expanded funding allocation. The bill focuses on creating a new category of eligible expenses within the existing housing improvement framework rather than establishing a separate funding source.
This bill requires the Secretary of Administration to ban social media applications from State-owned devices and networks by September 15, 2023. It also mandates the creation of a regularly updated list of countries and entities that pose cybersecurity risks to the State, with updates required at least every six months. The law directly affects state employees and IT systems by restricting access to specific social media platforms and vendors from nations deemed to present unacceptable security threats. State officials must publish this list on the agency website to inform the public about which platforms and entities are prohibited.
