This bill proposes to repeal Vermont's Global Warming Solutions Act and the Vermont Climate Council, shifting the state's climate policy from legally binding greenhouse gas reduction requirements to voluntary goals. The legislation would remove the Climate Council while keeping in place general directives for state agencies to consider emissions in their decision-making and requiring a comprehensive 20-year energy plan. Additionally, it repeals specific rules related to low and zero emission vehicles. The changes would take effect on July 1, 2023, and primarily affect state agencies, environmental regulations, and the structure of Vermont's climate governance.
This bill, known as the Vermont Fair Repair Act, would require manufacturers of digital electronic equipment to provide independent repair shops and consumers with access to repair manuals, diagnostic tools, and replacement parts at fair and reasonable terms. The law defines key terms like "original equipment manufacturer" and "independent repair provider" to clarify who must comply with the new requirements. Under the bill, manufacturers must offer documentation at no charge and make tools available without restrictions, while parts must be sold at costs equivalent to those offered to authorized repair providers. The legislation specifically excludes medical devices and motor vehicles from its scope, focusing instead on consumer electronics and similar digital equipment. By establishing these rules, the bill aims to ensure that people can choose where to repair their devices without being forced to use the manufacturer's own service centers.
This bill establishes Vermont's Clean Fuels Program by directing the Commissioner of Environmental Conservation to create rules requiring reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from gasoline, diesel, and alternative fuels. The program aims to lower average emissions by 10 percent below 2018 levels by 2030, while allowing flexibility through exemptions for small importers, farm vehicles, and other specific uses. Key provisions include setting lifecycle emissions standards, permitting credit trading to manage compliance costs, and requiring public engagement through six statewide meetings before finalizing rules. The legislation also mandates that the Commissioner consider standards from other states and evaluate safety, feasibility, and environmental impacts when developing the program.
This bill prohibits smoking cigarettes and electronic cigarettes within 25 feet of places of public access and multiunit housing in Vermont. It directly affects residents of apartment buildings, businesses, and anyone entering public spaces by creating outdoor smoke-free zones around entrances, exits, windows, and vents of multiunit dwellings. The law also maintains existing indoor smoking bans in public buildings, hotels, and state-owned properties while adding specific outdoor restrictions. The bill includes exceptions for designated tobacco shops and preserves smoking rights at the Vermont Veterans' Home, with the changes taking effect on July 1, 2023.
This bill expands access to veteran designations on Vermont driver's licenses, identification cards, and vehicle license plates to include individuals disabled during active duty for training. It requires applicants to provide proof of veteran status, such as a Department of Defense Form 214, and have their eligibility confirmed by the Office of Veterans' Affairs before the designation appears on their credentials. The legislation also mandates that special license plates include emblems recognizing specific groups like Purple Heart recipients, Pearl Harbor survivors, former prisoners of war, and disabled veterans. These changes apply to enhanced licenses, nondriver identification cards, and vehicle registration plates for eligible veterans and active military members.
This bill proposes changes to Vermont's laws governing where telecommunications facilities can be built and modified. It directly affects telecommunications companies, local municipalities, and state agencies involved in reviewing and approving these facilities. Key provisions include extending the application review period by three years, establishing clearer definitions for minor modifications to existing structures, and requiring applicants to demonstrate that new wireless facilities cannot reasonably be placed on existing towers. The bill also strengthens requirements for public notice and community engagement, mandating that applicants provide at least 80 days of notice to local planning bodies and hold public meetings before submitting applications. Additionally, it creates a rebuttable presumption that facilities comply with local plans if municipal and regional planning commissions issue letters confirming compliance.
This bill aims to make housing more affordable by reducing zoning restrictions and regulatory barriers that limit where and how people can build homes. It directly affects local governments, developers, and residents by establishing statewide standards for residential zoning. Key provisions include requiring duplexes and small apartment buildings in areas with municipal water and sewer, limiting parking requirements to one space per unit, and allowing accessory dwelling units under the same rules as single-family homes. The legislation also prohibits deed restrictions that limit dwelling size or parking, requires municipalities to report new zoning rules to the state, and strengthens enforcement of fair housing laws.
This bill expands Vermont's anti-discrimination laws to include protection against discrimination and harassment based on hair type, texture, and style associated with race, as well as weight. It directly affects individuals in public accommodations, housing transactions, and educational settings by adding these characteristics to the list of protected traits. The law prohibits businesses, landlords, and schools from refusing services, denying housing, or creating hostile environments because of a person's hair or weight. These changes amend existing state statutes to explicitly define hair traits and weight as protected categories under fair employment, public accommodations, and housing laws.
This bill establishes safety zones around occupied buildings in Vermont, prohibiting firearm discharge within 500 feet of any inhabited dwelling, camp, or connected structures like barns and stables. The law requires property owners to post visible signs at each corner of these zones stating "safety zone, shooting prohibited," and defines the area as enclosed land for regulatory purposes. Exceptions allow shooting on owned or permitted land and for law enforcement officers acting in their official capacity. Violations of the prohibition result in a $50 fine, and the measure takes effect on July 1, 2023.
This bill allows alcohol manufacturers and rectifiers in Vermont to hold up to 20 fourth-class licenses instead of just 10. It directly affects businesses that produce or process alcoholic beverages by changing how many retail licenses they can own. The key change is updating state law to permit a single manufacturer to acquire more fourth-class licenses while keeping the application fee at $70 for up to ten licenses. The bill becomes effective on July 1, 2023.
This bill creates an optional income tax that pass-through businesses like S corporations and partnerships can choose to pay instead of having their owners pay individual income tax on the business income. The tax is calculated based on each owner's share of the business income and uses the state's second-highest individual income tax rate. If a business elects to pay this tax, each owner receives a refundable credit equal to 90% of the tax paid, which can reduce their individual income tax liability. The bill also allows owners to claim a credit for similar taxes paid to other states, and it applies retroactively to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2023.
This bill proposes to increase the maximum amount of money that can be claimed in Vermont small claims court from $5,000 to $10,000. It directly affects individuals and businesses filing small claims lawsuits, allowing them to pursue higher value disputes without needing to file in higher courts. The change would be implemented through a simple adjustment to the jurisdictional limit set by the state legislature. No other provisions or requirements are included in this measure.
