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Vermont Bills

Track legislation and stay informed about the bills that matter to you.

State Legislature US Congress

All 8,295 Active 3,475 In committee 2,310 Passed 2,033 Signed 934 Failed 25

passed · Vermont · House Feb 6, 2026

H 5: An act relating to a hearsay exception for a child under 16 years of age

H.5 amends Vermont's evidence rules to allow statements made by children aged 12-15 who are victims of specific abuse crimes (like sexual assault, cruelty, or exploitation) to be used as evidence in court. The bill requires courts to verify that such statements are trustworthy, made before legal proceedings began, and not prepared for trial. It directly affects child victims in criminal, civil, or juvenile cases involving listed abuse offenses under Vermont law. The change takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies only to cases where the child’s statements relate to the alleged abuse.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

passed both · Vermont · House Feb 5, 2026

HCR 183: House concurrent resolution recognizing July 2026 as Park and Recreation Month in Vermont and designating July 17, 2026, as Vermont Park and Recreation Professionals Day in Vermont

HCR 183 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing July 2026 as Park and Recreation Month in Vermont and designating July 17, 2026, as Vermont Park and Recreation Professionals Day. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally honors the role of parks and recreation programs in Vermont communities. The resolution cites the value of these programs for promoting active lifestyles, environmental protection, and accessibility, aligning with national observances established since 1985. The Secretary of State is directed to send a copy to the Vermont Recreation and Parks Association.

passed both · Vermont · House Feb 5, 2026

HCR 182: House concurrent resolution designating February 5, 2026, as Outdoor Recreation Day at the State House

HCR 182 is a ceremonial resolution designating February 5, 2026, as "Vermont Outdoor Recreation Day" at the State House. It does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes Vermont's outdoor recreation economy and assets, including trails, forests, ski areas, and its $2.1 billion economic impact. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to share it with state agencies like Natural Resources, Forests/Parks, and Tourism. It acknowledges the role of outdoor recreation in Vermont's economy, community well-being, and workforce, without imposing any new requirements.

passed both · Vermont · House Jan 30, 2026

HCR 175: House concurrent resolution in memory of the Venerable J. Stannard Baker of Shelburne

This is a commemorative resolution (HCR 175), not a substantive bill. It honors the late Venerable J. Stannard Baker of Shelburne, recognizing his pivotal role in Vermont's marriage equality history. The resolution commemorates his leadership in the landmark 1999 *Baker v. State* case that established marriage equality under the Vermont Constitution, leading to civil unions and later marriage rights. It expresses the legislature's condolences to his family and directs the Secretary of State to share the resolution with his family and the Episcopal Diocese of Vermont.

passed both · Vermont · House Jan 30, 2026

HCR 177: House concurrent resolution congratulating Twin Valley High School Athletic Director extraordinaire and 500 game-winning boys’ soccer coach Buddy Hayford

HCR 177 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Twin Valley High School's Athletic Director and boys' soccer coach Buddy Hayford for achieving 500 career coaching victories. It recognizes his 43-year coaching career, including 10 divisional titles, two state basketball titles, and his status as Vermont's first high school soccer coach to reach 500 wins. This resolution, offered by all House members and sponsoring senators, formally congratulates Hayford and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to him and his school - **it is not a law but a symbolic gesture of appreciation**.

passed both · Vermont · House Jan 30, 2026

HCR 176: House concurrent resolution congratulating the 2025 West Rutland High School Golden Horde’s Division IV championship softball team

This procedural resolution formally congratulates West Rutland High School's 2025 Division IV championship softball team (the Golden Horde) for their 19-4 victory in the state championship game and their sixth athletic title. It specifically recognizes the team's players, coaches, and support staff as detailed in the resolution. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to West Rutland High School. As a symbolic gesture with no policy or funding changes, it does not affect legislation or require voter action.

passed both · Vermont · House Jan 30, 2026

HCR 180: House concurrent resolution congratulating the 2025 Essex High School Hornets on winning the State boys’ volleyball championship

HCR 180 is a ceremonial resolution congratulating the 2025 Essex High School Hornets boys' volleyball team on winning the Vermont State championship. It formally recognizes the team's 3-1 victory over Mount Mansfield Union High School in the championship match and acknowledges the players and co-head coaches. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to Essex High School. This is a non-binding, symbolic gesture with no policy changes or funding impacts.

passed both · Vermont · Senate Jan 30, 2026

JRS 38: Joint resolution relating to weekend adjournment on January 30, 2026

This procedural joint resolution (JRS 38) directs the Vermont legislature to adjourn on Friday, January 30, 2026, and reconvene no later than Tuesday, February 3, 2026. It affects the Vermont Senate and House of Representatives by setting a specific schedule for their next meeting after a Friday adjournment. The key provision is a mandated weekend break with a defined reconvene date, skipping the weekend. This is a scheduling adjustment, not a substantive policy change.

passed both · Vermont · House Jan 30, 2026

HCR 179: House concurrent resolution congratulating the Essex High School Hornets girls’ volleyball team on winning the school’s fifth consecutive divisional championship

HCR 179 is a formal expression of congratulations from Vermont's legislature to the Essex High School Hornets girls' volleyball team for winning their fifth consecutive divisional championship in 2025. The resolution specifically recognizes the team's undefeated season (17-0), their 3-0 victory over BFA-St. Albans in the championship match, and their 86th consecutive win. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Essex High School. This is a ceremonial measure with no policy changes or direct impact beyond public recognition.

passed both · Vermont · House Jan 30, 2026

HCR 184: House concurrent resolution celebrating the restoration of a wild turkey population in Vermont

This concurrent resolution (HCR 184) celebrates the successful restoration of wild turkeys in Vermont, commemorating the 1969 effort led by wildlife biologist Bill Drake. It specifically honors the release of 17 turkeys (5 toms, 12 hens) in Pawlet, which established the population now thriving statewide. The resolution recognizes this as a conservation milestone made possible through federal wildlife funding and local landowner cooperation, and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the Pawlet Historical Society. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legislative effect and does not alter laws or directly affect any individuals or groups.

Topics ✓ Environment

passed · Vermont · Senate Jan 29, 2026

SR 20: Senate resolution relating to adoption of a temporary Rule 44A

This Senate resolution (SR 20) establishes a temporary procedural rule (Rule 44A) for the Vermont Senate. It requires bills that miss the March 13 and March 20, 2026 crossover deadlines to be referred to the Committee on Rules, unless they are one of five exempted bills: the transportation capital bill, capital construction bill, general appropriations bill ("The Big Bill"), fee bill, or tax/revenue bills. The rule expires when the Legislature adjourns sine die. As a procedural measure, it affects Senate committee referrals but does not change substantive policy.

passed both · Vermont · House Jan 29, 2026

HCR 173: House concurrent resolution designating January 29, 2026, as Mental Health Advocacy Day at the State House

This resolution designates January 29, 2026, as Mental Health Advocacy Day at the Vermont State House. It directly affects the Vermont General Assembly, which formally recognizes the annual event, and mental health advocacy organizations like NAMI Vermont and the Vermont Association for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery, which will receive a copy of the resolution. The key mechanism is the official designation of the date for the existing annual advocacy event, with no new policies or funding created. The resolution serves as a ceremonial recognition of ongoing mental health advocacy efforts in Vermont.