Vermont Bills

in committee · Vermont · House Jan 23, 2024

H 549: An act relating to the siting of outdoor cannabis cultivation

This bill establishes specific location requirements for outdoor cannabis cultivation in Vermont. It prohibits growing cannabis outdoors in areas with a population density of 500 or more people per square mile, in regions served by municipal water and sewer systems, or in zones the Cannabis Control Board designates as prohibited. The legislation also directs the Cannabis Control Board to create rules for outdoor cultivation siting, including a tiered licensing system based on plant canopy size and standards for pesticide use, testing, and facility inspections. These provisions apply to all cannabis cultivators operating in the state, with the Board required to consider the needs of small cultivators when implementing regulations.

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 23, 2024

H 838: An act relating to improved highway access for pedestrians and bicyclists

This bill requires the Vermont Agency of Transportation to narrow the driving lanes of state highways to 11 feet in rural village centers when requested by local selectboards. The primary goal is to create safer and more accessible pathways for pedestrians and bicyclists, encouraging active transportation and reducing vehicle emissions. Local communities can initiate this change by formally requesting the modification through their selectboard, and the agency must implement the lane narrowing within one year of receiving the request. The legislation focuses on specific rural village centers rather than applying statewide changes to all highways.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 23, 2024

H 836: An act relating to expanding earned time to include credit for higher education degrees

This bill would allow incarcerated individuals in Vermont to receive time off their sentences for earning higher education degrees or credentials. Under the proposal, offenders would get six months off for completing a certificate program with at least 30 credit hours, one year for an associate or bachelor's degree, 18 months for a master's degree, and two years for a doctoral degree. The legislation also directs that any cost savings from reduced incarceration time be transferred to the state's education budget to support colleges and universities. This change directly affects the Department of Corrections and institutions of higher education in Vermont.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Education

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 23, 2024

H 837: An act relating to equalizing community service and incarceration requirements for offenses that permit such sentencing alternatives

This bill proposes to make the number of community service hours required for certain offenses equal to the number of hours of jail time that would otherwise be served. It directly affects individuals convicted of crimes where community service is available as a sentencing alternative. The legislation would establish a finding that aligning these time requirements supports Vermont's restorative justice policy and aims to encourage more people to choose community service over incarceration. The bill also includes a provision to reference current Department of Corrections data when assessing any potential reduction in the state's incarcerated population.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 23, 2024

H 835: An act relating to services for adults with an intellectual disability

This bill aims to improve services and rights for adults with intellectual disabilities in Vermont by establishing stronger oversight and support mechanisms. It requires a professional review committee to approve any restrictions on personal rights or privacy, mandates the submission of a final Olmstead Plan by January 2025, and provides financial assistance to parents or guardians when alternative care options are unavailable. The legislation also enhances transparency in Human Services Board proceedings by allowing participants to submit supporting documentation and introducing a complaint procedure for individuals under guardianship. Additionally, it clarifies guardianship laws to ensure guardians can negotiate contracts that protect the individual's rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act and other applicable state laws.

Topper McFaun (R) · 39 co-sponsors

in committee · Vermont · House Jan 19, 2024

H 577: An act relating to providing legal assistance to the Access Board

This bill directs the Vermont Department of Public Safety to provide legal assistance to the Access Board when it creates or updates rules related to accessibility standards for public buildings. The Access Board, which includes members representing various state agencies and individuals with disabilities, uses this legal support to carry out its rulemaking duties under state law. The change applies specifically to the board's authority to adopt, amend, and repeal rules governing accessibility requirements.

passed · Vermont · House Jan 19, 2024

HR 14: House resolution in memory of Jarlath O’Neil-Dunne, Director of the Spatial Analysis Laboratory at the University of Vermont

This bill is a House resolution honoring Jarlath O'Neil-Dunne, a former Marine and director of the Spatial Analysis Laboratory at the University of Vermont who passed away at age 49. It formally expresses the House's condolences to his family and directs the Clerk to send a copy of the resolution to his family and the laboratory. The resolution recognizes his contributions to geospatial research, disaster response efforts during the 2023 Vermont floods, and his leadership in environmental data analysis. No new laws or funding are established; the measure serves as a commemorative tribute to his life and work.

Topics ✓ Veterans

passed both · Vermont · Senate Jan 19, 2024

JRS 37: Joint resolution relating to weekend adjournment on January 19, 2024

This bill directs the Vermont legislature to adjourn on Friday, January 19, 2024, and reconvene no later than Tuesday, January 23, 2024. It directly affects the state's legislative body by establishing specific dates for the next session following the weekend. The resolution sets a clear timeline for when lawmakers must return to their duties after the Friday adjournment. This procedural measure ensures the legislative calendar remains organized during the holiday weekend.

passed · Vermont · House Jan 19, 2024

H 560: An act relating to making technical corrections to workers’ compensation rulemaking requirements

This bill amends a previous workers' compensation law to clarify the timeline for adopting new administrative rules. It requires the Vermont Commissioner of Labor to finalize and implement specific rule changes by July 1, 2024, to support provisions in the 2023 legislation. The bill applies to workers' compensation programs and the state agency responsible for overseeing them. It contains no new policy changes but rather corrects procedural language to ensure the existing rules are adopted on schedule.

passed both · Vermont · House Jan 19, 2024

HCR 139: House concurrent resolution commemorating the bicentennial of Mt. Anthony Masonic Lodge No. 13

This legislative bill is a commemorative resolution that recognizes the 200th anniversary of Mt. Anthony Masonic Lodge No. 13 in Bennington, Vermont. The resolution acknowledges the lodge's history, which began in 1823 when it was chartered and has since played a role in local civic life, including laying the cornerstone for the Battle of Bennington Monument. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the lodge as an official acknowledgment of its bicentennial milestone.

passed both · Vermont · House Jan 19, 2024

HCR 137: House concurrent resolution congratulating the 2023 Georgia Elementary and Middle School Chargers seventh- and eighth-grade girls’ soccer team on completing an outstanding, undefeated season

This bill is a House concurrent resolution that formally congratulates the 2023 Georgia Elementary and Middle School Chargers seventh- and eighth-grade girls' soccer team for completing an undefeated 12-0 season. The resolution recognizes the team's impressive performance and lists the names of all twenty-three players and their head coach, Courtney Chadburn. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Georgia Elementary and Middle School to acknowledge the team's achievement. This measure does not create new laws or policies but serves as an official expression of appreciation from the Vermont General Assembly.

passed both · Vermont · House Jan 19, 2024

HCR 140: House concurrent resolution in memory of former Representative John C. Candon of Norwich

This bill is a commemorative resolution honoring the life and legacy of former Representative John C. Candon, who served in the Vermont General Assembly from 1983 to 1986. It recognizes his contributions as a legislator, attorney, and community leader, including his role in creating the first father-son pair to serve concurrently in the state legislature. The resolution expresses the General Assembly's condolences to his family and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to them.

Bill results