Vermont Bills

signed · Vermont · Senate Mar 27, 2026

S 60: An act relating to establishing the Farm and Forestry Operations Security Special Fund to provide payments for farm and forestry operation losses due to weather conditions

Bill S.60 establishes the Farm Security Special Fund in Vermont to provide grants to farms that incur financial losses due to eligible severe weather conditions. This fund aims to help farmers recover by reimbursing up to 50 percent of their uninsured losses, with a maximum of $150,000 per farm annually. A new Farm Security Special Fund Review Board will assist in evaluating applications and recommending awards. The bill defines eligible weather conditions, such as flooding or drought, and outlines reimbursable losses, including lost income, replanting costs, and infrastructure repair.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

passed both · Vermont · House Mar 26, 2026

HCR 223: House concurrent resolution honoring former Public Service Board Chair and East Montpelier Town Moderator Michael Dworkin

This House concurrent resolution honors Michael Dworkin, a former Public Service Board Chair and East Montpelier Town Moderator, for his distinguished career in public service and environmental law. The document recognizes his contributions to establishing Efficiency Vermont, overseeing the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant sale, and founding the Vermont Law and Graduate School's Institute for Energy and the Environment. It also acknowledges his academic work teaching in China and New Zealand, as well as his leadership roles at various Vermont energy organizations. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the honor to Dworkin and his family.

passed both · Vermont · House Mar 26, 2026

HCR 229: House concurrent resolution in memory of respected legal community leader, linguist, and musician Robert D. Rachlin

This bill is a House concurrent resolution honoring the life and legacy of Robert D. Rachlin, a respected attorney, linguist, and musician from Vermont. It formally extends condolences to his family and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to his family and his former law firm, Downs Rachlin Martin. The resolution acknowledges Rachlin's diverse contributions to the legal community, his academic work, and his personal passions, including his role as a pilot and his dedication to teaching and community service.

passed · Vermont · Senate Mar 26, 2026

S 220: An act relating to the excess spending threshold

This bill limits annual increases in per-pupil education spending for Vermont school districts during fiscal years 2028 and 2029. It requires districts to cap spending growth at a calculated "allowable growth percentage" based on how their per-pupil spending compares to the highest-spending district (excluding certain districts), with a minimum 3% growth allowed. The formula subtracts a district’s prior-year spending from the highest district’s spending, divides that difference by the district’s own spending, then multiplies by 9% to determine the maximum allowable increase. The bill applies to all Vermont public school districts and takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✗ Budget & Taxes ✗ Education

passed both · Vermont · House Mar 26, 2026

HCR 170: House concurrent resolution congratulating Robert Kilburn of Fair Haven on winning the 2024 Ken Schrader Real Racer of the Year Award

HCR 170 is a ceremonial resolution congratulating Robert Kilburn of Fair Haven on winning the 2024 Ken Schrader Real Racer of the Year Award. It formally recognizes Kilburn's achievements in regional motorsports, including his racing debut at age 57.5 and his 2018 victory at Bear Ridge Speedway, as noted in the resolution's "Whereas" clauses. The resolution has no policy impact; it directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Kilburn. This is a non-binding gesture of appreciation, not a legislative action.

passed · Vermont · Senate Mar 26, 2026

S 154: An act relating to health insurance coverage for biomarker testing

Senate Bill S 154 requires health insurance plans and Vermont's Medicaid program to provide coverage for biomarker testing. This testing analyzes a patient's samples to identify biological characteristics relevant to a disease or condition. Coverage is mandated for the diagnosis, treatment, management, and ongoing monitoring of a patient's disease. Such coverage is required when the test is supported by medical and scientific evidence, including FDA approvals, Medicare/Medicaid determinations, or nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines. The bill also specifies that coverage should be provided in a way that minimizes disruptions to patient care.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

passed both · Vermont · House Mar 25, 2026

HCR 222: House concurrent resolution honoring the Vermont nonprofit sector and the pivotal leadership and support it receives from Common Good Vermont

This bill is a formal resolution that honors the Vermont nonprofit sector and acknowledges the support it receives from Common Good Vermont. It recognizes the vital role nonprofits play in providing essential services like healthcare, education, and housing while contributing significantly to the state's economy. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of this acknowledgment to Common Good Vermont, the organization that advocates for and supports nonprofit groups in the state.

passed both · Vermont · House Mar 25, 2026

HCR 221: House concurrent resolution recognizing March 25, 2026, as National Medal of Honor Day in Vermont

This bill recognizes March 25, 2026, as National Medal of Honor Day in Vermont to honor the state's military history and Medal of Honor recipients. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the Green Mountain Submarine Veterans and the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs. The resolution commemorates Vermont's 64 Medal of Honor recipients, including the youngest recipient, Willie Johnston, and acknowledges the significance of March 25 as the date the first medals were issued in 1863. This is a commemorative resolution that does not change laws or create new programs but serves to formally acknowledge the state's military heritage.

Topics ✓ Veterans

passed · Vermont · House Mar 25, 2026

H 537: An act relating to the right to grow vegetable gardens

This bill prohibits landlords and common interest communities (like HOAs) from banning vegetable gardens in tenants' or unit owners' private areas. It requires associations to approve garden requests within 60 days (deeming them approved if not denied in writing), makes restrictive rules unenforceable, and holds owners responsible for maintenance costs and disclosure to future buyers. Landlords may set reasonable limits on garden appearance, safety, and pesticide use but cannot block gardens in approved areas. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and does not apply to condominiums.

Topics ✓ Housing

signed · Vermont · House Mar 25, 2026

H 649: An act relating to captive insurance companies

H.649 regulates captive insurance companies and risk retention groups in Vermont. It bans risk retention groups from making loans or investments in their parent companies or affiliates (except existing arrangements before 2026) and revises reporting requirements. Captive insurance companies must now file annual financial reports by March 1 (or March 15 for specific types), using standardized accounting methods, while risk retention groups must submit annual and quarterly reports to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). The bill also requires certification statements for each "protected cell" within sponsored captive insurance companies. These changes directly affect Vermont-based captive insurers, risk retention groups, and their financial reporting obligations.

signed · Vermont · House Mar 25, 2026

H 545: An act relating to issuing immunization recommendations

This bill (H 545) authorizes Vermont's Commissioner of Health to issue immunization recommendations for both children and adults, including standing orders for healthcare providers. It requires health insurers to cover all recommended vaccines without any cost-sharing (like copays or deductibles) and allows the Department of Health to purchase vaccines directly from the CDC or other vendors at the lowest cost. The bill directly affects Vermont residents (ensuring free access to recommended vaccines), healthcare providers (who gain liability protection when following standing orders), and health insurers (mandated to cover costs). Key policy changes include eliminating out-of-pocket costs for recommended immunizations and establishing a new advisory committee to set annual vaccine funding assessments.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

signed · Vermont · House Mar 25, 2026

H 790: An act relating to fiscal year 2026 budget adjustments

H.790 adjusts specific line items in Vermont's fiscal year 2026 budget, primarily modifying existing funding allocations rather than creating new programs. It increases renter rebate funding from $9.5 million to $11 million (a $1.5 million increase) and decreases homeowner rebate funding from $19 million to $17.5 million (a $1.5 million reduction). The bill also raises legislative counsel funding by $720,000 (from $4.88 million to $5.60 million) and makes minor adjustments to other state agency budgets. These changes directly affect renters and homeowners through rebate program funding levels, while state government operations are impacted through revised budget allocations.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

Bill results