Vermont Bills

passed both · Vermont · House Mar 18, 2026

HCR 213: House concurrent resolution recognizing March 2026 as Social Work Month in Vermont

This concurrent resolution symbolically recognizes March 2026 as Social Work Month in Vermont. It honors social workers across the state for their roles in supporting vulnerable populations, advocating for justice, and addressing needs in healthcare, schools, and community services. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the Vermont chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. It does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges the profession's contributions as outlined in the National Association of Social Workers' 2026 theme.

in committee · Vermont · House Mar 18, 2026

H 558: An act relating to the Medicaid school-based services program

H 558 transfers sole authority for Vermont's Medicaid school-based services program from current oversight to the Agency of Human Services (AHS), while clarifying the Agency of Education's (AOE) role in coordinating with school districts. The bill establishes a School-Based Medicaid Reimbursement Fund managed by AHS, directing 55% of federal reimbursement funds to supervisory unions (which manage multiple school districts), 25% for AHS and AOE administrative costs, and any remaining balance to the Education Fund. It requires supervisory unions to submit Medicaid claims for eligible students and creates an incentive fund for unions with high participation rates (over 80%). This directly affects supervisory unions, AHS, AOE, and school districts by changing how Medicaid reimbursement funds are distributed and administered.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

passed · Vermont · House Mar 18, 2026

H 753: An act relating to utility service disconnections and ratepayer protections

This bill, the "Vermont Energy Equity Law" (H 753), directly affects residential utility customers in Vermont by preventing forced disconnections under specific circumstances. It requires the Public Utility Commission to adopt rules banning disconnections during extreme heat and mandating that utilities halt disconnections if a physician certifies a health risk from service loss. Utilities must also create plans to reduce involuntary disconnections to the lowest feasible level in their service areas. The law aims to protect vulnerable households while aligning utility operations with state energy policy goals.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Healthcare ✓ Housing

introduced · Vermont · House Mar 17, 2026

H 936: An act relating to providing an oath option in affirmation requirements throughout the Vermont Statutes Annotated

This bill would allow individuals in Vermont to choose between taking an oath or making an affirmation in any legal or official situation where an affirmation is currently required. It directly affects people who appear before courts, government officials, or other authorities in the state who need to swear to the truthfulness of their statements. The key provision adds the option to swear an oath to existing affirmation requirements throughout the Vermont Statutes Annotated, giving people a choice rather than mandating one specific method. This change does not create new obligations but expands the ways people can legally commit to telling the truth in official settings.

passed both · Vermont · Senate Mar 17, 2026

SCR 8: Senate concurrent resolution recognizing March 2026 as International Long COVID Awareness Month in Vermont

This bill formally recognizes March 2026 as International Long COVID Awareness Month in Vermont. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the Vermont Commissioner of Health to highlight the ongoing health impacts of long-term COVID-19 effects. The resolution acknowledges that over 20 million Americans live with long COVID symptoms, which can include persistent fatigue, brain fog, and cardiovascular issues. This is a commemorative measure intended to raise public awareness rather than change laws or policies.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

passed both · Vermont · Senate Mar 17, 2026

SCR 7: Senate concurrent resolution designating October 5, 2026, as Italian American Day in Vermont

This bill designates October 5, 2026, as Italian American Day in Vermont to honor the contributions of Italian Americans to the state's history and development. The resolution recognizes the community's role in the marble and granite industries, labor union formation, and various sectors including agriculture, arts, and government. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Christine Stone, likely a representative of the Italian American community. This is a commemorative measure that does not create new laws or change existing policies.

introduced · Vermont · House Mar 17, 2026

H 939: An act relating to reducing State paperwork

This bill directs the Agency of Administration to work with other state agencies to identify and remove unnecessary paperwork from state operations. The legislation authorizes the creation of a formal proposal to streamline administrative processes and improve government responsiveness. It does not mandate immediate changes but instead establishes a framework for agencies to review and reduce redundant documentation requirements. The bill aims to make state services more efficient by eliminating excessive paperwork burdens on both government operations and citizens.

introduced · Vermont · House Mar 17, 2026

H 943: An act relating to municipal permitting of ground-mounted solar arrays

This bill transfers authority for permitting ground-mounted solar arrays from the Public Utility Commission to local municipalities in Vermont. It requires that applicants provide public notice of their applications, including to neighboring landowners, at least 15 days before a public hearing is held. The change directly affects local governments, solar developers, and property owners near proposed solar projects. By moving permitting power to municipalities, the bill aims to give local communities more control over solar development decisions.

Topics ✓ Energy

passed both · Vermont · House Mar 17, 2026

HCR 220: House concurrent resolution welcoming the March 17, 2026, namesake visit of the officers and crew of the U.S. submarine VERMONT (USS VERMONT (SSN 792)) to the State House and designating April 18, 2026, as USS VERMONT (SSN 792) Day in Vermont

This bill welcomes the officers and crew of the U.S. submarine USS VERMONT (SSN 792) to the Vermont State House on March 17, 2026, and designates April 18, 2026, as USS VERMONT Day in the state. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to the submarine's commanding officer and support group as an official acknowledgment. It recognizes the vessel's recent achievements, including its participation in the AUKUS security partnership and its completion of maintenance in Australia. The bill also notes that an information display about the submarine will be shown at the State House the day before the designated USS VERMONT Day.

Topics ✓ Veterans

introduced · Vermont · House Mar 17, 2026

H 934: An act relating to the fee for selling hunting licenses

This bill proposes increasing the fee that point-of-sale agents can keep when selling hunting licenses or lottery applications in Vermont from $1.50 to $5.00. The change applies to both situations where the Department of Fish and Wildlife receives part of the original fee and cases where the department receives none of the fee. The legislation directly affects agents who sell hunting licenses and the state's revenue structure for wildlife conservation. No new hunting regulations or license requirements are being added, only the commission amount for agents is being adjusted.

passed both · Vermont · House Mar 17, 2026

HCR 214: House concurrent resolution celebrating the essential contributions of Irish American patriots in the struggle for our nation’s independence

Vermont's House of Representatives passed HCR 214 to commemorate Irish American contributions to the U.S. Revolutionary War. The resolution highlights historical figures like Irish-American Declaration signers, General John Sullivan, and printer John Dunlap, noting their roles in securing independence. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to Irish officials and the American Irish State Legislators Caucus, marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S. founding on Saint Patrick's Day 2026. This is a ceremonial resolution with no policy impact.

passed · Vermont · House Mar 17, 2026

H 573: An act relating to the first certification of an emergency examination

H 573 would allow more healthcare professionals to complete the initial certification for emergency mental health examinations in Vermont. Currently, only specific psychiatrists or residents could do this; the bill would let the Mental Health Commissioner designate other licensed professionals, including advanced nurses, social workers, clinical counselors, and marriage therapists. This directly affects patients needing emergency mental health evaluations, hospitals handling such cases, and the healthcare providers who would now qualify for certification duties. The change would take effect on July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Bill results