Vermont Bills

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 14, 2026

H 685: An act relating to health insurance coverage for scalp cooling systems

This bill requires health insurance plans in Vermont to cover scalp cooling systems used during cancer chemotherapy treatment. It directly affects cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy who might otherwise face out-of-pocket costs for these devices, which help prevent hair loss. The law defines scalp cooling systems as reusable medical devices designed specifically to cool the scalp during treatment. Coverage becomes mandatory for all health insurance plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 14, 2026

H 682: An act relating to waiver of criminal history record fees for certain DAIL volunteers

H.682 waives the $30 criminal history background check fee for organizations providing free home-delivered meals to older Vermonters through the Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living (DAIL). It directly affects nonprofit meal delivery programs that rely on volunteers, eliminating a $30 fee per background check they currently pay. The bill amends Vermont law to explicitly exempt these organizations from the standard fee, effective July 1, 2026. This change reduces operational costs for meal programs serving seniors without altering eligibility for volunteer positions.

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 14, 2026

H 672: An act relating to distribution of malt beverages by licensed manufacturers

This bill allows licensed malt beverage manufacturers in Vermont to sell directly to businesses holding first- or second-class alcohol licenses (like bars and restaurants), instead of requiring distribution through wholesalers. It sets a hard limit of 5,000 barrels annually for direct sales by any single manufacturer. The change takes effect on July 1, 2026, and modifies existing licensing rules under Vermont law. The policy specifically targets distribution methods for malt beverages, not other alcoholic products.

introduced · Vermont · Senate Jan 14, 2026

S 254: An act relating to allowing probation and parole officers to carry firearms while on duty

This bill allows Vermont probation and parole officers to carry firearms while on duty after completing a required training course. The training, developed by the Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council, covers defensive firearm use, appropriate force, reporting, and liability. Officers must successfully complete this course to be authorized to carry a firearm. The policy takes effect on July 1, 2026.

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 14, 2026

H 675: An act relating to prohibiting the fluoridation of public water supplies

H.675 prohibits adding fluoride to drinking water in public water systems and bans municipalities from requiring or allowing fluoridation in systems they operate. It also prevents schools from providing fluoride supplements or medicine to students. The bill directly affects public water systems (serving 15+ connections or 25+ people yearly), municipal governments, and schools. Key provisions include banning fluoride addition to public water supplies and prohibiting school-based fluoride administration, effective upon passage.

Topics ✗ Healthcare

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 14, 2026

H 677: An act relating to primary, secondary, and local importance agricultural soils and solar energy generation

This bill requires solar energy project developers to disclose soil types on proposed sites, specifically detailing the acreage of prime farmland and other agricultural soils affected. It mandates the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets to be a required party in all solar facility siting cases before Vermont's Public Utility Commission, ensuring agricultural impacts are formally considered. The bill explicitly states that restricting farming on more than five acres for solar projects would constitute an undue burden, prioritizing agricultural land preservation. This directly affects solar developers planning facilities over 500 kilowatts on agricultural land, requiring them to provide detailed soil impact data during permitting.

Topics ✗ Energy ✓ Environment

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 13, 2026

H 656: An act relating to supplemental compensation, health insurance, and retirement benefits for members of the General Assembly

This bill provides supplemental pay to Vermont General Assembly members whose household income during the legislative session falls below their pre-service income level. It also makes members eligible for the same state health insurance plan as executive branch employees (at identical cost) and allows them to join the state's Defined Contribution Retirement Plan with a matching contribution. These changes directly affect all legislators, including the Speaker and President Pro Tempore, who would receive similar supplemental payments based on income comparisons. The bill modifies existing statutes to establish these new compensation, health, and retirement benefits.

introduced · Vermont · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 244: An act relating to the repeal of 2025 Acts and Resolves No. 73

This bill (S 244) proposes to repeal most provisions of 2025 Acts and Resolves No. 73, which was a comprehensive education and tax reform package. It specifically retains changes to tuition eligibility for approved independent schools (16 V.S.A. § 828), State Board of Education appointment rules (16 V.S.A. §§ 161-162), and the creation of regional assessment districts. The bill also creates new property tax classifications for second homes/short-term rentals and seasonal residential properties, taxing them like nonhomestead nonresidential properties. These changes affect Vermont school districts, taxpayers, and education funding structures by undoing prior legislative actions while maintaining specific education governance and tax provisions.

Topics ✗ Education

introduced · Vermont · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 241: An act relating to regulating the use of artificial intelligence in the provision of mental health services

This Vermont bill (S.241) prohibits mental health professionals and organizations from offering, providing, or advertising mental health services delivered by artificial intelligence systems, such as chatbots for therapy. It directly affects mental health service providers, AI developers, and companies marketing AI-driven mental health tools. The bill creates a $10,000 civil penalty per violation under consumer protection law and defines "mental health services" to include therapy, counseling, treatment plans, and emotional support. The legislation stems from research showing AI systems have given dangerous advice (including suicide plans) and failed to recognize mental health crises, aiming to ensure services are delivered by licensed professionals.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✗ Technology

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 13, 2026

H 654: An act relating to Vermont Airspace Safety and Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Task Force

This bill creates the Vermont Airspace Safety and Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) Task Force within the Department of Public Safety. The task force will evaluate reports of unexplained aerial objects (like drones or unidentified craft), assess public safety risks, and coordinate with federal agencies, academic experts, and Vermont's aviation sector. It requires the task force to work with the Scientific Coalition for UAP Studies (SCU) as its primary scientific partner for analyzing data. The bill directly affects Vermont residents and state agencies responsible for airspace safety by establishing a formal process for investigating and responding to UAP reports.

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 13, 2026

H 651: An act relating to aesthetics review for new energy projects

This bill eliminates aesthetic considerations from the review process for new energy projects in Vermont. It amends the law requiring the Public Utility Commission to evaluate projects for "undue adverse effect on aesthetics" when issuing a certificate of public good. The change directly affects developers of new energy facilities (like solar or wind projects) and the Commission's approval process. Other factors, such as environmental impact, historic sites, and public health, remain part of the review. The policy change takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 13, 2026

H 653: An act relating to approval of the adoption of the charter of the Town of Randolph

This bill (H.653) approves the adoption of the Town of Randolph's charter, specifically allowing Randolph's law enforcement officers to join the Vermont State Employees’ Retirement System as "Group G members." It amends the town's charter to clarify that police officers employed by Randolph who enroll in the state retirement system will be treated under the same terms as other state Group G members. This change directly affects Randolph's police department, providing them with access to the state retirement system instead of a separate local plan. The bill has no other substantive policy changes beyond this retirement enrollment provision.

Bill results