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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

signed · Vermont · Senate May 12, 2023

S 95: An act relating to banking and insurance

This bill updates Vermont's banking and insurance regulations by addressing several key areas including data security, licensing procedures, and consumer protections. It establishes obligations for the Department of Financial Regulation when denying financial licenses, clarifies debt cancellation rights for borrowers, and sets legal interest rates for borrower deposits. The legislation also enhances confidentiality for proprietary information submitted to regulators, modifies disclosure requirements for long-term care insurance rate increases, and provides additional protection for Federal Home Loan Bank loans during insurance company delinquency proceedings. Additionally, it requires a study of automobile insurance business practices in Vermont.

signed · Vermont · Senate May 12, 2023

S 115: An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

This bill amends Vermont's agricultural laws to exempt properties regulated under Required Agricultural Practices from municipal stormwater fees. It allows municipalities to adopt stormwater management bylaws but prohibits them from charging fees on agricultural waste discharges or nonpoint source pollution from these regulated properties. The bill applies prospectively, meaning it does not require refunds for fees already collected before the law takes effect. This change directly affects farmers and municipalities managing stormwater runoff in Vermont.

Topics ✓ Environment

signed · Vermont · House May 12, 2023

H 62: An act relating to the interstate Counseling Compact

This bill adopts the Interstate Counseling Compact into Vermont state law, allowing licensed mental health counselors to practice across state lines with their existing credentials. The legislation adds a new section to the state statutes that formally incorporates the compact's provisions, which were originally developed to facilitate the portability of counseling licenses among participating states. By aligning Vermont's counseling regulations with those of other compact member states, the bill enables counselors to provide services in multiple jurisdictions without obtaining additional state-specific licenses. The measure applies directly to licensed professional counselors and mental health practitioners who may benefit from streamlined interstate practice opportunities.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

signed · Vermont · House May 12, 2023

H 53: An act relating to driver’s license suspensions and revenue for the Domestic and Sexual Violence Special Fund

This bill prevents the suspension of driver's licenses for unpaid traffic fines that were committed before the law takes effect. It applies to all drivers who owe penalties for traffic violations that occurred prior to the implementation date. The law requires the Motor Vehicles Commissioner to stop suspending licenses solely due to nonpayment of these pre-existing civil penalties. The changes become active 30 days after the bill is passed into law.

signed · Vermont · House May 12, 2023

H 77: An act relating to Vermont’s adoption of the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact

This bill amends Vermont's adoption of the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact to include physical therapist assistants alongside physical therapists. The change allows physical therapist assistants to participate in the compact, which enables licensed healthcare professionals to practice in multiple states with a single license. By adding physical therapist assistants to the compact, the bill expands mobility opportunities for these healthcare workers across state lines. The amendment was concurred by both legislative chambers and signed into law by the Governor in June 2023.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

signed · Vermont · House May 12, 2023

H 45: An act relating to abusive litigation filed against survivors of domestic abuse, stalking, or sexual assault

This bill creates a legal mechanism to address situations where individuals file lawsuits against survivors of domestic abuse, stalking, or sexual assault primarily to harass or intimidate them. It defines abusive litigation as legal actions initiated by someone who has a history of abuse or stalking against the victim, where the claims lack legal or evidentiary support, or have already been unsuccessfully litigated before. Courts can issue orders to restrict such abusive litigation, dismiss the case, and award attorney fees to the protected party. The law applies to various types of legal filings, including complaints, motions, and discovery requests, and establishes a process for victims to request protective orders without paying filing fees.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

signed · Vermont · House May 12, 2023

H 102: An act relating to the Art in State Buildings Program

This bill establishes the Art in State Buildings Program in Vermont to commission and install permanent works of art in state buildings and facilities undergoing new construction or renovation. The program requires that for projects costing $1 million or more, an art selection panel including community representatives and arts professionals will recommend artists, with priority given to Vermont-based creators. The Vermont Council on the Arts, working with the Department of Buildings and General Services, will administer the program and manage contracts for artwork design, fabrication, and installation. All artwork acquired through the program will become the sole property of the State of Vermont upon completion.

signed · Vermont · House May 12, 2023

H 110: An act relating to extending the sunset under 30 V.S.A. § 248a

This bill extends the deadline for a state program that issues certificates of public good for communications facilities from July 1, 2023, to July 1, 2026. The law prevents the Public Service Commission from accepting new applications for these certificates after the extended date. Additionally, the bill requires state officials to submit a report by January 15, 2024, on how to improve the telecommunications siting process for municipalities and individuals. The report must include recommendations for updating the program based on input from local governments, utility companies, and other interested parties.

Topics ✓ Technology

signed · Vermont · House May 12, 2023

H 86: An act relating to Vermont’s adoption of the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact

This bill amends Vermont state law to establish legal requirements for providing interpreters and communication access services to people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or DeafBlind in judicial, administrative, and legislative proceedings. It mandates that qualified interpreters or real-time captioning services be provided to parties and witnesses in these proceedings, with specific rules for interpreter selection, appointment, and confidentiality. The legislation also creates a statewide system for maintaining contracts with interpreter services, requires courts and agencies to maintain lists of qualified interpreters, and ensures that admissions or confessions made by individuals with hearing impairments are only admissible in criminal proceedings when proper interpretation was provided.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

signed · Vermont · House May 12, 2023

H 125: An act relating to boards and commissions

This bill amends Vermont state law to improve oversight and compensation for various government boards and commissions. It directs the Summer Government Accountability Committee to study ways to measure legislative accountability, ensure fair pay across commissions, support equitable participation through compensation, and control the growing number of such groups. The legislation also updates rules for the Vermont Pension Investment Commission regarding member compensation and administrative support, adjusts quorum requirements for the Commission on Women, sets interim quorum rules for regional emergency management committees, and requires the State Ethics Commission to report recommendations for municipal ethics frameworks by January 2024.

signed · Vermont · House May 12, 2023

H 94: An act relating to removing the Reach Up ratable reduction

This bill changes the date for the Reach Up ratable reduction, a tax benefit for low-income households in Vermont, from January to March. The amendment affects the timing of when eligible residents can receive their tax reduction, allowing them to claim the benefit later in the year. By moving the start date to March, the bill adjusts the administrative schedule for processing these tax reductions without changing the underlying eligibility requirements or benefit amounts.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

signed · Vermont · House May 12, 2023

H 150: An act relating to approval of an amendment to the charter of the Village of Alburgh

This bill approves a charter amendment for the Village of Alburgh that changes how certain village officers are selected and appointed. The key change shifts the Clerk and Treasurer positions from being elected by village residents to being appointed by the Village Board of Trustees, while the Trustee and Auditor positions remain elected. The amendment also clarifies that appointed officers do not need to be village residents, unlike previously elected positions. These changes take effect immediately upon the bill's passage, with any existing elected Clerks or Treasurers' terms ending on May 1, 2023.