Vermont Bills

passed · Vermont · House Apr 9, 2025

HR 6: House resolution amending House Rules relating to the House Ethics Panel

HR 6 amends Vermont House Rules to strengthen ethics oversight for representatives. It requires all members to annually disclose outside roles (like board memberships) and employers via a public form, and prohibits violations of ethical standards. The bill establishes a 5-member Ethics Panel (appointed by Rules Committee) to investigate complaints, provide training, and issue confidential closure reports - while prohibiting retaliation against whistleblowers. This directly affects all House members and staff, mandating greater transparency in their outside activities and creating a formal process for handling ethics concerns.

passed · Vermont · Senate Apr 8, 2025

S 46: An act relating to the taxation of vehicles used for forestry operations

This bill exempts certain forestry vehicles from Vermont's vehicle use tax. It provides full tax exemption for specific equipment used in timber cutting, removal, and processing (like skidders, feller bunchers, and log loaders), and a 50% tax exemption for heavier vehicles used in transportation (such as semi-trailers and trucks over 10,000 pounds). Businesses purchasing these vehicles must certify their use at purchase, and the Department of Motor Vehicles must provide application guidance. The exemptions begin July 1, 2025, and expire July 1, 2028.

Topics ✗ Budget & Taxes

passed both · Vermont · House Apr 8, 2025

HCR 77: House concurrent resolution recognizing April 2025 as Fair Housing Month in Vermont

HCR 77 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing April 2025 as Fair Housing Month in Vermont. It does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges Vermont’s longstanding protections against housing discrimination under its 1987 Fair Housing Act, which covers more categories than federal law. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to share it with the Vermont Human Rights Commission, Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity, and Vermont Legal Aid’s Housing Discrimination Law Project. It aims to raise awareness about housing equity during a time when the state’s enforcement agencies are handling increased fair housing complaints. The resolution has no direct impact on residents or housing providers, as it serves only to honor existing protections.

Topics ✓ Housing

passed both · Vermont · House Apr 8, 2025

HCR 53: House concurrent resolution honoring Megan Humphrey for her outstanding leadership of HANDS

HCR 53 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Megan Humphrey for her 25-year leadership of HANDS (Helping and Nurturing Diverse Seniors), a Chittenden County nonprofit. The resolution recognizes HANDS' work providing food and resources to seniors aged 50+ facing food insecurity, including holiday gift cards and community programs. It does not create new policies or affect any specific laws or regulations. The resolution was formally adopted by Vermont's legislature in March 2025.

passed both · Vermont · House Apr 8, 2025

HCR 55: House concurrent resolution recognizing April 2025 as the Month of the Military Child in Vermont

HCR 55 is a symbolic resolution recognizing April 2025 as "Month of the Military Child" in Vermont. It directly acknowledges the experiences of Vermont military children, particularly those with parents in the Vermont National Guard (approximately 1,000 personnel deployed annually), who face challenges like frequent relocations and parental deployment. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the Vermont National Guard’s Child & Youth Services office. As a concurrent resolution, it has no legal force but serves to honor military-connected youth through official state recognition.