Vermont Bills

introduced · Vermont · House Feb 10, 2026

H 895: An act relating to secondary enforcement of certain motor vehicle violations

H 895 would restrict enforcement of 13 specific minor traffic violations (such as obscured license plates, improper lane changes, or loud mufflers) to situations where an officer has already stopped a driver for a different, primary violation. It prohibits officers from using these minor infractions as the sole reason to stop a vehicle or to request consent for a vehicle search. The bill directly affects drivers who might otherwise be stopped solely for these technical traffic issues. This policy change aims to limit traffic stops based on minor violations and prevent secondary searches after such stops.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

introduced · Vermont · House Feb 10, 2026

H 891: An act relating to amending the definition of harassment in Title 16

H.891 proposes to update Vermont's legal definition of harassment in Title 16 to explicitly include conduct that creates a hostile environment. This change would directly affect school districts, students, and educators by expanding the scope of behavior classified as harassment under state law. The key provision adds "conduct that creates a hostile environment" to the existing definition, clarifying that such behavior - like severe or pervasive actions interfering with a student's education - would now be covered. The bill aims to strengthen protections against bullying and harassment in school settings without altering existing enforcement mechanisms. This is a substantive policy change focused on clarifying legal standards for school safety.

Topics ✓ Education

passed both · Vermont · House Feb 10, 2026

HCR 166: House concurrent resolution congratulating The Pick and Shovel in Newport City on its golden anniversary

HCR 166 is a ceremonial resolution congratulating The Pick and Shovel, a Newport City retail store, on its 50th anniversary. It contains no policy changes or funding provisions - only symbolic recognition of the store's history and services. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to deliver a copy to the business, with no direct impact on residents, laws, or government operations. This is purely a commemorative gesture with no legislative effect.

in committee · Vermont · House Feb 10, 2026

H 403: An act relating to fair labor standards and housing standards for agricultural workers

H.403 repeals Vermont's exemption that previously allowed agricultural employers to pay below minimum wage and skip overtime for farm workers. It requires all agricultural workers (excluding employers' immediate family) to receive at least Vermont's minimum wage ($12.55 starting 2022, adjusted annually) and overtime pay for hours exceeding 60 per week (starting January 2026). The bill also mandates inspections of farm employee housing to assess safety and adequacy, requiring the Secretary of Agriculture to survey workers about housing conditions - including rent, maintenance, privacy, and heat - using multilingual forms. These changes directly affect Vermont farms employing agricultural workers and their housing providers, aiming to align labor and housing standards with statewide requirements.

Topics ✓ Housing ✓ Labor & Employment

passed both · Vermont · Senate Feb 6, 2026

JRS 39: Joint resolution relating to weekend adjournment on February 6, 2026

This is a procedural resolution (not a law) setting the Vermont legislature's schedule. It directs both chambers to adjourn on Friday, February 6, 2026, and reconvene no later than Tuesday, February 10, 2026, avoiding a weekend break. It directly affects the legislative calendar but does not change any laws or policies. This type of resolution is common for managing session timing.

introduced · Vermont · House Feb 6, 2026

H 890: An act relating to reducing barriers to nonprofit religious organizations providing preventive health care services

This bill (H.890) proposes to reduce legal or administrative barriers preventing nonprofit religious organizations from providing preventive health care services directly to the public. It specifically targets organizations that operate under religious principles but wish to offer services like vaccinations, screenings, or wellness programs. The bill aims to streamline their ability to deliver these services without unnecessary regulatory hurdles. This would directly affect eligible religious nonprofits and the communities they serve through expanded access to preventive care.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

introduced · Vermont · House Feb 6, 2026

H 889: An act relating to an exemption for disability-related income on candidate disclosure forms

H.889 would change Vermont's financial disclosure requirements for candidates running for statewide office by excluding Social Security Disability Income and other disability-related income from the forms they must file. This directly affects candidates who receive such income, as it would no longer require them to report it publicly. The bill's key mechanism is a simple amendment to the disclosure form rules to exempt this specific income type. The policy change removes a reporting obligation for this category of income without altering other disclosure requirements.

passed · Vermont · Senate Feb 6, 2026

SR 21: Senate resolution relating to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Operation Metro Surge

Vermont's Senate resolution SR 21 condemns the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens (Renée Good and Alex Pretti) by federal agents during ICE's Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota. It demands the President immediately suspend the operation, reset immigration enforcement to target only serious criminals, and prioritize constitutional rights. The resolution urges Vermont's congressional delegation to oppose further ICE funding unless reforms include ending militarized tactics, restoring due process, and creating fair pathways to legal status. It also affirms constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and lethal force without legal accountability. The resolution is a non-binding call for federal action, not a law.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Immigration

passed both · Vermont · House Feb 6, 2026

HCR 188: House concurrent resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Bennington College Visual and Performing Arts Center

This resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of Bennington College's Visual and Performing Arts Center (VAPA), dedicated in 1976. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies; it is a symbolic gesture by the Vermont legislature. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the college, formally recognizing the center's history and architectural significance. No concrete policy changes or impacts are associated with this resolution.

passed both · Vermont · House Feb 6, 2026

HCR 190: House concurrent resolution congratulating the Thetford Academy Panthers boys’ indoor track and field team on winning a second consecutive Division II championship

This ceremonial resolution (HCR 190) formally congratulates the Thetford Academy Panthers boys’ indoor track and field team for winning a second consecutive Division II championship. It specifically recognizes their 2026 victories in multiple events (including the 55-meter dash, relays, and field events) and their narrow championship win over U-32. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely symbolic, directing the Secretary of State to send a copy to Thetford Academy. It does not affect any laws, funding, or regulations.

passed both · Vermont · House Feb 6, 2026

HCR 185: House concurrent resolution congratulating the 2025 Colchester Majors’ Division I championship Little League Baseball team

This is a ceremonial resolution (HCR 185) congratulating the Colchester Majors’ Division I Little League Baseball team on winning the 2025 Vermont championship. It formally recognizes the team’s achievement and players (including specific names listed in the resolution) and their coaches, without creating any new laws or policy changes. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the team, serving only as a symbolic gesture of legislative recognition. As a non-binding concurrent resolution, it has no legal effect or direct impact beyond honoring the team.

passed both · Vermont · House Feb 6, 2026

HCR 186: House concurrent resolution congratulating the 2025 Colchester Little League Minors on winning the 8–10 age bracket State Little League Baseball championship

This concurrent resolution formally congratulates the 2025 Colchester Little League Minors baseball team for winning the 8-10 age bracket State Championship. It specifically recognizes their victory over Bennington (7-1 final score) and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the team. The resolution has no legal effect or policy impact - it is purely ceremonial recognition of the team's athletic achievement.

Bill results