Vermont Bills

passed both · Vermont · House Feb 6, 2026

HCR 191: House concurrent resolution congratulating Doris G. Dexter on her centennial birthday

This is a ceremonial resolution, not a substantive bill. HCR 191 formally honors Doris G. Dexter on her 100th birthday (born February 3, 1926) by recognizing her life and contributions. The resolution highlights her background as a Michigan State University graduate, Sorbonne scholar, mother of six, volunteer with ACLU and MCPEARL, and lifelong community member. The General Assembly directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Doris Dexter in Shaftsbury, Vermont. No policy changes or affected groups are involved.

in committee · Vermont · House Feb 6, 2026

H 548: An act relating to adding a mediator position to the office of the Vermont Labor Relations Board

H 548 creates a State Mediator position within Vermont's Labor Relations Board to provide free mediation services when public or private sector collective bargaining reaches a deadlock. This bill directly affects public and private sector workers, unions, and employers who face impasses during contract negotiations. The key provision requires the mediator to help resolve these deadlocks without cost to the parties involved, aiming to prevent work stoppages. The bill does not change existing labor laws but adds a new resource for resolving bargaining disputes.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

passed · Vermont · House Feb 6, 2026

H 541: An act relating to interference with voters and election officials

H.541 adds criminal penalties for intimidating, threatening, or coercing voters or election officials to disrupt elections. It directly affects anyone who interferes with voters' right to vote privately or election workers' ability to conduct elections. The bill imposes fines up to $2,000 or up to two years in jail for such interference, including pressuring voters to support or oppose candidates. Enforcement allows state attorneys to investigate violations and seek court actions to stop election disruption.

passed · Vermont · House Feb 6, 2026

H 5: An act relating to a hearsay exception for a child under 16 years of age

H.5 amends Vermont's evidence rules to allow statements made by children aged 12-15 who are victims of specific abuse crimes (like sexual assault, cruelty, or exploitation) to be used as evidence in court. The bill requires courts to verify that such statements are trustworthy, made before legal proceedings began, and not prepared for trial. It directly affects child victims in criminal, civil, or juvenile cases involving listed abuse offenses under Vermont law. The change takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies only to cases where the child’s statements relate to the alleged abuse.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

introduced · Vermont · House Feb 5, 2026

H 888: An act relating to passing a yield bill before Town Meeting Day

H 888 requires Vermont's General Assembly to pass legislation setting the statewide education tax revenue amounts (referred to as "yields") before school districts can vote on their budgets at annual town meetings. This bill directly affects all Vermont school districts and town meeting participants by establishing a new timing requirement for budget votes. The key provision mandates that the legislature must finalize and submit the education tax yield law to the Governor before Town Meeting Day each year. This procedural change ensures school districts have a fixed tax revenue amount to base their budgets on before voting occurs. The bill does not alter tax rates or funding levels, only the sequence of legislative actions.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

passed both · Vermont · House Feb 5, 2026

HCR 183: House concurrent resolution recognizing July 2026 as Park and Recreation Month in Vermont and designating July 17, 2026, as Vermont Park and Recreation Professionals Day in Vermont

HCR 183 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing July 2026 as Park and Recreation Month in Vermont and designating July 17, 2026, as Vermont Park and Recreation Professionals Day. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally honors the role of parks and recreation programs in Vermont communities. The resolution cites the value of these programs for promoting active lifestyles, environmental protection, and accessibility, aligning with national observances established since 1985. The Secretary of State is directed to send a copy to the Vermont Recreation and Parks Association.

passed both · Vermont · House Feb 5, 2026

HCR 182: House concurrent resolution designating February 5, 2026, as Outdoor Recreation Day at the State House

HCR 182 is a ceremonial resolution designating February 5, 2026, as "Vermont Outdoor Recreation Day" at the State House. It does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes Vermont's outdoor recreation economy and assets, including trails, forests, ski areas, and its $2.1 billion economic impact. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to share it with state agencies like Natural Resources, Forests/Parks, and Tourism. It acknowledges the role of outdoor recreation in Vermont's economy, community well-being, and workforce, without imposing any new requirements.