Vermont Bills

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 28, 2026

H 793: An act relating to removing the power of Vermont corporations to spend money on election activities

H.793 removes Vermont corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and similar business entities' legal authority to spend money on election activities (like supporting candidates) or ballot-issue activities (like funding ballot measures). It amends Vermont's business corporation laws to explicitly revoke any prior broad powers that could be interpreted as allowing such spending, defining these activities clearly to prevent misuse. The bill ensures these entities can only engage in activities necessary for their lawful business, charitable, or organizational purposes - without political spending authority. It preserves natural persons' rights and political parties' activities while applying uniformly across all business entity types.

Chloe Tomlinson (D) Barbara Rachelson (D) Kate McCann (D) Edye Graning (D) Phil Pouech (D)

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 28, 2026

H 805: An act relating to water resources of the State

H.805 streamlines permitting for minor water-related activities in Vermont. It allows the Secretary of Natural Resources to issue general permits for stormwater discharges, wetlands work, and small wastewater/potable water systems when a licensed engineer certifies compliance with rules. The bill also creates exemptions for owner-occupied residences: applicants can avoid full permits by using engineered solutions to reduce harm or accept liability for system failures. Additionally, it requires tax valuation for forested wetlands parcels to use a lower "use value" rate instead of market value. These changes primarily affect homeowners, small developers, and property owners with water systems on wetlands.

Topics ✗ Environment

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 28, 2026

H 800: An act relating to a single, statewide area agency on aging

This bill creates a single statewide area agency on aging for Vermont, replacing the current system of multiple local agencies. It directly affects older Vermonters (65+), their family caregivers, and kinship caregivers by requiring coordinated services across the state. Key provisions include developing a unified service system, targeting resources to those with greatest need, conducting regional needs assessments, and coordinating with existing providers like senior centers and Meals on Wheels. The agency must also report annually on service enrollment and denials to state committees.

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 28, 2026

H 795: An act relating to children’s camps

This bill (H.795) creates new health and safety requirements for all children’s camps in Vermont, including extending licensure to previously unregulated day camps. It requires camps to develop and maintain approved emergency plans, install non-internet-dependent warning systems, maintain operable weather alert radios, and provide dual internet services (fiber-optic plus secondary broadband). The Department of Health will establish a Children’s Camp Health and Safety Team to review emergency plans and recommend standards. These rules directly affect camp operators who must comply to obtain or retain their license to operate.

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 28, 2026

H 794: An act relating to increasing taxes on higher income earners and creating the School Construction Aid Special Fund

H.794 creates new tax rates for higher earners and modifies property taxes to fund school construction. It imposes a 2% surcharge on individual income above $250,000 and a 6% surcharge above $500,000, plus a wealth proceeds tax on individuals (with taxable income over $200,000 single/$250,000 married) and estates/trusts (over $15,200). It also doubles property tax rates for nonhomestead residential properties compared to homesteads. All new revenues will flow into the newly created School Construction Aid Special Fund.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 28, 2026

H 796: An act relating to public electric vehicle supply equipment standards of service

H.796 requires all publicly available electric vehicle charging stations (EVSE) to accept multiple payment methods, including credit cards. It mandates clear display of all fees - such as parking charges for remaining at the station after charging - and real-time status updates showing availability. The bill also requires compliance with additional rules set by Vermont's Secretary of Transportation to ensure reliable service. These changes directly affect EVSE operators and drivers using public charging infrastructure.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Transportation

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 28, 2026

H 799: An act relating to the Free Degree Promise Program

H.799 creates the Free Degree Promise Program to provide tuition-free associate's degrees at Vermont's Community College of Vermont (CCV) for eligible high school graduates. It directly affects Vermont students who complete CCV's Early College program (earning 20+ credits) and submit financial aid applications. The program covers tuition/fees after other aid, provides stipends for books and transportation, and includes career advising. Funding comes annually from the Vermont Education Endowment Trust Fund (5% of assets), with the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation designated as a recipient. This codifies an existing initiative to reduce student debt and expand access to postsecondary education.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 28, 2026

H 797: An act relating to an interdisciplinary model of legal representation for children and families involved in proceedings related to child abuse or neglect

H.797 requires Vermont's Defender General to establish an interdisciplinary legal representation program for children and families involved in child abuse or neglect cases, both before and after court proceedings. The program must include teams of attorneys, social workers, and peer advocates working with the Department for Children and Families to use federal funding, provide coordinated advocacy, and meet specific training and supervision standards. It directly affects children and families in abuse/neglect cases, the Defender General's office, and child welfare system partners. The bill aims to reduce foster care duration (citing studies showing up to four months less time), improve reunification, and ensure due process through standardized practices and an independent Citizens Advisory Board for system evaluation.

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 28, 2026

H 810: An act relating to protections for covered bridges

H.810 requires Vermont's Agency of Transportation to provide municipalities with technical assistance and informational materials by November 2026 to establish weight, height, and width limits for covered bridges. It also directs the agency to help communities implement physical barriers or warning systems to prevent vehicles exceeding these limits from using the bridges, while outlining grant funding opportunities for such measures. The bill increases criminal penalties for violating bridge limits (to enhanced fines) and significantly raises penalties for intentionally damaging covered bridges - up to 10 years imprisonment for arson or injury compared to 5 years under current law. This directly affects municipalities managing covered bridges and drivers operating vehicles on them, focusing on preservation of historic infrastructure through safety standards and stronger enforcement.

Topics ✓ Transportation

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 28, 2026

H 803: An act relating to apprenticeship programs

This bill updates Vermont's apprenticeship programs to improve diversity and accessibility. It defines "underserved communities" broadly to include racial minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, people with disabilities, rural residents, and others facing systemic barriers. Key requirements include a 5-year strategic plan (starting 2026), annual reports tracking participation by race, gender, age, and occupation, and working groups focused on removing barriers for underrepresented groups. The changes directly affect all Vermont apprenticeship programs, sponsors, and participants, aiming to increase equitable access to skilled trades careers.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Veterans

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 28, 2026

H 804: An act relating to companion chatbots

H 804 requires operators of companion chatbots (AI systems designed to provide social interaction) to clearly disclose to users that they are interacting with artificial intelligence, not humans. It mandates safety protocols to prevent chatbots from generating suicidal content or ignoring users expressing self-harm, and requires operators to provide crisis resources when such content is detected. For minors (users under 18), the bill adds specific requirements: immediate AI disclosure, 30-minute reminders to take breaks, and protocols blocking sexually explicit content. The bill applies to operators of platforms offering these companion chatbots, excluding standard customer service, gaming, or basic voice assistant tools. Operators must annually report safety protocol usage to Vermont's Attorney General without sharing user data.

Topics ✓ Technology

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 28, 2026

H 798: An act relating to impersonating a law enforcement officer

This bill (H.798) amends Vermont law to clarify that impersonating any law enforcement officer - including local, state, or federal officers - is illegal, and specifically prohibits officers from impersonating officers from other agencies. It expands the definition of "law enforcement officer" to include all officers acting on behalf of local, state, or federal agencies, and sets penalties: up to six months in jail or a $500 fine for a first offense, and up to two years or $1,000 for repeat offenses. The law aims to protect public trust in law enforcement by ensuring impersonation is clearly punishable regardless of the officer's agency. This directly affects anyone who falsely presents themselves as a law enforcement officer, including other officers impersonating colleagues from different agencies.

Bill results