Vermont Bills

introduced · Vermont · House Feb 26, 2025

H 383: An act relating to a voluntary license to purchase firearms

This bill establishes a voluntary firearms license program in Vermont. Residents who obtain a license from the Department of Public Safety can bypass the standard 72-hour waiting period when purchasing firearms. To qualify, applicants must submit personal information, fingerprints, and undergo background checks covering criminal history and mental health, and complete a firearms safety course. Licenses cost $35, are valid for two years, and require renewal notifications for address changes. The license does not apply to those prohibited from firearm possession under state or federal law.

introduced · Vermont · House Feb 26, 2025

H 355: An act relating to review of orders placing the Vermont National Guard in federal active duty status

H 355 requires Vermont's Governor to review every federal order placing Vermont National Guard units in combat to ensure it complies with the U.S. Constitution. The Governor must confirm deployments are based on a Congressional declaration of war or one of three specific exceptions: repelling a military invasion, suppressing an insurrection, or executing constitutional laws. If an order fails this review, the Governor must block the deployment and report the decision to the legislature within 10 business days. This law does not affect domestic missions (like disaster response) or training deployments under federal law.

introduced · Vermont · House Feb 26, 2025

H 374: An act relating to repealing the Commissioner of Labor’s authority to recommend a subminimum wage for individuals with a disability

This bill (H 374) would remove the Commissioner of Labor's authority to recommend lower-than-minimum wages for workers with disabilities. It directly affects individuals with disabilities who might have been paid subminimum wages under current law. The bill amends Vermont law to delete the specific provision (21 V.S.A. § 385(5)) that allowed the Commissioner to propose reduced wage rates for this group. If passed, the change would eliminate the legal mechanism for recommending such lower wages, requiring all workers to be paid at least the standard minimum wage. The bill is currently under review by the Committee on General and Housing.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

introduced · Vermont · House Feb 26, 2025

H 357: An act relating to the Office of Racial Equity

This bill (H 357) would move the Office of Racial Equity from the Executive Branch to become an independent office within the state government. It directly affects how the Office of Racial Equity operates and reports, changing its administrative structure. The key provision is the reorganization of the office’s placement, removing it from direct oversight by the Governor’s office. This is a procedural change to the office’s governance, not a policy shift affecting residents or programs. The bill is currently pending in the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs.

introduced · Vermont · House Feb 26, 2025

H 372: An act relating to application of neonicotinoid pesticides to nursery starts and herbaceous plants

This bill prohibits the use of neonicotinoid insecticides on nursery starts (young transplants) and small potted plants (under one gallon) sold by nurseries and garden centers. It also bans these pesticides on ornamental plants, directly affecting plant growers, retailers, and landscapers who sell such products. The law allows limited exemptions for agricultural or environmental emergencies, requiring annual written approvals from the Agriculture Secretary with specific restrictions. The ban takes effect July 1, 2025, with no exemptions permitted for routine pest control.

Topics ✓ Environment

introduced · Vermont · House Feb 26, 2025

H 390: An act relating to restrictions on digital advertising brokers

H 390 prohibits digital advertising brokers from owning both buying and selling brokerage services, directly affecting companies that operate in this dual role. The bill requires these brokers to follow ethical business practices, including using reasonable diligence to avoid conflicts of interest and acting in their customers' best interests. Key provisions mandate separate ownership structures for buying and selling services and establish standards for broker conduct. The bill aims to increase transparency and fairness in digital advertising transactions. It is currently pending in the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development.

Topics ✓ Technology

introduced · Vermont · House Feb 26, 2025

H 389: An act relating to restricting the use of artificial intelligence to affect rental housing pricing and availability

This bill (H.389) restricts landlords and property managers from using artificial intelligence to collude on rental pricing or control housing availability. It directly affects property owners and management companies that might use AI tools to coordinate pricing strategies. The key provision bans the use of AI to influence rental rates or supply in ways that could limit competition. The bill is currently under review by the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development.

Topics ✓ Housing ✗ Technology

introduced · Vermont · House Feb 26, 2025

H 371: An act relating to the use of dynamic pricing by retail establishments

H 371 imposes a moratorium on retailers using electronic shelf labels or AI-driven dynamic pricing (where prices change in real-time) for consumer goods like food and household items until January 15, 2027. During this period, the Secretary of Agriculture must report to the legislature on how such pricing works and how to protect consumers from unfair practices. After the moratorium ends, retailers may use electronic shelf labels but cannot change prices dynamically while open to the public or alter prices more frequently than every 24 hours. The bill directly affects retail businesses selling consumer commodities in Vermont and aims to establish clear consumer protections around pricing transparency.

Topics ✗ Technology

introduced · Vermont · House Feb 26, 2025

H 384: An act relating to minimum reimbursement rates for labor related to automobile insurance claims

This bill establishes minimum hourly reimbursement rates for auto repair labor in Vermont insurance claims. It requires the Commissioner of Financial Regulation to survey local repair rates, compare them to New England averages, and set a fair minimum rate that adjusts annually using the Consumer Price Index. The minimum rate applies to all auto insurance claims filed on or after January 1, 2026. Insurance companies may still negotiate higher rates based on specific factors like vehicle type, repair complexity, or location, but cannot refuse negotiation solely based on finding a cheaper repair shop nearby.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

introduced · Vermont · House Feb 26, 2025

H 375: An act relating to creating the Office of New Americans Study Committee

H 375 creates a temporary committee to study the need for an independent "Office of New Americans" in Vermont. The committee, composed of refugee service leaders, legislators, agency representatives, and community members (including refugee organizations), will research current challenges faced by immigrants and refugees (referred to as "New Americans" in the bill), successful service models in other states, and potential structural changes. It must submit a detailed report by September 1, 2026, with recommendations on creating the new office, including its structure, funding, and how it would improve access to services like workforce support and housing. The bill does not create the office itself but sets up a process to evaluate its necessity.

introduced · Vermont · House Feb 26, 2025

H 367: An act relating to creating the Vermont Olympics Task Force

H.367 creates the Vermont Olympics Task Force to develop a proposal for Vermont hosting the Olympic Games (Winter or Summer) or Youth Olympics. The task force, composed of legislators, tourism business owners, Olympic athletes, and regional planning representatives, must produce a proposal aligned with Olympic sustainability goals and Vermont’s economic development plans. Key provisions require the proposal to address housing needs, transportation infrastructure, climate resilience, tourism industry support, equity, and long-term community benefits. The task force must submit updates to the legislature by 2025-2026, focusing on feasibility without committing state funds. This bill directly affects Vermont’s tourism industry, regional planning, and potential economic development strategies.

Topics ✓ Environment

introduced · Vermont · House Feb 25, 2025

H 322: An act relating to social worker licensure requirements

This bill (H.322) prohibits individuals from using the title "social worker" or advertising services as such without holding a valid license under Vermont law. It requires that all social work programs leading to licensure must be accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) or its successor. The law applies directly to social workers, employers, and agencies using the title, with violations subject to penalties under existing law. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025, and aims to standardize licensure requirements for the profession.

Bill results