Vermont Bills

introduced · Vermont · Senate Jan 9, 2026

S 233: An act relating to establishing a special education family advocacy pilot program

S.233 allocates $250,000 to establish a two-year pilot program providing neutral advocates for families of K-12 students with disabilities during Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings. The program will award grants to school districts, parent child centers, and nonprofits to train advocates and offer parent education, aiming to improve school-family collaboration and prevent costly disputes. It requires grantees to provide in-person IEP meeting support and develop strategies for early issue resolution. The Agency of Human Services must report on the pilot's effectiveness by November 2027.

Topics ✓ Education

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 9, 2026

H 630: An act relating to adopting minimum security standards for connected devices

H.630 requires businesses selling connected devices (like smart home gadgets or wearables) in Vermont to meet specific security standards. Key provisions include mandating encrypted communications, automatic security updates enabled by default, strong password requirements with no default passwords, vulnerability management systems, and clear privacy policies with consumer data deletion options. The bill directly affects device manufacturers and sellers operating in Vermont, prohibiting sales of non-compliant products. Violations would be treated as unfair trade practices under Vermont law, with the requirements taking effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Technology

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 9, 2026

H 627: An act relating to crime victims’ rights in forensic cases

H.627 expands rights for crime victims in forensic cases where defendants face competency or sanity evaluations. It requires prosecutors to notify victims (who haven’t opted out) at least 30 days before key proceedings, including hearings on a defendant’s discharge from mental health treatment or hospitalization. The bill mandates that victims receive notice of court hearings and the right to be heard when a defendant committed under mental health laws is scheduled for discharge. This applies to cases where defendants were found incompetent to stand trial or not guilty by reason of insanity. The law aims to ensure victims are informed about their rights and the status of the defendant’s case.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 9, 2026

H 631: An act relating to establishing energy storage goals

This bill establishes specific statewide targets for energy storage capacity: 200 megawatts (MW) by 2030, 450 MW by 2035, and 800 MW by 2040. It requires the Vermont Department of Public Service to track progress toward these goals in the state’s Comprehensive Energy Plan. The policy directly affects energy providers and infrastructure developers who must contribute to meeting these storage capacity milestones. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, creating a measurable framework for expanding grid-scale battery storage.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 9, 2026

H 634: An act relating to consumption of cannabis in a prohibited place

This bill prohibits the consumption of cannabis in any public place where tobacco products are already banned, such as streets, parks, sidewalks, or public buildings. It directly affects cannabis users who might consume in these areas, aligning cannabis consumption rules with existing tobacco restrictions under Vermont law. The key mechanism defines "public prohibited place" using current tobacco prohibition statutes and amends cannabis laws to enforce this ban, while preserving existing limits on possession (e.g., 1 ounce for adults) and vehicle laws. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and does not change current rules about cannabis use in vehicles, schools, or private leases.

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 9, 2026

H 637: An act relating to operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or other substances

This Vermont bill (H 637) amends laws governing driving under the influence (DUI) by clarifying that "under the influence of a drug" means any slight impairment of driving ability from drugs (not just alcohol), per Section 1201. It updates testing procedures, requiring blood or saliva samples when breath tests aren't feasible or when drugs (not alcohol) are suspected, while preserving rights to challenge warrants (Section 1202). For penalties, it increases mandatory minimum jail time for repeat offenses: 80 hours for a second offense, 96 hours for a third, and 192 hours for a fourth or subsequent offense, with no suspension allowed except under specific court findings (Section 1210). The bill directly affects drivers suspected of DUI involving drugs or alcohol, focusing on clearer definitions, testing protocols, and stricter penalties for repeat violations.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice