Vermont Bills | MyRepTracker

signed · Vermont · House May 19, 2026

H 814: An act relating to neurological rights and the use of artificial intelligence technology in health and human services

This bill establishes "neurological rights" in Vermont, protecting individuals from unauthorized use of neural data (like brain activity measurements) and preventing AI from bypassing conscious decisions without consent. It requires written consent before collecting or sharing neural data from brain-computer interfaces, bans "consciousness bypass" (using tech to manipulate brain activity without awareness), and regulates AI in mental health chatbots and patient communications. The law directly affects patients, healthcare providers, and AI developers in Vermont's health/human services sector. It also extends the AI Advisory Council's mandate and mandates reports on ethical AI use in healthcare, education, and human services.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Technology

signed · Vermont · House May 19, 2026

H 46: An act relating to the Rare Disease Advisory Council

H 46 establishes the Rare Disease Advisory Council within the Department of Health to address the needs of individuals living with rare diseases in Vermont. This council will conduct needs assessments to identify service gaps for patients and caregivers, and develop policy recommendations to improve diagnosis, treatment access, and care quality. It will also provide testimony on legislation impacting the rare disease community and maintain a public resource webpage. Comprised of patients, caregivers, medical professionals, and state officials, the Council aims to offer guidance to the public, the General Assembly, and other government agencies.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

signed · Vermont · House May 14, 2026

H 940: An act relating to miscellaneous public utility subjects

This bill modifies how Vermont's energy efficiency utility can use existing funds to support greenhouse gas reduction projects, allowing the use of thermal energy and process fuel funds for programs that reduce fossil fuel use regardless of a customer's current fuel source. It also requires regional planning commissions to submit draft regional plans to the Department of Public Service for enhanced energy compliance reviews and changes the telecommunications planning cycle from every three years to every five years. Additionally, the bill abolishes the Telecommunications and Connectivity Advisory Board. These changes aim to expand funding flexibility for energy efficiency programs, streamline regional planning processes, and adjust telecommunications oversight structures.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

signed · Vermont · House May 14, 2026

H 762: An act relating to the County and Regional Governance Study Committee

H 762 extends the deadline for the County and Regional Governance Study Committee to submit its final report from November 1, 2025, to December 15, 2026, and prolongs the committee’s existence until July 1, 2027. The committee, composed of six legislators (three from each chamber), studies county governance structures and makes recommendations on public safety, regional collaboration, resource allocation, and climate resilience. This procedural bill does not change the committee’s study focus or create new policies - it only adjusts timing for an existing oversight body. The committee’s work directly affects Vermont’s county and municipal governments by shaping future governance recommendations.

passed · Vermont · House May 13, 2026

H 650: An act relating to educational technology products

H 650 requires educational technology providers (like software companies) to annually register with Vermont’s Secretary of State by January 31, paying a $100 fee and submitting privacy policies. It mandates the Secretary of State to create certification standards for these products, ensuring they comply with privacy laws and avoid collecting sensitive student data (like health or behavioral information). Schools cannot use uncertified products, and certification must verify that products are designed for education, have clear privacy practices, and do not include features like targeted advertising or compulsive usage triggers. This directly affects tech providers and Vermont schools by establishing a formal review process before products can be used in classrooms.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Technology

signed · Vermont · House May 12, 2026

H 410: An act relating to the calculation of recidivism and other related criminology measures

This bill redefines how Vermont calculates recidivism - reoffending after a criminal conviction - by creating a four-tier classification system based on the time between offenses. It establishes categories where offenders are classified as "Class 1" (reoffending after 1+ year), "Class 2" (3+ years), "Class 3" (5+ years), or "Class 4" (10+ years) after release. The Department of Corrections must use this system to track repeat offenders, including those convicted of violent crimes, and report recidivism rates. This directly affects the state’s corrections system and individuals who reoffend, but does not change sentencing laws.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

signed · Vermont · House May 12, 2026

H 519: An act relating to Vermont State Employees' Retirement System Group G membership

H 519 proposes to authorize law enforcement officers employed by the Town of Randolph Police Department to enroll in Group C of the Vermont State Employees' Retirement System. This bill directly affects Randolph police officers by allowing them to access the specific benefits and provisions of this state retirement plan. The key mechanism is to grant these municipal officers the option to participate in a state-level retirement system.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

passed · Vermont · Senate Apr 30, 2026

S 206: An act relating to licensure of early childhood educators by the Office of Professional Regulation

This bill requires Vermont's Office of Professional Regulation to establish a licensing system for early childhood educators working in child care programs regulated by the Child Development Division. It directly affects educators providing care and instruction to children from birth through age 8, creating three license levels (I, II, and III) based on education and experience. The bill establishes a nine-member Vermont Board of Early Childhood Educators to develop licensing rules, handle applications, and manage complaints. Key provisions include mandatory licensure for these educators, defined practice standards (like creating safe learning environments and family engagement), and a board appointment process ensuring diverse representation.

Topics ✓ Education

signed · Vermont · House Apr 29, 2026

H 549: An act relating to eligibility of sentenced or detained individuals to obtain a State-issued nondriver identification card, replacement operator's license, or replacement learner's permit

H 549 would allow individuals detained in Vermont correctional facilities for six months or more without a conviction to obtain a free state nondriver ID card. Currently, an initial nondriver ID requires a $29 fee, but this bill would waive that fee for pre-trial detainees meeting the six-month detention threshold. The card would provide essential identification for accessing basic services like banking, housing, and government programs. This change directly affects people held in pre-adjudication detention who have served six months or longer.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

signed · Vermont · House Apr 29, 2026

H 237: An act relating to prescribing by doctoral-level psychologists

H 237 allows licensed doctoral-level psychologists in Vermont to prescribe medication for mental health conditions under specific requirements. To qualify, psychologists must complete a postdoctoral psychopharmacology program, 14 months of clinical rotations across nine medical settings (including psychiatry and pediatrics), and pass a certification exam. The bill mandates a written collaboration agreement with a psychiatrist for all prescribing psychologists, restricts prescribing to certain age groups (under 18, over 80, or pregnant patients), and requires specific drug naming for controlled substances. This policy directly affects psychologists seeking prescribing authority, collaborating psychiatrists, and patients receiving mental health treatment under these conditions. The law takes effect in phases, with key provisions beginning July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

passed · Vermont · House Apr 1, 2026

H 67: An act relating to legislative operations and government accountability

H.67 creates a new Joint Government Oversight and Accountability Committee to strengthen state government accountability. The committee, composed of eight legislators (four from each chamber with party balance requirements), examines major issues affecting Vermont - such as costly failures, vulnerable populations, or audit shortcomings - and makes recommendations to prevent future problems. It must issue annual reports detailing its investigations and needs, while also reviewing how well state agencies meet policy goals. The bill also updates reporting rules for the Chief Performance Officer to ensure consistent tracking of government outcomes.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

passed · Vermont · House Mar 27, 2026

H 861: An act relating to establishing an Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator

H.861 would create an independent position for an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator within Vermont's state government. The coordinator's role would focus on ensuring state agencies comply with federal and state disability rights laws. This bill directly affects how state services are delivered to Vermonters with disabilities by requiring a dedicated official to oversee accessibility. The bill summary does not specify additional duties, funding, or implementation details beyond establishing the position.