Vermont Bills

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 6, 2026

H 562: An act relating to common interest communities

H 562 requires all meetings of unit owners in Vermont's common interest communities (like condominiums or homeowners associations) to be accessible via telephone, video, or other electronic means. This directly affects residents who participate in these community meetings by ensuring they can join remotely if needed. The key provision mandates that associations provide these electronic access options for all regular and special meetings. The bill aims to improve participation and accessibility for all unit owners, regardless of location or mobility.

introduced · Vermont · Senate Jan 6, 2026

S 188: An act relating to hospital governance

Senate Bill 188 requires Vermont hospitals to include at least two public representatives on their boards of directors, appointed by the Governor. Hospitals must also submit detailed reports to the Green Mountain Care Board before approving any changes to executive compensation, including compensation benchmarks and peer group data. Public representatives must consider the interests of patients, employees, and the community when making decisions. This bill directly affects all Vermont hospitals and their executive compensation practices.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 6, 2026

H 576: An act relating to establishing the Affirming Health Care Trust Fund for costs related to gender-affirming health care services

H.576 proposes creating the Affirming Health Care Trust Fund, administered by Vermont's State Treasurer, to provide financial support for gender-affirming health care services. The fund would award money directly to Vermont health care providers and qualifying nonprofits to cover costs like uncompensated care, clinic operations, and insurance - specifically aiming to reduce access barriers related to geography, income, race, and other factors. It explicitly prohibits sharing patient-identifiable data and requires confidentiality for recipient information. The bill is currently under review by the Health Care Committee and has not yet become law.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 6, 2026

H 575: An act relating to survivor and disability benefits for emergency personnel

This bill creates a $80,000 monetary benefit for survivors of Vermont emergency personnel (including firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and certified law enforcement officers) who die in the line of duty or from an occupation-related illness, as well as for emergency personnel with permanent total disability incurred in the line of duty. It establishes a review board to evaluate claims and administer payments, with benefits paid from a new state special fund. The board must decide on claims within 60 days, and denied claims can be appealed to Superior Court. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

introduced · Vermont · Senate Jan 6, 2026

S 171: An act relating to the Clean Fuels Program

This bill requires Vermont's Environmental Conservation Commissioner to establish low carbon fuel standards for gasoline, diesel, and alternative fuels. It mandates a 10% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per unit of fuel energy by 2030 (compared to 2018 levels), covering all fuels used in transportation. Key mechanisms include a credit-trading system for compliance, exemptions for importers below 500,000 gallons annually, and specific ASTM standards for biodiesel blends (B6-B20 and B100). The rules must consider other states' standards, evaluate safety/environmental impacts, and ensure fuel quality.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

introduced · Vermont · Senate Jan 6, 2026

S 176: An act relating to prohibiting the use of the herbicide paraquat

This bill bans the sale, use, and application of the herbicide paraquat in Vermont, except when the Secretary of Agriculture authorizes it to address a specific crop threat for which no other herbicide is effective. It defines paraquat by chemical name and CAS number to ensure clear identification. The ban takes effect on July 1, 2026. The law aims to protect public health by preventing exposure to paraquat, which studies link to increased risks of Parkinson's disease, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and childhood leukemia.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

introduced · Vermont · Senate Jan 6, 2026

S 170: An act relating to net metering rates

This Vermont bill (S 170) freezes the current adjusted net metering rate for renewable energy customers until 2028. It directly affects residential and commercial solar energy users who receive credits for excess electricity sent to the grid. The key provision prohibits the Public Utility Commission from implementing new renewable energy credit adjustors or siting adjustors before the 2028 Biennial Update. This maintains existing billing calculations for solar customers without new rate changes through 2028. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 6, 2026

H 531: An act relating to creating a preference for military spouses in hiring into State employment

H 531 would require Vermont state agencies to add 5 points to the exam scores of qualified military spouses applying for state jobs through point-based hiring processes. It specifically targets spouses of active-duty U.S. military personnel who meet eligibility criteria, such as receiving disability compensation or being unable to work due to disability. The bill amends Vermont law to include this preference in state employment exams, alongside existing veteran hiring preferences. This policy change directly affects military spouses seeking state government jobs by giving them a competitive advantage in scoring. The provision takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Veterans

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 6, 2026

H 535: An act relating to establishing a competency restoration program

This bill establishes a competency restoration program within Vermont's Department of Mental Health. It directly affects individuals charged with certain felonies who have been found by a court to be incompetent to stand trial due to a mental illness. The program provides structured treatment and support to help these individuals regain the mental capacity needed to participate in their legal proceedings. The bill mandates the Department of Mental Health to operate this program as a formal state service.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 6, 2026

H 533: An act relating to congenital cytomegalovirus

This bill requires Vermont's Department of Health to add congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) testing to the state's newborn screening program, effective July 1, 2026. It mandates that the Department distribute clear information to expectant parents, hospitals, and healthcare providers about cCMV - including its incidence, transmission, associated birth defects, and testing methods. The bill also creates a multi-disciplinary Congenital Cytomegalovirus Advisory Committee to advise on screening validity, testing standards, and public education, with members including healthcare providers, parents of affected children, and specialists. The committee must submit annual reports to health committees and recommend improvements to follow-up care and public awareness.

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 6, 2026

H 538: An act relating to the establishment of year-round U.S. Eastern Standard Time

This bill would permanently establish year-round U.S. Eastern Standard Time in Vermont, eliminating the biannual clock changes for daylight saving time. It directly affects all Vermont residents and businesses by making the current standard time (without summer daylight saving adjustments) the permanent standard. The key mechanism amends Vermont law to remove the provision for daylight saving time and sets a transition date of January 1, 2027, contingent on neighboring states (Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and New York) adopting similar changes under federal law. The policy change would take effect on July 1, 2026, with the time adjustment occurring January 1, 2027.

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 6, 2026

H 539: An act relating to adopting the Cosmetology Licensure Compact

This bill would adopt the Cosmetology Licensure Compact, allowing cosmetologists, estheticians, and nail technicians licensed in one participating state to practice in Vermont without reapplying for a separate license. It directly affects licensed cosmetology professionals seeking to work across state lines, particularly military personnel relocating with families. The key mechanism establishes a uniform multistate licensing system, requiring only one application and background check across all compact states instead of separate state processes. This reduces administrative burdens for professionals while maintaining consistent public safety standards through shared disciplinary records and enforcement.

Bill results