Vermont Bills

introduced · Vermont · House Feb 4, 2025

H 135: An act relating to administrative and policy changes to Vermont tax laws and extending reimbursement to municipalities for tax abatement due to flooding

H.135 updates Vermont's tax laws to align with federal income tax rules as of December 31, 2024, requiring joint state tax filings for couples who file jointly at the federal level. It adjusts the state's child and earned income tax credits to match federal rules, removing identification number requirements for some claimants. The bill also increases pay for property tax hearing officers and extends state reimbursement to municipalities for education property taxes reduced due to flooding. These changes directly affect Vermont taxpayers, families claiming credits, and flood-impacted municipalities.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

introduced · Vermont · House Feb 4, 2025

H 140: An act relating to the provision of grants for community nurses and community care coordinators working in collaboration with municipalities

H.140 creates a state grant program to fund community nurses and care coordinators working with Vermont municipalities, primarily benefiting rural residents with complex health needs. Municipalities can apply for grants up to $10,000 annually to establish or expand these programs, requiring clear financial management, legislative approval, and plans for long-term funding. The bill appropriates $200,000 annually starting in fiscal year 2026 to support this initiative, aiming to improve health outcomes and reduce overuse of hospitals. The program will take effect on July 1, 2025, with grants administered by the Department of Health.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

introduced · Vermont · House Feb 4, 2025

H 138: An act relating to maximum liability of municipalities for tort claims

H 138 sets a maximum liability limit for Vermont municipalities in tort claims: $500,000 per person and $2 million total for all claims arising from a single incident. It directly affects towns and cities (municipalities) facing lawsuits for negligence by employees, as well as individuals filing such claims. The bill amends Vermont law to establish these caps, applying to all claims except those specifically excluded (like quarantine-related damages or fiscal operations). The limits take effect July 1, 2025, and apply to all claims filed under the amended statutes.

introduced · Vermont · House Feb 4, 2025

H 132: An act relating to the taking of furbearers

This bill prohibits using bait to hunt fur-bearing animals (such as raccoons or foxes) with guns, bows, or crossbows. It defines "bait" broadly as any animal, vegetable, or mineral matter placed to attract wildlife, excluding standard farm produce used in regular agriculture. Violations will now carry 10 penalty points instead of 5 under Vermont's hunting regulations. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Environment

introduced · Vermont · Senate Feb 4, 2025

S 40: An act relating to authorizing drawdown of dams during emergency flood events

This bill (S 40) allows Vermont's Governor to authorize the Agency of Natural Resources to temporarily waive water quality permits during a declared emergency, enabling dam operators to lower water levels in advance of an imminent flood that could cause significant harm to people or property. It directly affects dam operators, the Agency of Natural Resources, and the Governor, who must consult with the Secretary of Natural Resources before granting such waivers. The key provision requires dam operators to minimize environmental impacts during emergency drawdowns while the waiver is in effect. The bill amends Vermont law to add this emergency authority under the Governor's emergency powers, effective upon passage.

introduced · Vermont · Senate Feb 4, 2025

S 47: An act relating to cancellation of motor vehicle purchases

S 47 creates a study committee to examine whether Vermont should allow car buyers to cancel purchases or return vehicles under specific conditions, such as after taking possession or before delivery. The committee, including state agency representatives and dealership stakeholders, will assess legal rights for buyers and potential impacts on dealerships. It must submit findings and recommendations to lawmakers by January 15, 2026, before any policy changes are considered. This bill does not change current law but initiates a review process.

introduced · Vermont · Senate Feb 4, 2025

S 41: An act relating to authorizing the use of State waters by hydroelectric generation facilities

This bill (S 41) amends Vermont's water quality standards to explicitly permit small hydroelectric power facilities (with a capacity of five megawatts or less) to use Class B(2) waters. Class B(2) waters are currently designated for recreation, fishing, agriculture, and public water sources. The bill requires the Secretary of Natural Resources to update the water quality standards by July 1, 2026, to include small hydro as a "suitable use" for these waters. It also prohibits denying approval for such facilities on Class B(2) waters without proof that the project would harm water quality. This directly affects small hydroelectric developers seeking to use state waters for power generation.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

introduced · Vermont · Senate Feb 4, 2025

S 42: An act relating to implementing the Restaurant Meals Program

This bill implements Vermont's participation in the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Restaurant Meals Program, allowing eligible SNAP recipients to use their benefits to purchase prepared meals at participating restaurants. Restaurants must meet specific criteria - such as being licensed, promoting locally sourced foods, representing diverse cultural cuisines, and operating in areas with high SNAP participation - to join the program. The bill allocates $100,000 for a new program coordinator position and $75,000 for restaurant startup costs, with implementation beginning July 1, 2025.

introduced · Vermont · House Feb 4, 2025

H 139: An act relating to requiring licensed athletic trainers at secondary school athletic events and practices

H 139 creates a working group to study whether Vermont's secondary schools should require licensed athletic trainers at all athletic events and practices. The group, made up of education leaders, athletic directors, and athletic trainers, will examine the need, available resources, and cost-effective ways to share trainers across school districts. They must submit a report to lawmakers by December 1, 2025, but the bill itself does not require trainers to be present - only study the possibility. This affects all Vermont public secondary schools, particularly rural districts facing medical access challenges.

introduced · Vermont · House Feb 4, 2025

H 136: An act relating to health insurance coverage for biomarker testing

This bill requires most health insurance plans and Vermont Medicaid to cover biomarker testing when supported by specific evidence, such as FDA approvals, drug labels, or nationally recognized clinical guidelines. It directly affects patients needing these tests (e.g., for cancer diagnosis or treatment) and insurers/Medicaid, mandating coverage for tests analyzing genes, proteins, or other biological markers in blood or tissue. Key provisions include limiting disruptions in care (e.g., avoiding repeated biopsies) and defining biomarker testing broadly to include advanced genetic sequencing. The requirement takes effect January 1, 2026, for new plans, with Medicaid coverage pending CMS approval.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 31, 2025

H 130: An act relating to expanding the membership and duties of the Advisory Council on Harassment, Hazing, and Bullying Prevention in Schools

H 130 expands Vermont's Advisory Council on Harassment, Hazing, and Bullying Prevention in Schools by adding 12 new member positions representing diverse groups, including student advocates from specific youth organizations, disability rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy, racial equity, and domestic violence prevention. The council must now review model prevention policies every two years, develop school resources (like restorative practice guides), and annually solicit student and parent input on bullying issues. The expanded council will submit detailed reports to education committees by January 15 each year, including recommendations for policy changes. This bill directly affects all Vermont public and independent schools, school staff, students, and families by strengthening coordinated prevention efforts and accountability. The changes take effect July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Education

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 31, 2025

H 129: An act relating to the State Aid for School Construction Program

H 129 creates a new State Aid for School Construction Program under Vermont's Agency of Education to help school districts cover costs for building or modernizing schools. The program provides state subsidies for debt service on eligible projects, with extra funding available for projects meeting criteria like modern facilities, cost efficiency, and geographic accessibility. The Agency of Education will manage the program, including reviewing applications, setting priorities, collecting quarterly project updates, and maintaining public data on approved projects. This directly affects Vermont school districts seeking funding for construction, renovations, or consolidation projects, with oversight by a new advisory board including education and finance experts.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

Bill results