H.61 would establish that Vermont residents have the right to make their own health care decisions, including refusing medical treatments, testing, or vaccines based on personal beliefs. The bill prohibits state agencies, employers, schools, and other entities from denying or restricting this right, even during public health emergencies like disease outbreaks. It specifically clarifies that parents retain the authority to make health care choices for their minor children. Individuals harmed by violations could seek legal remedies, including damages and attorney fees, through the courts.
This bill requires Vermont Medicaid to cover medically necessary play therapy services for eligible patients. It directly affects Vermont Medicaid recipients, particularly children and adolescents receiving mental health treatment. The law mandates coverage for play therapy provided by specific licensed professionals (such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and clinical social workers) and defines play therapy as using toys, games, and role-playing to address mental health challenges. The coverage becomes effective July 1, 2025.
This bill adds "immunization status" to Vermont's existing anti-discrimination laws, prohibiting discrimination based on vaccination history in three key areas: public accommodations (like restaurants and stores), housing (including rentals and sales), and employment. It defines "immunization status" as an individual's vaccination record for infectious diseases. The law prevents businesses, landlords, and employers from refusing service, housing, or jobs, or imposing different terms, due to a person's vaccination status. This applies to all covered entities across Vermont, expanding current protections to include vaccination history as a protected characteristic.
This bill would require Vermont public schools, independent schools, career and technical centers, and prequalified private prekindergarten programs to ban student use of cell phones and personal electronic devices during the entire school day, from arrival to dismissal. It also prohibits schools from using social media to communicate with students directly. Exceptions are permitted for students with documented medical needs (requiring physician documentation) or for those using devices as part of an individualized education program (IEP) or 504 plan. The policy aims to reduce distractions and support student well-being, aligning with findings about youth mental health and social media use.
This bill changes Vermont's legal framework for greenhouse gas emissions by replacing "reduction requirements" with "reduction goals" in state law. It directs state agencies to consider emissions impacts in decisions about equipment, buildings, and programs, and requires the Vermont Climate Council to adopt and update a Climate Action Plan by 2021 (with updates every four years) to outline specific strategies for meeting these goals. The plan must include measurable initiatives, progress tracking, and resilience strategies for communities affected by climate change. These changes clarify the state's commitment to emissions reductions while providing a structured process for implementing and reporting on climate action.
H 48 prohibits vehicle owners and operators from installing aftermarket devices that increase soot or smoke emissions or modifying exhaust systems to enhance such emissions. It also bans purposefully releasing visible soot, smoke, or particulates from vehicles. Violations carry civil penalties of up to $500 for a first offense and up to $1,000 for repeat offenses. The bill amends Vermont statutes (10 V.S.A. § 567 and 23 V.S.A. § 1221) and takes effect July 1, 2025. It directly affects vehicle owners, mechanics, and operators of modified vehicles.
This bill amends Vermont's alcohol beverage licensing laws to expand business options for producers and retailers. It allows fourth-class license holders (like small breweries or distillers) to sell their products to up to eight additional manufacturers or rectifiers (not the previous limit of five), and permits malt beverage manufacturers (like breweries) to obtain a retail shipping license. Under this license, they can ship up to 5,000 gallons annually directly to retailers (first- and second-class licensees), with a monthly cap of 100 gallons per retailer. The changes take effect July 1, 2025, and apply specifically to malt beverages and vinous beverages (wine).
Vermont's H.47 adopts the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, enabling licensed dentists and dental hygienists from Vermont to practice in other participating states without obtaining full new licenses. The bill creates a "compact privilege" that allows professionals to work across state lines while adhering to each state's scope of practice rules. It streamlines access to dental services by reducing redundant licensing requirements, sharing disciplinary information between states, and specifically aiding military members and their spouses. This affects licensed dental professionals seeking to practice in multiple states, not the general public directly. The policy change simplifies interstate practice without altering individual state licensing standards.
This bill would prohibit individuals from knowingly carrying firearms on premises licensed to serve alcohol in Vermont, such as bars and restaurants. Business owners would be required to post clear notices about the ban at all public entrances. Violating the possession rule could result in fines up to $1,000 or up to one year in jail, while failing to post notices would incur a $500 fine. Exceptions include law enforcement officers on duty, National Guard members, and venue owners who legally possess firearms. The bill is currently pending referral to the Judiciary Committee after its first reading.
This bill requires Vermont's Joint Fiscal Office to contract for an electronic roll-call system for the House of Representatives by the 2026 legislative session. Specifically, it mandates the Joint Fiscal Office to issue a request for proposals by June 15, 2025, and select a vendor by August 15, 2025, with the system to be operational before the 2026 session begins. The system will replace paper-based voting records, using funds from the FY26 Capital Construction Act. It directly affects House staff and members who conduct roll-call votes.
H.42 creates a new Housing Board of Appeals to handle zoning disputes for housing projects in Vermont. The board, composed of three full-time members with expertise in land use law or housing development (including at least one attorney and one engineer/surveyor), will review appeals of municipal zoning decisions on housing permits, subdivisions, and variances. Developers and municipalities directly affected by local zoning decisions must file appeals with this board within 30 days instead of seeking immediate review in Superior Court, though parties may still appeal the board's decision to the Supreme Court. The board will have authority to affirm, reverse, or modify local decisions and award remedies similar to those available in court.
This bill amends Vermont law to require courts in adoption termination cases to consider whether a parent made "reasonable and consistent payments" for their child's support when deciding if termination is in the child's best interests. It directly affects parents whose parental rights are being challenged during adoption proceedings, particularly those who failed to provide financial support. The key change adds financial responsibility as a specific factor courts must weigh alongside other considerations like visitation and custody willingness. This policy update clarifies that courts must evaluate payment history (based on the parent's financial ability) when determining if parental rights should be terminated.
