Vermont Bills

passed both · Vermont · House May 2, 2025

HCR 122: House concurrent resolution recognizing the week of May 6–12 as National Nurses Week in Vermont

HCR 122 is a House concurrent resolution that officially recognizes the week of May 6-12 as National Nurses Week in Vermont. This resolution serves to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of nurses within the state.

Gayle Pezzo (D) Emilie Krasnow (D) Woody Page (R) Wayne Laroche (R) Mike Southworth (R)

introduced · Vermont · Senate May 1, 2025

S 153: An act relating to the creation of the Extreme Temperature Worker Protection Act

Bill S 153, the "Extreme Temperature Worker Protection Act," proposes to protect Vermont employees from occupational injuries and illnesses due to extreme hot and cold temperatures. It requires employers to develop and implement a written prevention plan that includes monitoring temperatures, providing education, and outlining emergency procedures. When the wet bulb globe temperature exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit, employers must provide access to cool drinking water and shaded rest areas for employees. The bill applies to most employers and employees, with specific exemptions for certain work activities or temperature-controlled environments.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

introduced · Vermont · House May 1, 2025

H 514: An act relating to the procedures governing the change of a minor’s legal name

H 514 proposes to amend the procedures for a minor to legally change their name. The bill aims to update the statutes governing vital records and court instruments used for such changes. Its key provision would allow a minor to change their legal name with the consent of one parent or guardian, rather than requiring consent from both. This bill directly affects minors seeking a name change and their parents or guardians.

passed both · Vermont · House May 1, 2025

HCR 102: House concurrent resolution congratulating the 2024 8–10 Colchester All-Star Vermont championship Little League Baseball team

This resolution congratulates the 2024 8-10 Colchester All-Star Little League Baseball team for winning the Vermont championship. It acknowledges their achievements and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the team.

passed both · Vermont · Senate May 1, 2025

JRS 24: Joint resolution relating to weekend adjournment on May 2, 2025

JRS 24 is a joint resolution that sets the adjournment schedule for the Vermont Senate and House of Representatives. It stipulates that when both houses adjourn on Friday, May 2, 2025, they will reconvene no later than Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

signed · Vermont · House Apr 30, 2025

H 118: An act relating to expanding the scope of hate-motivated crimes

H.118 expands the scope of hate-motivated crimes in Vermont by amending existing law. This bill specifies that a person who commits a crime motivated, in whole or in part, by another person's or a group of persons' actual or perceived membership in a protected category will face enhanced penalties. The penalties vary based on the severity of the underlying crime, with courts considering motivation as a sentencing factor for more serious offenses. "Protected category" includes characteristics like race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

signed · Vermont · House Apr 30, 2025

H 259: An act relating to preventing workplace violence in hospitals

H 259, "An act relating to preventing workplace violence in hospitals," mandates that hospitals establish and implement security plans to prevent workplace violence and manage aggressive behaviors. These plans must be based on a security risk assessment and developed by a team including healthcare employees and law enforcement representatives. Key provisions include requiring trained de-escalation staff, offering specific employee training on safety techniques, and establishing a workplace violence incident reporting system. The bill also prohibits retaliation against employees for reporting incidents and requires hospitals to post notices about the legal consequences of assaulting staff. Additionally, hospitals must report the costs associated with implementing these security measures.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

passed · Vermont · Senate Apr 30, 2025

S 131: An act relating to approval of an amendment to the charter of the City of Burlington relating to the possession of firearms

This bill approves an amendment to the City of Burlington's charter, which directly affects individuals within the city who possess firearms and patronize establishments serving alcohol. The amendment establishes a ban on knowingly possessing firearms in premises licensed to serve alcoholic beverages in Burlington. However, it includes specific exceptions for certain types of licensed premises, law enforcement, military personnel, and the premises' license holder. Violations of this ban can result in either criminal penalties, such as fines or imprisonment, or civil penalties.

passed · Vermont · Senate Apr 30, 2025

SR 13: Senate resolution strongly objecting to the manner and circumstances under which U.S. immigration authorities arrested and detained Mohsen Mahdawi and strongly advocating that he be afforded due process under the law and released immediately from detention

Vermont's Senate passed Resolution SR 13 to formally object to the arrest and detention of Mohsen Mahdawi, a White River Junction resident and U.S. green card holder with a decade-long permanent residency. The resolution demands that U.S. immigration authorities afford Mahdawi due process and release him immediately, citing his arrest while en route to a citizenship interview without explanation. It directs Vermont's Senate Secretary to send the resolution to the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, ICE leadership, and Vermont's congressional delegation. As a symbolic resolution, it does not change laws but expresses the state's position on this specific case.

Topics ✓ Immigration

passed both · Vermont · House Apr 30, 2025

HCR 116: House concurrent resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of the conclusion of the Vietnam War

This House concurrent resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of the conclusion of the Vietnam War, which took place on April 30, 1975. The resolution directs the General Assembly to acknowledge this anniversary and sends copies to the Vermont State Council of the Vietnam Veterans of America, the American Legion Department of Vermont, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Vermont.

Topics ✓ Veterans

passed both · Vermont · House Apr 30, 2025

HCR 113: House concurrent resolution congratulating the winning teams at the 2025 Jr Iron Chef VT competition

HCR 113 is a House concurrent resolution that congratulates the winning middle and high school teams of the 2025 Jr Iron Chef VT competition. It recognizes their culinary achievements and promotes Vermont's Farm to School program.

passed both · Vermont · House Apr 29, 2025

HCR 86: House concurrent resolution congratulating the 2025 Montpelier High School Solons Division II girls’ Nordic championship ski team

This resolution congratulates the 2025 Montpelier High School Solons Division II girls’ Nordic ski team for winning their championship. It also directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Montpelier High School.

Bill results