Vermont Bills

introduced · Vermont · House Apr 1, 2025

H 497: An act relating to student freedom of expression rights in school-sponsored media in approved independent schools and postsecondary schools

This bill (H 497) requires all approved independent schools and postsecondary schools in Vermont to comply with existing student freedom of expression rights for school-sponsored media, as defined in Vermont law. Specifically, it mandates that independent schools follow 16 V.S.A. § 1623 and postsecondary schools follow 16 V.S.A. § 180. The law ensures students can express views through school publications and media without censorship by school authorities. It directly affects students and school administrators at these institutions by requiring adherence to established media rights protections. The bill is currently in the Education Committee after its first reading on April 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Education

introduced · Vermont · Senate Apr 1, 2025

S 136: An act relating to the governance of the Vermont State Colleges and the University of Vermont and State Agricultural College

S 136 adds two faculty or staff trustees to the boards of trustees for both the Vermont State Colleges Corporation and the University of Vermont. This increases the Vermont State Colleges board from 15 to 17 members and the UVM board from 25 to 27 members. The new trustees will be elected by the faculty and staff of each institution, with the Vermont State Colleges board required to elect its new faculty/staff trustee by August 1, 2025. The bill aims to enhance representation from academic staff on these governing bodies.

Topics ✓ Education

in committee · Vermont · Senate Apr 1, 2025

S 65: An act relating to energy efficiency utility jurisdiction

S 65 amends Vermont law to require the Public Utility Commission to appoint independent entities (instead of utility-specific programs) to develop and monitor energy efficiency programs for electricity, gas, and thermal energy customers. These entities must prioritize greenhouse gas emissions reductions and equitable access for all Vermont residents and businesses, while meeting air quality standards. The bill establishes an Energy Efficiency Fund funded by a new customer charge (shown separately on bills) and supplemental revenues like ISO-NE capacity savings and carbon credits. It sets specific budget requirements for 2027-2030 and mandates that programs support building energy codes and reduce fossil fuel use. The bill directly affects Vermont utilities, ratepayers, and businesses participating in efficiency programs.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

passed both · Vermont · House Apr 1, 2025

HCR 59: House concurrent resolution honoring Linda E. Johnson for her outstanding State and national contributions to the prevention of child abuse

This House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 59) formally honors Linda E. Johnson for her 38-year leadership as Executive Director of Prevent Child Abuse Vermont (PCAVT). It recognizes her work developing programs that reduced child abuse victims by 66%, expanded parent support groups, and addressed issues like Shaken Baby Syndrome. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to deliver a copy to Johnson and PCAVT, acknowledging her state and national impact on child abuse prevention. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy changes or direct effects on legislation or constituents.

introduced · Vermont · House Mar 28, 2025

H 496: An act relating to continuing care retirement communities

H 496 requires Vermont's Agency of Human Services to assess whether increasing continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) in the state's designated growth centers would improve services for seniors. The study must examine healthcare access for elders, expand housing options, enhance social opportunities, and evaluate walkable/transit-friendly community design. It specifically focuses on how CCRCs could support smart growth, infill development, and accessible public spaces. The bill, referred to the Human Services Committee on March 28, 2025, does not change existing law but mandates this review. The assessment will inform potential future policy decisions regarding senior housing and community planning.

Topics ✓ Housing ✓ Transportation

introduced · Vermont · House Mar 28, 2025

H 495: An act relating to the consideration of consolidated school district boundaries using existing regional structures

H 495 requires Vermont school districts to consider existing regional structures - such as counties, superintendent regions, school board associations, career education regions, and transportation districts - when drawing new consolidated district boundaries. This affects all Vermont school districts undergoing consolidation, aiming to encourage community schools, climate resiliency, workforce development, and alignment with the State Emergency Management Plan. The bill also clarifies which decisions remain local (district/community level) and which require state-level coordination, including collaboration with Vermont State University. It does not fund new programs but changes how boundary decisions are made during consolidation efforts.

passed both · Vermont · House Mar 28, 2025

HCR 63: House concurrent resolution congratulating the Brattleboro Food Co-op on its 50th anniversary and extending best future wishes

HCR 63 is a ceremonial resolution congratulating the Brattleboro Food Co-op on its 50th anniversary. It recognizes the co-op’s founding in 1975, its growth from a small garage operation to a major community hub at 2 Main Street, and its current $25.5 million annual sales. The resolution has no policy impact - only expressing the legislature’s praise and directing the Secretary of State to send a copy to the co-op. It does not create new laws or affect any stakeholders beyond this symbolic recognition.

passed both · Vermont · Senate Mar 28, 2025

JRS 19: Joint resolution relating to weekend adjournment on March 28, 2025

This joint resolution (JRS 19) is a procedural bill that changes the legislative schedule for March 2025. It directs both the Vermont Senate and House of Representatives to adjourn on Friday, March 28, 2025, and reconvene no later than Tuesday, April 1, 2025. The bill does not create new laws or affect constituents; it only modifies the timing of legislative sessions. As a scheduling resolution, it has no substantive policy impact beyond ensuring lawmakers meet shortly after the weekend.

introduced · Vermont · Senate Mar 27, 2025

S 135: An act relating to credit card fees and requiring the acceptance of cash

This Vermont bill (S.135) prohibits credit card companies from charging merchants fees on the tax or gratuity portion of a transaction and requires retailers to accept cash for all purchases under $500. It directly affects merchants, who must report tax and gratuity amounts during payment processing to avoid fees, and consumers, who gain guaranteed cash payment options for smaller purchases. Key mechanisms include mandating that payment networks exclude tax/gratuity from interchange fees and allowing merchants to correct reporting errors within 30 days. Violations carry $1,000 penalties per transaction, and the law takes effect July 1, 2025.

introduced · Vermont · Senate Mar 27, 2025

S 134: An act relating to municipal regulation of private airstrips

This bill clarifies that Vermont municipalities can regulate private airstrips (referred to as "restricted landing areas") through zoning laws. It creates an Aviation Advisory Council with diverse members - including pilots, community representatives, and environmental experts - to advise on aviation policy, safety, and community impacts. The bill also requires the Agency of Transportation to track and publicly share flight data (including aircraft type, time, and location) at state-owned airports on a quarterly basis. These changes directly affect municipalities managing land use, aviation users, and the public seeking transparency about airport operations.

Topics ✓ Transportation

passed both · Vermont · House Mar 27, 2025

HCR 62: House concurrent resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Black Music Division at Bennington College

HCR 62 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the 50th anniversary of Bennington College's Black Music Division, established in 1974. It recognizes the division's role in legitimizing Black music within academic settings and its ongoing educational work. The resolution, passed by Vermont's legislature, directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the college's Black Music Division. It does not create new policies or affect any individuals or entities beyond this symbolic recognition.

passed · Vermont · House Mar 27, 2025

HR 7: House resolution reaffirming the friendship between the State of Vermont and Taiwan and supporting enhanced Vermont-Taiwan bilateral relations and Taiwan’s participation in international organizations

This House resolution (HR 7) is a non-binding statement by the Vermont House of Representatives reaffirming Vermont's longstanding relationship with Taiwan and supporting stronger two-way ties. It specifically highlights Vermont's significant economic connection with Taiwan - $254 million in Vermont exports to Taiwan and $55.3 million in imports in 2022 - and advocates for Taiwan's participation in international organizations like the WHO and climate forums. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally urges enhanced bilateral cooperation, including potential agreements on trade and education. It was adopted by the Vermont House on March 27, 2025, and directs copies to Vermont officials, Taiwan's president, and U.S. leaders.

Bill results