This bill prohibits the intentional release of five or more helium-filled balloons within a 24-hour period in Vermont, with exceptions for indoor releases and scientific or meteorological purposes. The law defines balloons as flexible bags made from materials like rubber or nylon that can be inflated with lighter-than-air gas and sealed at the neck. Violations result in a civil penalty of up to $250, and enforcement is handled through the Judicial Bureau by municipal attorneys, environmental officers, or other authorized law enforcement personnel. The bill also adds balloon release violations to the Judicial Bureau's jurisdiction and takes effect on July 1, 2024.
This bill requires the State of Vermont to replace impervious surfaces like pavement and roofs with permeable surfaces or green infrastructure when redeveloping or repaving State-owned land in floodplains. The law defines impervious surfaces as manmade areas where water cannot soak in, and it specifically applies to State agencies managing land in areas prone to flooding. State agencies must complete these replacements by July 1, 2039, ensuring that new construction or repaving projects in floodplains reduce stormwater runoff rather than increase it. The bill does not apply to routine road maintenance activities like crack sealing or resurfacing that do not substantially alter the existing impervious area.
This bill expands how courts handle bail and conditions of release for defendants in Vermont, particularly those who commit new offenses while out on pretrial release. It removes the $200 maximum bail limit for repeat offenders and allows judges to consider past compliance with court orders when setting release conditions. The legislation also creates a faster hearing process for violations of release conditions, bars repeat offenders from diversion programs, and requires annual reporting on restorative justice referrals.
This bill would allow Vermont residents who are not U.S. citizens to qualify for scholarships and operate regulated child care facilities. It removes citizenship requirements for two specific programs: scholarships for current early childhood providers and scholarships for those seeking to become providers, as well as the ability to run a licensed child care center. The changes apply to both existing providers and those looking to enter the field, regardless of their immigration status.
This bill designates April 10 as Ken Squier Day to honor the late Vermont broadcaster and auto racing commentator. The legislation recognizes Squier's contributions to radio through his ownership of WDEV and founding of the Radio Vermont Group, as well as his pioneering work with the Motor Racing Network and NASCAR Hall of Fame induction. It also acknowledges his community leadership roles, including chairing the Vermont Symphony Orchestra Board and his extensive involvement in local sports broadcasting. The bill adds a new section to Vermont's statutes formally establishing the commemorative day without requiring any additional government funding or administrative changes.
This bill proposes a new 11 percent excise tax on the retail sale of firearms, firearm precursor parts, and ammunition in Vermont, which would be paid by sellers at the time of each transaction. The tax applies to both licensed firearm dealers and ammunition vendors, with licensed dealers required to collect the tax during background checks and remit it quarterly to the state. All revenue generated from this tax would be deposited into the Domestic and Sexual Violence Special Fund, which supports grants for domestic and sexual violence prevention services. The legislation excludes transfers exempt from background checks, such as those to law enforcement agencies or immediate family members, and would take effect on July 1, 2025.
This bill establishes strict liability for any person who releases perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, from large facilities in Vermont. It directly affects businesses and organizations operating large-scale industrial facilities that manufacture, process, use, or store these chemicals, as well as the manufacturers of the PFAS themselves. Under the bill, any individual or entity responsible for releasing PFAS from a qualifying large facility must be held fully responsible for any resulting personal injury or property damage, regardless of whether the release was intentional or accidental. The law also allows those held liable to seek financial contribution from the PFAS manufacturer and does not replace existing legal remedies available under current laws.
This bill requires public schools and approved independent schools in Vermont to include instruction on the history and contributions of marginalized groups in science, arts, and humanities courses. It specifically mandates coverage of Native Americans, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, various racial and ethnic backgrounds, different socioeconomic statuses, immigrants, refugees, and diverse religious backgrounds. The State Board of Education must develop specific standards and performance measures for this content by July 1, 2025, and schools must begin implementing these requirements in the 2025-2026 school year. The instruction must be age-appropriate and integrated into existing courses with established student performance standards.
This bill requires that individuals living in Vermont for at least one year before applying for emergency housing assistance. It directly affects people seeking help through the General Assistance Emergency Housing Program and the emergency housing transition benefit. The Department for Children and Families would need to update its rules to enforce this one-year residency requirement. The change would take effect immediately upon the bill's passage.
This bill establishes a new appointment system for Vermont's State Board of Education, which consists of ten members representing educators, parents, and students. Under the proposed changes, the Governor would appoint four members including two secondary students, the Senate Committee on Committees would appoint three members, and the Speaker of the House would appoint three members. The bill also sets six-year terms for non-student members with no eligibility for successive terms, requires biennial appointments in February, and includes provisions for filling vacancies and selecting a board chair. A transition period outlined in the bill ensures current board members can finish their terms while new appointments follow the new distribution rules starting July 1, 2024.
This bill protects school district and supervisory union employees from disciplinary action when they testify before school boards, supervisory union boards, or state education agencies. It amends existing state law to explicitly include these local and state education venues where employees can speak without fear of punishment from their employers. However, the law maintains that employees cannot share confidential information about the school district or its students and staff, and they must clarify they are not speaking on behalf of their employer unless authorized to do so. The changes take effect on July 1, 2024, ensuring employees can participate in public testimony while protecting sensitive information.
This bill exempts small food manufacturing businesses from paying licensing fees if their annual gross receipts are $50,000 or less. It also allows individuals to sell bakery products from their home kitchens without licensing requirements if their weekly sales do not exceed $962. The changes apply to both non-bakery food processors and home bakers, removing the need for them to pay fees to the state Department. These exemptions take effect on July 1, 2024, and are intended to reduce regulatory burdens on smaller food operations.
