Vermont Bills

introduced · Vermont · House Mar 18, 2025

H 485: An act relating to granting State employees in the Executive Branch and Judiciary the right to strike

H 485 would grant unionized state employees in the Executive Branch and Judiciary the right to strike. Currently, these employees in Vermont are prohibited from striking under state law. The bill amends the State Employees Labor Relations Act to explicitly allow strikes as a labor action. This change directly affects unionized workers in the executive and judicial branches of state government.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

introduced · Vermont · House Mar 14, 2025

H 478: An act relating to requiring price look-up stickers on produce be compostable

H 478 requires grocery stores and markets to use compostable price look-up (PLU) stickers on produce instead of plastic ones. The stickers must be made from natural materials or meet industrial composting standards with food-safe adhesive. This applies to all wholesale and retail food sellers who attach these stickers to produce and takes effect July 1, 2028, aligning with upcoming European Union standards. The bill specifically targets PLU stickers, not broader plastic regulations.

Topics ✓ Environment

introduced · Vermont · House Mar 14, 2025

H 477: An act relating to forest management harvests on State Forest lands

This bill requires Vermont's Commissioner of Forests, Parks and Recreation to create a report addressing delayed timber harvests on State Forest lands. The report must detail the number and reasons for delayed harvests, propose solutions (like hiring more staff or contracting private foresters), and estimate costs, benefits, and potential job creation from reducing delays. It directly affects state forest management operations and the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation. The Commissioner must submit this report to relevant legislative committees by law.

introduced · Vermont · House Mar 14, 2025

H 475: An act relating to establishing an equitable pricing system for the milk production

H 475 establishes a tiered pricing system to set minimum milk prices for Vermont dairy producers, directly affecting farmers based on their actual production costs - including Vermont-specific environmental compliance expenses. The bill requires milk handlers to pay a price that covers these costs, adding an "over order price enhancement" if federal market rates fall short. To prevent overproduction, it creates production tiers (small, medium, large) and funds the system through a per-gallon handling fee on packaged milk sold in Vermont, with fees adjusted by market prices. Revenue from the fee goes to the General Fund for annual appropriation to support the pricing system and enhancements.

introduced · Vermont · House Mar 14, 2025

H 476: An act relating to establishing a Mechanized Logging and Trucking Training Program

This bill proposes creating a free or low-cost training program at Vermont State Colleges to teach Vermonters how to operate and maintain mechanized logging equipment and obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL). It directly affects workers in Vermont's forestry and trucking industries seeking new skills or certifications. The program would be established by the state agency for economic development, with funding sought from the U.S. Department of Labor, and would operate through Vermont State Colleges. The bill is currently pending before the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development after its first reading.

introduced · Vermont · Senate Mar 14, 2025

S 121: An act relating to the regulation of kratom products

This bill, S 121 (Kratom Consumer Protection Act), requires all kratom product processors and distributors in Vermont to register with the Department of Health and comply with specific safety and labeling rules. It prohibits kratom products containing dangerous substances, synthesized materials, or child-attractive packaging, and mandates independent lab testing for safety. All kratom products must display clear labels warning against use by those under 21, pregnant/breastfeeding individuals, and stating kratom may be habit-forming, alongside FDA disclaimers and usage instructions. The law directly affects businesses selling kratom products in Vermont, requiring annual registration, safety verification, and public disclosure of approved products via a Department of Health registry. The bill is currently pending referral to the Health and Welfare Committee.

passed both · Vermont · Senate Mar 14, 2025

JRS 16: Joint resolution providing for a Joint Assembly to vote on the retention of seven Superior Court Judges and one Magistrate

JRS 16 is a procedural resolution that schedules a joint vote by Vermont's Senate and House of Representatives to decide whether to retain seven Superior Court Judges and one Magistrate. It directs both chambers to convene in a Joint Assembly on March 20, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. to cast votes on these judicial retention decisions. If the vote isn't completed on that day, the Assembly will meet daily (excluding weekends) until all retention votes are finalized. This resolution has been approved by both legislative chambers and does not alter judicial qualifications or court procedures - only setting the process for the retention vote.

passed both · Vermont · House Mar 14, 2025

HCR 52: House concurrent resolution honoring Anthony P. Romeo on his 70th birthday

This is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) honoring Anthony P. Romeo on his 70th birthday. It recognizes his 50-year ownership of a Rutland restaurant, community service (including roles as Ward Clerk and Police Commissioner), and charitable contributions. The resolution formally expresses the Vermont General Assembly's honor and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to Mr. Romeo. It has no policy impact and directly affects only Mr. Romeo personally.

passed both · Vermont · House Mar 14, 2025

HCR 51: House concurrent resolution honoring Louis Lamphere on his receipt of the gubernatorial Rays of Kindness recognition

This House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 51) is a ceremonial honor recognizing Louis Lamphere of Colchester for receiving the Governor's "Rays of Kindness" award. It acknowledges his community generosity and "acts of kindness" as defined by the Governor's initiative, which highlights selfless service and goodwill. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Mr. Lamphere. As a non-binding, symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws, allocate funds, or affect any policies or individuals beyond the named recipient.

passed both · Vermont · House Mar 14, 2025

HCR 31: House concurrent resolution in memory of former University of Vermont associate professor, poet, and community leader Mary Jane Dickerson

This House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 31) honors Mary Jane Dickerson, a former University of Vermont associate professor, poet, and community leader who died in October 2024. It expresses the Vermont General Assembly’s condolences to her family and directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to her family and the Jericho Town Clerk. The resolution commemorates her career at UVM, her founding of the Mary Jane Dickerson Scholarship Fund, her poetry, and her service on local boards and committees in Jericho. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies.

passed both · Vermont · Senate Mar 14, 2025

SCR 3: Senate concurrent resolution congratulating Liliane Gordon of Hinesburg on her receipt of the Girl Scout Gold Award

This is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill with policy changes) expressing the Vermont General Assembly's congratulations to Liliane Gordon of Hinesburg for earning the Girl Scout Gold Award - the highest honor for Vermont Girl Scouts in grades 9-12. It recognizes her achievements, including leading track teams, creating a youth sports initiative addressing post-pandemic health concerns, and extensive community service. The resolution has no binding effect; it simply directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Ms. Gordon. It directly honors her personal accomplishments, not a policy or group.

introduced · Vermont · Senate Mar 13, 2025

S 115: An act relating to requiring prior approval by a municipality to operate an overdose prevention center

This bill requires Vermont municipalities (cities or towns) to approve overdose prevention centers through a majority vote by their local legislative body before any center can operate within their borders. It amends state law to explicitly state that such centers cannot operate without this prior municipal approval. The policy directly affects local governments, which gain authority over center locations, and operators seeking to establish these facilities. The key provision mandates that approval must be obtained at the municipal level, not at the state level, before centers can open.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✗ Healthcare

Bill results