Technology

H.727 establishes a regulatory framework for data centers in Vermont that use 20 megawatts or more of power. It requires the Public Utility Commission to create a separate ratepayer class and specific contract terms for data centers, including 10-year minimum agreements and cost-sharing mechanisms to prevent existing customers from bearing undue infrastructure costs. Before construction can begin, the Commission must issue a "certificate of public good" after assessing impacts on electric system reliability, local communities, environmental protections (including air/water quality and agricultural soils), and economic benefits. The bill directly affects data center developers, electric utilities, and Vermont ratepayers by mandating standardized contracts and site reviews to balance industry growth with community and environmental safeguards.

This bill, S 69 (Vermont Age-Appropriate Design Code Act), requires online services popular with minors to redesign their platforms to protect children’s privacy and safety. It directly affects businesses that generate most revenue from online services likely accessed by Vermont minors under 18 and collect their personal data. Key provisions mandate age-assurance methods to identify minors, set default privacy settings to the most protective level, ban features causing "compulsive use" (like addictive content algorithms), and restrict data collection for minors. The law also defines strict rules for handling biometric, genetic, and derived data of minors, ensuring data processing aligns with their developmental needs. It applies broadly to digital products like apps and websites, excluding physical products and basic internet services.