Veterans

introduced · Vermont · House Feb 4, 2026

H 884: An act relating to the definition of Gold Star family members

This bill (H.884) adds a specific definition of "Gold Star family members" to Vermont's statutes. It defines these members as the survivors of service members who died while serving in the military or from a service-connected injury or illness. The definition applies directly to individuals seeking benefits or services under Vermont laws that reference "Gold Star family members." This change clarifies eligibility under existing statutes without creating new programs or benefits.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransClarifies eligibility for existing Gold Star family benefits, ensuring access to current services without creating new programs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Military Families

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introduced · Vermont · House Jan 6, 2026

H 531: An act relating to creating a preference for military spouses in hiring into State employment

H 531 would require Vermont state agencies to add 5 points to the exam scores of qualified military spouses applying for state jobs through point-based hiring processes. It specifically targets spouses of active-duty U.S. military personnel who meet eligibility criteria, such as receiving disability compensation or being unable to work due to disability. The bill amends Vermont law to include this preference in state employment exams, alongside existing veteran hiring preferences. This policy change directly affects military spouses seeking state government jobs by giving them a competitive advantage in scoring. The provision takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill creates hiring preference for military spouses, expanding employment opportunities for a group facing relocation barriers, aligning with employment standards support.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill adds 5 points to military spouses' exam scores for state jobs, directly supporting veterans' families through employment preference, aligning with veteran employment support indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Military Families Veteran Benefits Veteran Employment

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introduced · Vermont · House Jan 28, 2026

H 803: An act relating to apprenticeship programs

This bill updates Vermont's apprenticeship programs to improve diversity and accessibility. It defines "underserved communities" broadly to include racial minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, people with disabilities, rural residents, and others facing systemic barriers. Key requirements include a 5-year strategic plan (starting 2026), annual reports tracking participation by race, gender, age, and occupation, and working groups focused on removing barriers for underrepresented groups. The changes directly affect all Vermont apprenticeship programs, sponsors, and participants, aiming to increase equitable access to skilled trades careers.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill mandates diversity-focused apprenticeship programs, tracks participation by protected groups, and removes barriers for underserved workers, directly advancing employment equity and inclusion.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly includes veterans in 'underserved communities' for apprenticeship accessibility, requiring tracking and barrier removal.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships

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introduced · Vermont · House Jan 8, 2026

H 603: An act relating to excluding military disability retirement from personal income taxation

This bill (H.603) excludes U.S. military disability retirement income from Vermont's personal income tax. It directly affects Vermont veterans receiving military disability retirement pay under 10 U.S.C. chapter 61. The bill provides full exclusion for taxpayers with federal adjusted gross income under $125,000, partial exclusion for incomes between $125,000-$175,000 (proportional to income above $125,000), and no exclusion for incomes of $175,000 or more. The change applies retroactively to taxable years beginning January 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExcludes military disability retirement from state income tax, providing tax relief for veterans with income under $125k, aligning with tax relief indicators for middle-income groups.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExcludes military disability retirement from state income tax, providing direct financial relief to Vermont veterans. Directly advances veteran financial benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Veteran Benefits

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introduced · Vermont · Senate Jan 27, 2026

S 308: An act relating to the military retirement income tax exclusion

This bill (S 308) removes income-based limits for excluding U.S. military retirement and survivor benefit income from Vermont income tax. Currently, Vermont taxpayers with federal adjusted gross income (AGI) over $125,000 see partial or no exclusion, but this bill would fully exclude all such military retirement income regardless of income level. It affects Vermont residents receiving military retirement pay, changing the tax treatment from a tiered system to a flat exclusion. The change applies retroactively to tax years beginning January 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRemoves income limits on military retirement tax exclusion, providing tax relief for affected residents by expanding the exclusion without income thresholds.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransRemoves income limits on military retirement tax exclusion, expanding tax benefits for veterans regardless of income level.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax

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introduced · Vermont · House Jan 6, 2026

H 555: An act relating to permitting disabled veterans to park in metered spaces without charge

H.555 would allow disabled veterans with state-issued disabled veteran license plates to park in any metered public parking space without paying fees. The bill amends Vermont law to specifically exempt vehicles displaying these plates from meter charges, directly affecting disabled veterans who hold such plates issued by any state. Key provisions require municipalities to permit this free parking at all metered spaces on public property, while maintaining existing parking regulations. The law would take effect on July 1, 2026, if passed. This change modifies municipal parking fee collection but does not alter other parking restrictions or benefits.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExempts disabled veterans with state plates from parking fees, expanding access to a benefit without cost95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Healthcare

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introduced · Vermont · House Jan 28, 2025

H 103: An act relating to prohibited practices for services involving veterans’ benefits

This bill prohibits unauthorized fees and deceptive practices for services helping Vermont veterans navigate benefits claims. It bans individuals or companies from charging veterans for advice, referrals, or assistance with VA claims unless they are accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or work for Vermont's Veterans Affairs office. The law requires written agreements for paid services, prohibits guaranteeing specific benefit amounts, and forbids falsely claiming affiliation with VA or Vermont's veterans offices. It directly protects veterans, dependents, and survivors from exploitation while applying to all service providers except accredited representatives.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransProhibits unauthorized fees/deceptive practices for veterans' benefits assistance, protecting veterans from exploitation in claims navigation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Mental Health

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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 ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransCommends Vietnam War veterans' service through commemoration and sends copies to veteran organizations, recognizing their service as per indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

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introduced · Vermont · House Jan 15, 2025

H 33: An act relating to expanding employee access to unpaid leave

H.33 expands Vermont's unpaid leave protections to cover domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, bereavement, and military-related family exigencies, directly affecting employees working for businesses with 10+ employees (for parental leave) or 15+ employees (for other leave types). It redefines "family member" to include non-traditional relationships - like caregivers in non-legal bonds or LGBTQ+ families - without requiring legal documentation, and creates "safe leave" for victims of domestic violence or assault. The bill also mandates employer reporting to track how expanded leave impacts workers, particularly low-income employees and non-traditional families. These changes aim to make leave access more equitable while aligning with inclusive standards.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExpands unpaid leave for domestic violence, stalking, bereavement, redefines family to include non-traditional relationships, strengthening worker leave protections.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly includes 'military-related family exigencies' in unpaid leave protections, directly supporting veterans' families through leave for military service-related needs.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Paid Leave

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introduced · Vermont · House Feb 19, 2025

H 257: An act relating to creating the Office of Entrepreneurship

H 257 creates Vermont's Office of Entrepreneurship within the Agency of Commerce and Community Development to support new businesses. The office will help businesses operating under five years navigate state agencies, encourage at least 5% of state contracts to go to such businesses (including those owned by women, minorities, or veterans), and track contract awards by demographic and geographic groups. It requires annual reports starting in 2027 detailing contract data, progress toward goals, and recommendations for improving entrepreneurship access. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransRequires 5% of state contracts for veteran-owned businesses, supporting veteran employment opportunities within state procurement.85% confidence

Tags Small Business

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