Vermont Congressional Bills

in committee · Vermont · House Feb 2, 2026

HR 6601: CARE for First Responders Act

The CARE for First Responders Act (HR 6601) provides mental health support specifically for first responders, including emergency personnel and 911 operators (defined as "qualified emergency response providers"). It requires the creation of a 24/7 confidential hotline via the 988 Suicide Lifeline, peer support programs staffed by trained responders, and mobile crisis units that offer on-site mental health services during major disasters. The bill mandates trauma-informed, culturally appropriate care and education to reduce stigma around mental health, with a focus on helping responders and their families adjust after disaster work. It authorizes $5 million annually (2026-2030) for these services through grants to state/local health entities.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Jill N. Tokuda (D) · 19 co-sponsors

in committee · Vermont · House Jan 30, 2026

HR 7277: Emergency Medical Services Reimbursement for On-Scene and Support Act

HR 7277, the Emergency Medical Services Reimbursement for On-Scene and Support Act, expands Medicare reimbursement to ambulance providers for non-transport emergency medical services. It amends the Social Security Act to allow reimbursement for on-scene care (like medical treatment at the location) provided on or after January 1, 2026, regardless of whether transport was offered. This directly affects ambulance service providers who currently may not receive payment for non-transport care. The bill requires reimbursement for these on-scene services to be comparable to transport reimbursement rates, ensuring consistent payment for similar care. The policy change takes effect in 2026, addressing a gap in coverage for emergency care delivered without patient transport.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Vermont · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 3730: Emergency Medical Services Reimbursement for On-Scene Care and Support Act

This bill amends Medicare reimbursement rules to expand coverage for ambulance services. It allows ambulance providers to receive payment for on-scene medical care (like treatment at the location) even if they do not transport the patient, effective January 1, 2027. The change directly affects ambulance providers who currently only receive reimbursement for transport services. This policy update ensures Medicare covers non-transport emergency care provided by these providers.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Vermont · Senate Jan 28, 2026

S 3717: Opportunities in Organic Act

S 3717 establishes the Opportunities in Organic program to assist farmers and handlers with organic certification costs and transition to organic practices. It covers up to $1,500 annually in certification fees (with higher payments for socially disadvantaged farmers or regions with disproportionately high costs), provides technical assistance for soil health and organic management, and funds supply chain development like processing facilities. The program allocates $50 million annually for 2027-2028, increasing to $100 million by 2030, targeting socially disadvantaged farmers, farms near schools/residential areas, and under-resourced agricultural regions.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · Vermont · House Jan 27, 2026

HJRES 144: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Veterans Affairs relating to "Reproductive Health Services".

HJRES 144 is a congressional disapproval resolution targeting a specific rule issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on December 31, 2025, which addressed "Reproductive Health Services" (90 Fed. Reg. 61310). This resolution directs Congress to disapprove the VA rule under Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code, meaning the rule would have no legal effect if passed. The bill directly affects the VA's implementation of reproductive health services for veterans, as it seeks to nullify the agency's existing policy. This is a procedural measure, not a substantive policy change, aimed solely at blocking the VA's rule through congressional action.

Topics ✗ Healthcare ✗ Veterans

Julia Brownley (D) · 155 co-sponsors

in committee · Vermont · Senate Jan 27, 2026

S 3702: Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act

The Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act establishes new standards for facilities detaining immigrants under DHS custody, requiring compliance with minimum protections based on American Bar Association standards. It mandates annual unannounced inspections by the DHS Inspector General with public reporting of findings, creates a detailed public database of all detention facilities, and phases out private detention facilities within 3 years. The bill prohibits solitary confinement, requires access to legal orientation and counsel for detainees, and changes detention procedures to require more frequent hearings with a presumption of release for most detainees. These changes directly affect immigrants in DHS custody, DHS facilities, and private contractors operating detention facilities.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare ✓ Immigration

in committee · Vermont · House Jan 23, 2026

HR 7238: Commission on Equity and Reconciliation in the Uniformed Services Act

HR 7238 establishes a Commission to investigate historical discrimination against LGBTQ+ service members in the military, including policies that led to discharges and denied benefits. The Commission will gather testimonies from affected veterans and servicemembers, study impacts on mental health, benefits access, and force readiness, and recommend remedies like record corrections and compensation. This bill directly affects LGBTQ+ veterans and current service members who faced discharge or denial of care due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. The Commission must submit a final report to Congress within one year, outlining findings and proposed actions.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Veterans

Mark Takano (D) · 26 co-sponsors

in committee · Vermont · House Jan 21, 2026

HR 7189: PrEP Access Act

The PrEP Access Act expands Medicare Part B coverage to include pharmacist-provided HIV prevention services, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) counseling, medication administration, and related testing. It directly affects Medicare beneficiaries (primarily seniors) and pharmacists, allowing pharmacists to bill Medicare for these services under state law. Key provisions set payment at 80% of the lesser of actual charges or 85% of physician rates, and prohibit balance billing for these services. The policy change takes effect January 1, 2027, making PrEP more accessible through pharmacy settings.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Mark Pocan (D) · 21 co-sponsors

in committee · Vermont · House Jan 21, 2026

HR 2878: Daniel J. Harvey, Jr. and Adam Lambert Improving Servicemember Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide Act

This bill amends the Department of Defense's Transition Assistance Program (TAP) and the Department of Veterans Affairs' Solid Start Program to enhance mental health support during military-to-civilian transitions. It requires TAP to provide specific information on suicide risk factors (including depression, homelessness, and relationship strain), treatment options for conditions like PTSD and substance abuse, and the impact of losing social support systems. The Solid Start Program must now assist veterans in enrolling in VA healthcare and educate them about available mental health resources. The Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs must jointly report to Congress within one year on the materials developed under these changes.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

Zachary Nunn (R) · 25 co-sponsors

in committee · Vermont · Senate Jan 15, 2026

S 3687: Inspectors General Independence Act

This bill amends federal law to prevent the President from nominating current or former political appointees as Inspectors General (IGs). It directly affects the appointment process for all federal agency IG positions by barring nominations of individuals serving as political appointees under the current President or who previously held such roles. The key provision states that the IG position itself cannot be considered a political appointee, ensuring the role remains non-partisan. This change aims to strengthen IG independence by removing potential political influence in their selection.

in committee · Vermont · Senate Jan 15, 2026

S 3663: NDO Fairness Act of 2026

The NDO Fairness Act of 2026 amends federal law to regulate when law enforcement can delay notifying individuals whose electronic communications data is accessed via warrants or subpoenas. It requires courts to issue written findings before granting "preclusion of notice" orders, limiting delays to 1 year for child exploitation cases or 90 days for other investigations, and mandates that such orders must be narrowly tailored to avoid unnecessary secrecy. After the delay period ends, law enforcement must notify the affected person within 5 business days and provide a copy of the warrant, along with details about the investigation and the data accessed (with redactions for sensitive materials like child exploitation evidence). This bill directly affects law enforcement agencies, technology providers (like internet or phone companies), and customers whose data is accessed under these orders, while requiring annual public reports on how often these orders are used.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

in committee · Vermont · Senate Jan 15, 2026

S 3680: Eliminating Bias in Algorithmic Systems Act of 2026

S 3680, the *Eliminating Bias in Algorithmic Systems Act of 2026*, requires federal agencies using or funding complex algorithms (like AI systems) to establish civil rights offices focused on bias. These offices must monitor and address algorithmic bias related to protected characteristics (e.g., race, gender, disability) that affect government programs or economic opportunities. Agencies must submit biennial reports to Congress detailing bias risks, mitigation steps, stakeholder engagement, and recommendations, and join an interagency working group on algorithmic fairness. The bill directly affects covered federal agencies, not private companies or the general public.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Vermont Congressional Bills

Bill results