Vermont Bills | MyRepTracker

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 28, 2026

H 792: An act relating to liability standards for developers and deployers of artificial intelligence systems

This bill establishes liability standards for developers and deployers of high-impact artificial intelligence systems in Vermont. It directly affects companies (excluding small businesses with <20 employees or <10,000 users) that create or operate AI systems making consequential decisions - such as in criminal justice, housing, employment, healthcare, or critical infrastructure. Key provisions require developers to ensure systems are safe for foreseeable use and deployers to guarantee systems don’t harm individual rights, with specific definitions for "high-impact AI" and "harm" (including physical, financial, reputational, or psychological injury). The law applies only to systems meeting the defined high-impact criteria, not general AI tools.

Topics ✓ Technology

Chloe Tomlinson (D) Barbara Rachelson (D) Kate McCann (D) Edye Graning (D) Phil Pouech (D)

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 28, 2026

H 807: An act relating to the elimination of compulsory attendance requirements when incidents of hazing, harassment, or bullying are involved

H 807 eliminates mandatory school attendance rules when a student misses school due to hazing, harassment, or bullying. This bill directly affects students experiencing these harmful behaviors, allowing them to avoid compulsory attendance without facing truancy penalties. The key provision removes the requirement for schools to count such absences as truancy, shifting focus from punishment to addressing the underlying issue. The bill aims to prevent further harm by not penalizing students for avoiding unsafe school environments.

Topics ✓ Education

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 28, 2026

H 791: An act relating to State government and information privacy

H.791 establishes the "Vermont Government Data Practices Act," setting privacy standards for how state agencies handle personal information. It requires all Vermont state agencies (including departments, boards, and commissions) to only collect and store necessary personal data - such as health records, biometrics, location data, or financial details - directly from individuals when possible, and to maintain accuracy and relevance. The bill prohibits agencies from disclosing personal information without justification and mandates that contractors handling state data follow the same rules. This directly affects how Vermont's government manages citizen data across all executive branch operations.

Topics ✓ Technology

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 28, 2026

H 809: An act relating to the repeal of 2025 Acts and Resolves No. 73

This bill repeals most provisions of 2025 Acts and Resolves No. 73, which was a major education and tax reform package. It specifically retains changes to tuition eligibility for approved independent schools, State Board of Education appointment rules, and the creation of regional assessment districts. The bill also creates new property tax classifications: a higher rate for second homes/short-term rentals and a separate classification for seasonal residential properties taxed like nonhomestead nonresidential properties. These changes directly affect Vermont school districts, property taxpayers, and the administration of education funding. The repeal does not alter the foundation formula or other core education finance mechanisms established by the 2025 law.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 28, 2026

H 793: An act relating to removing the power of Vermont corporations to spend money on election activities

H.793 removes Vermont corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and similar business entities' legal authority to spend money on election activities (like supporting candidates) or ballot-issue activities (like funding ballot measures). It amends Vermont's business corporation laws to explicitly revoke any prior broad powers that could be interpreted as allowing such spending, defining these activities clearly to prevent misuse. The bill ensures these entities can only engage in activities necessary for their lawful business, charitable, or organizational purposes - without political spending authority. It preserves natural persons' rights and political parties' activities while applying uniformly across all business entity types.

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 28, 2026

H 805: An act relating to water resources of the State

H.805 streamlines permitting for minor water-related activities in Vermont. It allows the Secretary of Natural Resources to issue general permits for stormwater discharges, wetlands work, and small wastewater/potable water systems when a licensed engineer certifies compliance with rules. The bill also creates exemptions for owner-occupied residences: applicants can avoid full permits by using engineered solutions to reduce harm or accept liability for system failures. Additionally, it requires tax valuation for forested wetlands parcels to use a lower "use value" rate instead of market value. These changes primarily affect homeowners, small developers, and property owners with water systems on wetlands.

Topics ✗ Environment

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 28, 2026

H 800: An act relating to a single, statewide area agency on aging

This bill creates a single statewide area agency on aging for Vermont, replacing the current system of multiple local agencies. It directly affects older Vermonters (65+), their family caregivers, and kinship caregivers by requiring coordinated services across the state. Key provisions include developing a unified service system, targeting resources to those with greatest need, conducting regional needs assessments, and coordinating with existing providers like senior centers and Meals on Wheels. The agency must also report annually on service enrollment and denials to state committees.

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 28, 2026

H 795: An act relating to children’s camps

This bill (H.795) creates new health and safety requirements for all children’s camps in Vermont, including extending licensure to previously unregulated day camps. It requires camps to develop and maintain approved emergency plans, install non-internet-dependent warning systems, maintain operable weather alert radios, and provide dual internet services (fiber-optic plus secondary broadband). The Department of Health will establish a Children’s Camp Health and Safety Team to review emergency plans and recommend standards. These rules directly affect camp operators who must comply to obtain or retain their license to operate.

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 28, 2026

H 794: An act relating to increasing taxes on higher income earners and creating the School Construction Aid Special Fund

H.794 creates new tax rates for higher earners and modifies property taxes to fund school construction. It imposes a 2% surcharge on individual income above $250,000 and a 6% surcharge above $500,000, plus a wealth proceeds tax on individuals (with taxable income over $200,000 single/$250,000 married) and estates/trusts (over $15,200). It also doubles property tax rates for nonhomestead residential properties compared to homesteads. All new revenues will flow into the newly created School Construction Aid Special Fund.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 28, 2026

H 796: An act relating to public electric vehicle supply equipment standards of service

H.796 requires all publicly available electric vehicle charging stations (EVSE) to accept multiple payment methods, including credit cards. It mandates clear display of all fees - such as parking charges for remaining at the station after charging - and real-time status updates showing availability. The bill also requires compliance with additional rules set by Vermont's Secretary of Transportation to ensure reliable service. These changes directly affect EVSE operators and drivers using public charging infrastructure.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Transportation

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 28, 2026

H 799: An act relating to the Free Degree Promise Program

H.799 creates the Free Degree Promise Program to provide tuition-free associate's degrees at Vermont's Community College of Vermont (CCV) for eligible high school graduates. It directly affects Vermont students who complete CCV's Early College program (earning 20+ credits) and submit financial aid applications. The program covers tuition/fees after other aid, provides stipends for books and transportation, and includes career advising. Funding comes annually from the Vermont Education Endowment Trust Fund (5% of assets), with the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation designated as a recipient. This codifies an existing initiative to reduce student debt and expand access to postsecondary education.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 28, 2026

H 797: An act relating to an interdisciplinary model of legal representation for children and families involved in proceedings related to child abuse or neglect

H.797 requires Vermont's Defender General to establish an interdisciplinary legal representation program for children and families involved in child abuse or neglect cases, both before and after court proceedings. The program must include teams of attorneys, social workers, and peer advocates working with the Department for Children and Families to use federal funding, provide coordinated advocacy, and meet specific training and supervision standards. It directly affects children and families in abuse/neglect cases, the Defender General's office, and child welfare system partners. The bill aims to reduce foster care duration (citing studies showing up to four months less time), improve reunification, and ensure due process through standardized practices and an independent Citizens Advisory Board for system evaluation.