Vermont Bills | MyRepTracker

signed · Vermont · House May 29, 2026

H 578: An act relating to penalties and procedures for animal cruelty offenses

This bill expands Vermont's animal cruelty laws to explicitly include sexual conduct with animals as a punishable offense. It defines "sexual conduct" broadly (e.g., touching an animal's sex organs, inserting objects, or filming such acts without veterinary purpose) and adds new aggravated cruelty provisions when minors are involved. Convicted individuals face mandatory animal possession bans for at least five years and may be required to pay for animal care costs incurred during investigations. Penalties range from up to one year in jail or $2,000 fines for standard cruelty to up to five years in jail or $5,000 fines for aggravated offenses involving sexual conduct.

signed · Vermont · Senate May 29, 2026

S 197: An act relating to reform for primary care

S.197 establishes a primary care payment reform program in Vermont, requiring health insurers and other payers to make monthly payments to participating primary care practices for each enrolled patient. This covers routine primary care services without patient cost-sharing, aiming to reduce administrative burdens (targeting a drop from 50% to 10% of provider time spent on admin tasks) and improve access. The program starts voluntarily in 2026 but becomes mandatory for all primary care practices by 2028. It also mandates reports from state agencies on program expansion, payment models, and transitions to community care settings.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

signed · Vermont · Senate May 29, 2026

S 223: An act relating to water quality of the waters of Vermont

This bill creates a Water Quality, Lake Classification, and Antidegradation Study Group to review Vermont’s current water quality rules and classification systems. The group, composed of legislators, state agency staff, environmental advocates, business representatives, and lake association members, will assess whether existing frameworks adequately protect water quality under federal law and identify needed changes. It must submit a report to the legislature by January 15, 2027, recommending potential policy or regulatory updates. The bill does not enact new rules but directs a review process focused on lakes, rivers, and ponds across Vermont.

Topics ✓ Environment

signed · Vermont · Senate May 29, 2026

S 193: An act relating to establishing a forensic facility for certain criminal justice-involved persons

This bill establishes a specialized forensic facility in Vermont for individuals charged with serious offenses (those punishable by life imprisonment) who are found incompetent to stand trial, as well as for people acquitted of such offenses. It requires courts to dismiss inactive misdemeanor cases after a period equal to the maximum sentence (e.g., 120 days) unless justice demands otherwise. The facility mandates regular competency evaluations, provides tailored mental health services to restore trial fitness, and sets strict procedures for conditional release, including a 40-day court hearing for acquitted individuals to prove they no longer pose a risk. The bill aims to streamline court processes for these cases while ensuring appropriate mental health treatment and safety considerations.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

signed · Vermont · House May 29, 2026

H 550: An act relating to gender equity within Vermont’s correctional facilities

H.550 requires Vermont’s Department of Corrections to establish standards for addressing, housing, and providing care to transgender, nonbinary, and intersex individuals in correctional facilities. It mandates that facilities use an inmate’s chosen name and pronouns, allow housing based on gender identity (not anatomy), and prohibit discrimination based on gender identity, anatomy, or sexual orientation. The bill also requires staff to ask inmates about gender identity during intake and to reassess housing for safety concerns. These provisions directly affect all transgender, nonbinary, and intersex people incarcerated in Vermont’s state facilities. The bill aims to ensure respect, safety, and access to appropriate medical care while addressing systemic barriers in correctional settings.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

signed · Vermont · House May 29, 2026

H 527: An act relating to extending the sunset of 30 V.S.A. § 248a

H.527 extends the deadline for new telecommunications tower siting applications under Vermont law. It amends 30 V.S.A. § 248a(i) to delay the sunset date from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2029. This change directly affects telecommunications companies seeking permits for new tower locations, providing them three additional years to submit applications. The bill modifies a specific statutory deadline without altering the underlying siting rules or requirements.

signed · Vermont · Senate May 29, 2026

S 209: An act relating to prohibiting civil arrest in sensitive locations

This bill prohibits civil arrests (arrests for civil matters like court appearances) in specific sensitive locations, including schools, shelters, health care facilities, government buildings, and court proceedings. It directly affects individuals visiting these locations, law enforcement officers, and civil courts by restricting arrests in those settings. Key provisions define "civil arrest" and allow exceptions for judicial warrants, contempt of court, or maintaining safety in court. Violations could lead to contempt charges or civil lawsuits for false imprisonment. The law applies immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Immigration

signed · Vermont · Senate May 29, 2026

S 189: An act relating to establishing a process for the elimination of certain hospital services

S.189 requires Vermont hospitals to obtain prior approval from the Agency of Human Services before reducing or eliminating any hospital services. Hospitals must provide 60 days' notice to the Agency, the Green Mountain Care Board, local lawmakers, and the public, including holding community hearings and explaining how cuts align with state health plans. The Agency reviews proposals for consistency with the Statewide Health Care Delivery Strategic Plan and access to care before approving or denying them. Approved service changes must be reported to the Green Mountain Care Board, which may adjust the hospital’s budget to maintain necessary services.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

signed · Vermont · House May 29, 2026

H 567: An act relating to unclaimed property, State retirement systems, and capital debt

H 567 updates Vermont's unclaimed property rules, requiring holders to report property valued at $50+ with owner details and increasing the threshold for property sent to the Retirement Security Fund from $100 to $150 after 10 years. It adds a 1% monthly penalty for employers missing retirement contribution deadlines (30 days past due) and creates a Pension and Benefits Funding Task Force. The bill transitions oversight of post-employment benefits for state employees and teachers to the Vermont Pension Investment Commission and raises the claim threshold for unclaimed property from $250 to $1,000 for certain cases. These changes primarily affect employers contributing to retirement systems, individuals claiming unclaimed funds, and the state retirement systems themselves.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Labor & Employment

signed · Vermont · House May 29, 2026

H 588: An act relating to professions and occupations regulated by the Office of Professional Regulation

H 588 updates Vermont's licensing rules for professions regulated by the Office of Professional Regulation. It allows the Office to revoke licenses for fraudulent or deceptive license use, requires all professional regulation board members to be adults (age 18+), and creates a limited academic dentist license. The bill also modifies midwifery licensing to require practice data submissions for renewal (replacing an advisory committee), expands the definition of funeral service to include new body disposal methods (like cremation and alkaline hydrolysis), and adjusts requirements for pharmacists and technicians administering vaccines. These changes directly affect licensees, including dentists, midwives, pharmacists, and funeral service providers, and streamline regulatory processes.

signed · Vermont · Senate May 29, 2026

S 179: An act relating to the Uniform Disclaimer of Property Interests Act

Vermont's S.179 enacts the Uniform Disclaimer of Property Interests Act, creating a standardized legal process for individuals to refuse inherited property or interests after someone dies. The bill requires disclaimers (refusals of inheritance) to be in writing, signed, and delivered properly to be valid, and clarifies that disclaimers do not count as asset transfers. It directly affects Vermont residents who inherit property (e.g., through wills or trusts) and may wish to decline it to avoid tax consequences or redirect assets to other heirs. The law also specifies that fiduciaries (like executors) and parents of minors can make disclaimers under defined conditions.

signed · Vermont · Senate May 29, 2026

S 198: An act relating to the regulation of tobacco products and tobacco substitutes

This bill updates Vermont's tobacco regulations by requiring businesses selling tobacco products or nicotine pouches (now explicitly defined as "tobacco substitutes") to obtain separate licenses (ending the prior requirement to hold a liquor license). It increases license fees, imposes higher penalties for selling to minors or without a license, and removes penalties for minors possessing tobacco products. All funds from fines, settlements, and new tobacco license fees will be directed to the Tobacco Trust Fund for prevention and cessation programs. The bill also mandates tax stamps for tobacco substitutes, increases taxes on high-nicotine products, and creates a new enforcement position within the Department of Liquor and Lottery.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes