Vermont Bills | MyRepTracker

passed · Vermont · House May 26, 2026

H 954: An act relating to approval of an amendment to the charter of the Town of Stowe

This bill approves a charter amendment for the Town of Stowe that authorizes the town to impose a two percent local option tax on sales, rooms, meals, and alcoholic beverages. The legislation confirms that voters approved this proposal on March 3, 2026, and directs the Department of Taxes to collect and administer the new tax. Additionally, the bill states that this new tax replaces any previous local option taxes the town may have had in place.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

signed · Vermont · House May 26, 2026

H 956: An act relating to approval of an amendment to the charter of the City of Burlington relating to the Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

This bill approves a charter amendment for the City of Burlington to create a permanent Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. The new office will be led by a Director who reports to the Mayor and works with City departments to develop strategies for diversity and antiracism. The Director will have the authority to recommend policy changes and improve representation for underserved communities in city government. The office will also coordinate public engagement efforts to make city interactions more inclusive.

signed · Vermont · House May 26, 2026

H 536: An act relating to toxic heavy metals in baby food products

This bill prohibits the sale of baby food products containing toxic heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, lead, or mercury) above U.S. FDA limits. It requires manufacturers to test each production batch monthly using accredited laboratories and publicly post test results on their websites for the product's shelf life plus one month. Manufacturers must also include a QR code on products linking to the test results and U.S. FDA health information. The law applies to baby food (not infant formula) sold in Vermont, effective July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Environment

signed · Vermont · House May 26, 2026

H 559: An act relating to the Parole Board

This Vermont bill (H 559) changes the Parole Board structure by increasing its size from five regular members (plus two alternates) to seven regular members and adding specific training requirements for all members. It mandates annual training on topics like mental health, substance use treatment, and trauma-informed victim work, and creates a new Parole Board Director position appointed by the Governor to oversee board operations. The bill also updates member qualifications to require expertise in areas such as criminogenic behavior or serious crime rehabilitation, directly affecting how parole decisions are made and administered.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

signed · Vermont · Senate May 26, 2026

S 173: An act relating to vocational rehabilitation and apprenticeships

This bill (S.173) simplifies access to job training help for injured workers under Vermont's workers' compensation system. It removes outdated screening requirements and allows workers to start vocational rehabilitation services themselves if employers don't assign a provider within 90 days of injury. The bill also creates a new, funded position for a State Mediator at the Vermont Labor Relations Board, providing free mediation to resolve disputes between public and private employers and employees. These changes directly affect injured workers, employers, and the Labor Relations Board, aiming to improve access to rehabilitation services and dispute resolution. The mediator role will be funded with $115,000 in fiscal year 2027.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Labor & Employment

signed · Vermont · Senate May 26, 2026

S 239: An act relating to the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Working Group

This bill establishes the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Working Group to study Vermont's current laws, rules, and policies about reporting child abuse or neglect. The group, made up of officials from child welfare, victim services, legal, and law enforcement agencies, will review these systems and recommend modernized changes by November 1, 2026. It does not change existing laws directly but creates a process to identify improvements. The working group's recommendations would inform future legislative proposals to update reporting requirements.

signed · Vermont · House May 26, 2026

H 739: An act relating to prohibiting the use and sale of the herbicide paraquat

H.739 prohibits the use and sale of the herbicide paraquat in Vermont, including specific forms like "paraquat dichloride" and "paraquat bis(methylsulfate)." The bill would directly affect farmers, agricultural businesses, and pesticide sellers who currently use or sell paraquat. It allows limited exemptions only for environmental or agricultural emergencies when no less harmful alternative exists, with exemptions valid for up to one year and requiring specific details like geographic scope and permitted uses. The bill does not create new enforcement mechanisms but defines the prohibition and exemption process.

signed · Vermont · House May 26, 2026

H 512: An act relating to the regulation of the event ticketing market

H 512 aims to enhance consumer protection in the event ticketing market by regulating entities that resell or facilitate the resale of tickets. The bill requires these resellers to guarantee full refunds under specific conditions and provide clear, itemized price details, including all taxes and fees. It prohibits selling tickets not yet owned or contracted, unless specified, and bans the use of software to bypass online sales limits. Additionally, the bill mandates annual licensing for ticket resellers, requires them to maintain a surety bond to cover consumer losses, and grants the Office of the Attorney General enforcement authority, including conducting audits and imposing penalties.

passed both · Vermont · House May 22, 2026

HCR 306: House concurrent resolution honoring George Springston for his exemplary roles in environmental and natural resources management

This bill honors George Springston for his thirty-five years of work in Vermont's environmental and natural resources management. It recognizes his specific contributions, such as creating geologic maps, advising on landslide risks, and helping develop wetlands policies. The resolution officially acknowledges his career achievements and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to him.

passed · Vermont · House May 22, 2026

H 775: An act relating to creating tools for housing production

H.775 creates Vermont's Rural Housing Finance Pilot Program to support affordable housing in rural areas. It allows municipalities with populations under 5,000 to apply for tax stabilization on new housing developments, freezing property values for the first seven years after construction and gradually increasing them over the next three years (25% to 75% of market changes). Projects must include at least 15% affordable units (minimum two units) with 15-year affordability covenants, and limit residential units to 16 per development. The bill also establishes a Vermont Housing Special Fund to manage interest from credit facility loans used for bulk purchasing of off-site housing and mobile home park infrastructure.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

passed both · Vermont · House May 21, 2026

HCR 305: House concurrent resolution honoring former Representative Francis Matthew (Topper) McFaun for his exemplary public and community service

This bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors the life and public service of former Representative Francis Matthew "Topper" McFaun. It recognizes his long career in Vermont, which included roles in the executive branch, local government, and coaching, as well as his nearly 11 years serving in the House of Representatives. The resolution formally acknowledges his contributions to the community and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to him.

signed · Vermont · House May 21, 2026

H 385: An act relating to remedies and protections for victims of coerced debt

H.385 prohibits creditors from causing "coerced debt" - debt incurred through domestic abuse, human trafficking, economic abuse, or fraud - and creates remedies for victims. It directly affects survivors of abuse or trafficking who owe debt obtained without their consent or under coercion. Key provisions require creditors to stop all collection efforts, return payments, and notify credit bureaus within 10 business days if a debtor provides a "statement of coerced debt" plus adequate documentation (like police reports or certified statements from domestic violence advocates). The bill defines "coerced debt" as debt stemming from unauthorized use of personal information, threats, or economic control in abusive relationships.