Healthcare

Vermont's S.71, the Vermont Data Privacy Act, creates new rules for businesses handling personal data of Vermont residents. It requires businesses to obtain clear, affirmative consent (not dark patterns or broad terms) before collecting personal data, with special protections for sensitive information like reproductive health, gender-affirming care, and precise location data (within 1,750 feet). The law prohibits using geofencing to track individuals near sensitive locations like abortion clinics or mental health facilities. It directly affects all businesses processing personal data of Vermont residents, including tech companies, retailers, and health services, by mandating transparency and restricting how they can use or share consumer information.

This bill (H 545) authorizes Vermont's Commissioner of Health to issue immunization recommendations for both children and adults, including standing orders for healthcare providers. It requires health insurers to cover all recommended vaccines without any cost-sharing (like copays or deductibles) and allows the Department of Health to purchase vaccines directly from the CDC or other vendors at the lowest cost. The bill directly affects Vermont residents (ensuring free access to recommended vaccines), healthcare providers (who gain liability protection when following standing orders), and health insurers (mandated to cover costs). Key policy changes include eliminating out-of-pocket costs for recommended immunizations and establishing a new advisory committee to set annual vaccine funding assessments.