Technology

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 28, 2026

H 804: An act relating to companion chatbots

H 804 requires operators of companion chatbots (AI systems designed to provide social interaction) to clearly disclose to users that they are interacting with artificial intelligence, not humans. It mandates safety protocols to prevent chatbots from generating suicidal content or ignoring users expressing self-harm, and requires operators to provide crisis resources when such content is detected. For minors (users under 18), the bill adds specific requirements: immediate AI disclosure, 30-minute reminders to take breaks, and protocols blocking sexually explicit content. The bill applies to operators of platforms offering these companion chatbots, excluding standard customer service, gaming, or basic voice assistant tools. Operators must annually report safety protocol usage to Vermont's Attorney General without sharing user data.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates AI disclosure and safety protocols to protect users from harmful content, aligning with consumer protection regulations in digital rights.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

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introduced · Vermont · Senate Jan 15, 2026

S 259: An act relating to online driver education

Vermont's S.259 allows the classroom portion of driver education to be completed through approved online courses. It directly affects Vermont students aged 15+ enrolled in public or independent high schools. The bill requires online courses to meet specific standards: using rotating exams, verifying student identity, tracking study time, ensuring data security, and providing technical support. Courses must align with the state's Novice Teen Driver Education standards and will be approved by the Agency of Education and DMV. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationAllows online driver education with quality standards, expanding access to required curriculum component for high school students (ages 15+) in Vermont.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates data security standards for online courses, directly protecting data privacy and enhancing cybersecurity in digital education platforms.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill modernizes driver education delivery while maintaining safety standards (rotating exams, identity verification), directly supporting transportation safety through regulated online instruction for novice drivers.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Vehicle Registration

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introduced · Vermont · House Jan 16, 2026

H 714: An act relating to automated employment decision making and State employees

H.714 requires Vermont state agencies to publicly disclose any automated tools (like AI or algorithms) used for employment decisions affecting wages, hiring, promotion, or discipline. Agencies must post details about these tools on their websites, including their purpose and when they began using them. The bill explicitly protects unionized state employees by ensuring these tools cannot reduce job security, benefits, or collective bargaining rights. It also creates a study committee to examine the impact on state employees and explore extending these requirements to municipal workers, teachers, and public college staff.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExplicitly protects unionized employees' collective bargaining rights and job security from AI employment tools, directly advancing labor protections.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates transparency for AI tools in employment decisions, protects worker rights, and aligns with data privacy regulation principles by requiring public disclosure of automated systems.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Collective Bargaining Public Employees Artificial Intelligence

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introduced · Vermont · House Jan 6, 2026

H 560: An act relating to the Cybersecurity Advisory Council

This bill (H.560) amends Vermont's Cybersecurity Advisory Council membership by adding three new positions: the Chair of the House Committee on Energy and Digital Infrastructure, the Chair of the Senate Committee on Institutions, and a representative from the Judiciary appointed by the Chief Justice. The Council advises the state on cybersecurity infrastructure, best practices, communications protocols, and safeguards. These changes aim to strengthen legislative and judicial input into cybersecurity planning. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill strengthens cybersecurity advisory structure by adding legislative/judicial roles to enhance state cybersecurity practices and safeguards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity

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introduced · Vermont · Senate Jan 27, 2026

S 310: An act relating to subscription renewal notifications

Vermont's S.310 requires businesses offering subscriptions with indefinite renewal terms to send consumers an annual notification about their right to cancel. This applies to services like streaming or software subscriptions (excluding financial institutions and insurance) and mandates clear notices stating renewal dates, automatic renewal terms, and simple cancellation methods (phone, email, or online). Businesses must provide this notice 30-60 days before renewal dates and ensure cancellation is easy without extra steps. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires clear subscription cancellation notices for digital services (streaming/software), enhancing consumer control over recurring charges - a form of consumer protection in digital markets.90% confidence

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introduced · Vermont · House Jan 20, 2026

H 720: An act relating to the Cloud Computing Public Utility Act

This bill would classify cloud computing services as public utilities in Vermont, bringing them under the regulatory oversight of the Public Utility Commission and Department of Public Service. It directly affects cloud service providers meeting specific revenue or customer thresholds (set by the Commission) and their consumers, who would benefit from regulated fair practices. Key provisions require providers to avoid unfair tactics like vendor lock-in or opaque pricing, while the Commission monitors the market to ensure reliability and security. The law aims to protect Vermont residents and businesses by applying utility-style regulations to cloud services, which the bill states are now essential to the state's economic welfare.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRegulates cloud providers to prevent unfair practices like vendor lock-in, aligning with consumer protection in digital rights and fair tech practices.95% confidence

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introduced · Vermont · Senate Jan 23, 2026

S 302: An act relating to limiting the collection of personally identifying information

S.302 prohibits Vermont public agencies from collecting or disclosing certain personally identifying information, including immigration status and religious affiliation, unless required by federal law. It specifically bans using state resources to assist federal registration programs based on such data and requires agencies continuing to collect immigration information to explain why by December 2026. The bill affects all state and local government entities, including police, schools, and social services, by restricting how they handle sensitive personal data. It includes exceptions for compliance with federal laws like 8 U.S.C. §§ 1373 and 1644, and permits sharing aggregated, non-identifiable data. The law takes effect upon passage.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits police from collecting immigration status, protecting civil rights and enhancing law enforcement accountability - key criminal justice reform indicators.85% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationProhibits state agencies from collecting/disclosing immigration status, bans state resources for federal registration programs, and limits state-federal cooperation on immigration enforcement.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits collection of PII (immigration status, religious affiliation), directly enhancing data privacy protections under technology policies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing Data Privacy

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introduced · Vermont · House Jan 16, 2026

H 706: An act relating to internet browsers and data selling

H 706 requires internet browser developers (like companies that make Chrome or Firefox) to include a simple, easily accessible setting in their browsers. This setting lets users send a clear signal to websites that they do not want their personal data sold. The bill directly affects browser companies and aims to give consumers control over how their data is used by requiring browsers to support this opt-out functionality. It defines "personal data" broadly to include information linked to individuals or devices, and includes enforcement through the Attorney General. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires browsers to enable user opt-out of data selling, directly protecting consumer privacy rights through mandatory browser functionality.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

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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 ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill establishes strict data privacy standards for state agencies, requiring minimal data collection and prohibiting unauthorized disclosure - directly protects personal information under data privacy framework.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

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vetoed · Vermont · House May 29, 2026

H 727: An act relating to sustainable data center deployment

H.727 establishes a regulatory framework for data centers in Vermont that use 20 megawatts or more of power. It requires the Public Utility Commission to create a separate ratepayer class and specific contract terms for data centers, including 10-year minimum agreements and cost-sharing mechanisms to prevent existing customers from bearing undue infrastructure costs. Before construction can begin, the Commission must issue a "certificate of public good" after assessing impacts on electric system reliability, local communities, environmental protections (including air/water quality and agricultural soils), and economic benefits. The bill directly affects data center developers, electric utilities, and Vermont ratepayers by mandating standardized contracts and site reviews to balance industry growth with community and environmental safeguards.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill establishes regulatory framework for sustainable data center deployment, enabling growth of technology infrastructure while preventing undue cost burdens on ratepayers.90% confidence

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