Technology

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 29, 2026

H 824: An act relating to smartphone-connected vehicles

H 824 requires app publishers of smartphone-connected vehicle applications (like those controlling car features or tracking location) to include a simple in-vehicle process allowing occupants to see who is connected to the vehicle and disconnect any user. The process must be as easy as connecting, work inside the vehicle without special tools, and disconnect users within 30 minutes. This directly affects app developers and vehicle app providers, ensuring drivers or passengers can quickly sever remote connections. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and aligns with consumer protection standards for vehicle technology.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates in-vehicle user control over app connections, enhancing data privacy by requiring disconnection features for vehicle apps90% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection

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introduced · Vermont · Senate Jan 6, 2026

S 207: An act relating to prohibiting surveillance pricing

This Vermont bill (S.207) prohibits businesses from using "surveillance pricing" to set different prices for consumer products based on data collected through electronic surveillance technology (like AI or tracking tools). It directly affects retailers, online sellers, and service providers in Vermont that sell consumer products (e.g., groceries, electronics, subscriptions). The law bans price discrimination using personally identifiable or aggregated consumer data, except for price differences based solely on actual costs, equal discounts for all customers (with clear notice and consent if personal data is used), or licensed insurance companies following existing rate rules. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits surveillance pricing using consumer data from tracking/AI, directly strengthening data privacy protections against exploitative tech practices.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

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introduced · Vermont · House Jan 22, 2026

H 752: An act relating to the Agency of Digital Services

H 752 requires Vermont's Agency of Digital Services to annually review all state government computer systems that make decisions (like benefits or permits) for cybersecurity risks and personal data vulnerabilities. The bill amends state law (sections 3303 and 3305) to mandate that the Agency's annual inventory of these systems include assessments of privacy risks and cybersecurity safeguards. If a system is found to pose significant risks, the Agency can formally request that state agencies terminate its use. This directly affects all Vermont state departments using automated decision systems that process personal data or make government decisions.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates annual cybersecurity and privacy risk assessments of state decision-making systems, strengthening data protection and cybersecurity safeguards per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity Digital Government

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introduced · Vermont · House Jan 27, 2026

H 784: An act relating to the regulation of chatbots

This bill requires chatbot providers operating in Vermont to protect users' data privacy and security, clearly disclose when users are interacting with an AI (not a human), and allow users to access their own chat logs. It defines key terms like "chatbot" (AI systems simulating conversation) and "affirmative consent" (clear permission, not hidden terms of use), and prohibits deceptive "dark patterns." The law applies to all chatbot providers within Vermont, directly affecting users who interact with these services. Key provisions mandate transparent data handling, user access to their input/output data, and strict rules against misleading consent practices.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates data privacy protections, AI transparency disclosure, and prohibits deceptive dark patterns - directly advancing consumer protection in AI technology95% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

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signed · Vermont · House May 29, 2026

H 816: An act relating to regulating the use of artificial intelligence in the provision of mental health services

H.816 prohibits mental health professionals in Vermont from using artificial intelligence to make therapeutic judgments, diagnoses, treatments, or provide therapeutic communication to clients. It specifically bans advertising or offering mental health services that claim AI provides these clinical functions. The bill allows AI use for administrative tasks like scheduling, documentation, or quality improvement, as long as licensed professionals retain full clinical responsibility. Violations would be enforced under Vermont's Consumer Protection Act, giving the Attorney General authority to take action. This directly affects all mental health service providers, including therapists and clinics, operating within Vermont.

Topics ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareBill prohibits AI use in clinical mental health decisions (diagnoses, treatments), restricting AI's role in core healthcare services to maintain professional responsibility.95% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyProhibits AI use for clinical judgments, diagnoses, and therapy in mental health, restricting AI application in regulated healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Artificial Intelligence

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 6, 2026

H 581: An act relating to limiting the reporting of certain medications to the Vermont Prescription Monitoring System

H.581 exempts medications prescribed for reproductive health care or gender-affirming care from being reported to Vermont’s Prescription Monitoring System (PMS), unless the Commissioner of Health determines reporting is necessary for public health. It also prohibits sharing any existing PMS data about these medications with other states’ monitoring systems. This directly affects healthcare providers prescribing these medications in Vermont, removing a reporting requirement for their patients’ care. The changes take effect July 1, 2026, modifying Vermont law (18 V.S.A. §4283 and §4288).

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill exempts reproductive/gender-affirming care medications from reporting, protecting patient privacy and access to healthcare services, aligning with patient rights support indicators.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExempts reproductive/gender-affirming care data from reporting and sharing, enhancing patient data privacy protections within healthcare systems.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health Women's Health

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signed · Vermont · Senate May 29, 2026

S 232: An act relating to public libraries and the Department of Libraries

This bill designates the third Monday in October as "Vermont Libraries Day" to raise awareness about library services. It expands funding access for public libraries by explicitly including them as eligible recipients for the Universal Afterschool and Summer Special Fund (supporting after-school/summer reading programs) and early education grants. The bill updates the definition of "collection" to include digital materials in all library statutes, requires the Department of Libraries to publish funding guidance for municipalities, and authorizes towns to issue bonds for library facility improvements. These changes directly benefit Vermont's public libraries and the communities they serve by enhancing their access to resources and infrastructure support.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill designates libraries as eligible for existing after-school/summer grants, increasing funding access for public libraries as a public service.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands funding for public libraries to support after-school/summer reading programs and early education grants, directly enhancing educational access and resources.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyUpdates library statutes to include digital materials, expanding access to technology resources for public libraries.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Libraries

introduced · Vermont · Senate Jan 6, 2026

S 159: An act relating to removing the sunset on 30 V.S.A. § 248a

This bill removes an expiration date (sunset) for the Vermont Public Utility Commission's authority to approve telecommunications facilities under 30 V.S.A. § 248a. It directly affects telecom companies seeking permits for infrastructure and the Public Utility Commission, which would no longer face a deadline for processing new applications. The key provision deletes the existing clause stating that no new applications could be considered after July 1, 2026. The change takes effect on July 1, 2026, ensuring the Commission's authority to issue certificates of public good for telecom facilities continues indefinitely.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRemoves sunset on telecom facility approvals, enabling ongoing infrastructure development and supporting internet access expansion.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Telecommunications

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introduced · Vermont · House Feb 25, 2025

H 340: An act relating to regulating developers and deployers of certain automated decision systems

This Vermont bill regulates developers and deployers of automated decision systems (ADS) used in consequential decisions - such as hiring, housing, loan approvals, or healthcare access - to prevent algorithmic discrimination. It requires businesses to clearly inform consumers before using ADS in such decisions, explaining what data is measured, how it is used, and how it influences outcomes. The bill prohibits the use of ADS that result in discriminatory treatment based on protected characteristics like race, gender, age, or disability. These requirements apply to businesses operating in Vermont that deploy or develop ADS for decisions materially affecting residents' rights, liberties, or welfare.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill prohibits discriminatory ADS in healthcare access, ensuring equitable patient access and protecting rights per its summary.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill prohibits discriminatory ADS in housing decisions, directly preventing housing discrimination per its summary and indicators.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentPrevents algorithmic discrimination in hiring decisions, directly protecting workers' rights in employment processes.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRegulates ADS for transparency and anti-discrimination, aligning with data privacy and consumer protection indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Consumer Data Protection

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introduced · Vermont · House Feb 26, 2025

H 387: An act relating to the creation of a property right for an individual’s personal characteristics

H 387 would require businesses and individuals to obtain an individual's consent before using their name, likeness, voice, portrait, or picture for commercial purposes. The bill creates a legal right that gives people control over how their personal characteristics are used in advertising, marketing, or promotional materials. It directly affects businesses that market products or services and individuals whose image or voice might be used without permission. This law aims to protect personal privacy by preventing unauthorized commercial exploitation of an individual's identity.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates consent for commercial use of personal data (name, likeness), directly enhancing data privacy protections under technology policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection

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