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.
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.
H 520 is a bill that proposes to enhance individual users' control over their data on social media platforms. It aims to require social media companies to provide users with the ability to delete their personal data. Additionally, the bill mandates that companies allow users to obtain their data in a portable format and transfer it to other social media platforms.
H 265, the "Fair Access to Online Utility Payment Act," prohibits Vermont municipalities from charging convenience fees for online payments of municipal utility bills (electric, water, wastewater, or communications). It directly affects ratepayers - especially low-income residents - and municipalities that currently impose such fees. Key provisions require municipalities to absorb all online payment processing costs into general budgets (not pass them to customers), disclose these costs in annual budgets, and justify any rate increases tied to payment systems. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and includes support for municipalities to transition to cost-efficient payment methods.
This bill amends Vermont's Open Meeting Law to require all State nonadvisory public bodies (like state agencies and boards) to hold meetings in a "hybrid" format, combining in-person and online access. It mandates that these bodies electronically record all meetings, retain the recordings for 30 days, and make them publicly accessible online. The bill also requires posting meeting details and agendas in physical public locations (like town offices) and specifies that executive sessions - where the public is excluded - can only occur for limited reasons (e.g., security risks or confidential financial matters) and with strict voting rules. These changes apply exclusively to State-level nonadvisory bodies, not local governments or advisory groups.
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H 318 requires all Vermont public schools to offer computer science education starting in the 2025-2026 school year: high schools must provide at least one course for grades 9-12, middle schools must offer exploratory computer science for grades 6-8, and elementary schools must teach foundational computer science and computational thinking. The bill establishes standards for course quality, mandates annual reporting on student participation (disaggregated by gender, race, disability status, etc.) and teacher qualifications, and creates a grant program to fund teacher professional development in computer science. School districts must submit detailed reports to the Agency of Education, which will publicly post aggregated data on course offerings and student demographics. This bill directly affects Vermont's public schools, teachers, and students by integrating computer science into the curriculum while supporting educator training and tracking equity in access.
This bill establishes the Vermont Broadband Consumer Protection and Competition Act to safeguard consumers using broadband and VoIP services in Vermont. It requires broadband providers to obtain a net neutrality compliance certificate by October 2025 and prohibits unfair practices like misleading marketing, excessive termination fees, and predatory data caps (except for reasonable network management). Providers must also maintain complaint records and submit broadband availability data to the state to help track service issues and improve rural access. These rules aim to promote fair competition, reliable service, and consumer choice, particularly benefiting Vermonters in areas with limited broadband options.
H 342 protects the personal information of specific Vermont public servants and their families by restricting data brokers from disclosing certain details. It applies to judges, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, public defenders, parole/probation officers, and related staff (including their immediate families), prohibiting brokers from sharing home addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and vehicle identifiers. Covered individuals can request brokers stop sharing their protected information within 15 days, with violations subject to $10,000 civil penalties. The law excludes government agencies from being classified as "data brokers" under this provision.
H 365 requires social media platforms and artificial intelligence (AI) providers operating in Vermont to annually register with the Secretary of State by January 31, pay a $100 fee, and submit privacy policies. The bill directly affects companies using platforms or AI systems with Vermont residents, mandating they avoid harmful design features for minors (like excessive use prompts), set high default privacy settings, block unknown adult contact without minor-initiated interaction, and prohibit using minors' data for targeted advertising. Providers must also comply with "product safety and privacy terms" focused on preventing algorithmic discrimination and "heightened risk of harm" to minors, including unfair data processing. Violations can trigger daily $50 fines (capped at $10,000 annually) and civil penalties enforced by the Attorney General.
S 74, the Vermont My Health My Data Act, regulates how businesses collect, share, and sell Vermont residents' health data. It directly affects Vermont residents and any company handling their health information within the state. Key provisions require clear consumer consent before collecting or sharing data (prohibiting deceptive "dark patterns" in terms of use), grant consumers the right to delete their data, and ban selling health data without explicit authorization. The law specifically protects sensitive health information - including reproductive care, gender-affirming treatment, and biometric data - and prohibits tracking near healthcare facilities through geofencing.
