Technology

introduced · Vermont · House May 20, 2025

H 520: An act relating to the right of users to control their social media data

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.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates social media companies to allow user data deletion and portability, directly advancing data privacy protections and user control per topic indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy Social Media

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introduced · Vermont · House Jan 22, 2025

H 54: An act relating to cell phone-free schools

This bill would require Vermont public schools, independent schools, career and technical centers, and prequalified private prekindergarten programs to ban student use of cell phones and personal electronic devices during the entire school day, from arrival to dismissal. It also prohibits schools from using social media to communicate with students directly. Exceptions are permitted for students with documented medical needs (requiring physician documentation) or for those using devices as part of an individualized education program (IEP) or 504 plan. The policy aims to reduce distractions and support student well-being, aligning with findings about youth mental health and social media use.

Topics ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill explicitly bans student cell phone and device use in schools, restricting technology access per 'limit' indicator without protective or supportive language.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Social Media

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introduced · Vermont · House Feb 26, 2025

H 371: An act relating to the use of dynamic pricing by retail establishments

H 371 imposes a moratorium on retailers using electronic shelf labels or AI-driven dynamic pricing (where prices change in real-time) for consumer goods like food and household items until January 15, 2027. During this period, the Secretary of Agriculture must report to the legislature on how such pricing works and how to protect consumers from unfair practices. After the moratorium ends, retailers may use electronic shelf labels but cannot change prices dynamically while open to the public or alter prices more frequently than every 24 hours. The bill directly affects retail businesses selling consumer commodities in Vermont and aims to establish clear consumer protections around pricing transparency.

Topics ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill restricts AI-driven dynamic pricing in retail via moratorium, directly limiting a technology application to protect consumers, aligning with 'oppose' indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

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introduced · Vermont · House Feb 19, 2025

H 265: An act relating to prohibiting the imposition of convenience fees on online municipal utility payments

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.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits convenience fees for online utility payments, promoting digital equity by reducing financial barriers to technology access for low-income residents.85% confidence

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signed · Vermont · Senate Jun 13, 2025

S 59: An act relating to amendments to Vermont’s Open Meeting Law

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.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates electronic recording and public online access for meetings, enhancing digital transparency and accessibility per bill's hybrid meeting requirements.85% confidence

Tags Government Transparency

introduced · Vermont · House Feb 25, 2025

H 318: An act relating to computer science in Vermont’s public schools

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.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates computer science curriculum across all K-12 levels, expanding educational access and enhancing student programs per bill's requirements.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates computer science education across all Vermont public school levels to build foundational tech skills and promote digital equity through standardized curricula and participation reporting.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum Teachers

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introduced · Vermont · House Jan 9, 2025

H 11: An act relating to consumer protections applicable to broadband and VoIP services

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.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates net neutrality compliance, prohibits predatory data caps, and requires consumer protections for broadband services, advancing consumer rights in technology.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access

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passed · Vermont · House Apr 2, 2025

H 342: An act relating to protecting the personal information of certain public servants

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.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRestricts data brokers from sharing personal info of public servants, directly strengthening data privacy protections per bill's scope.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

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introduced · Vermont · House Feb 26, 2025

H 365: An act relating to the regulation of social media platforms and artificial intelligence systems

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.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates privacy policies, restricts harmful AI/social media features for minors, enforces high default privacy settings per bill's requirements.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Social Media

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introduced · Vermont · Senate Feb 19, 2025

S 74: An act relating to the collection, sharing, and selling of consumer health data

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.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRegulates health data collection/sharing with consent requirements and deletion rights, strengthening consumer privacy protections95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

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