This Vermont House joint resolution urges the U.S. Congress to pass H.R. 5356, a bill establishing a National Infrastructure Bank to fund critical public projects. The proposed bank would provide up to $5 trillion in direct loans and financing for initiatives such as repairing roads and bridges, upgrading water systems, expanding broadband, and building affordable housing. Modeled after historical federal financing institutions, the bank is designed to support projects that pay prevailing wages, prioritize American-made materials, and offer financial assistance to minority and women-owned businesses. While the resolution highlights Vermont's specific infrastructure challenges and rising homelessness as context, its primary function is to formally request federal action rather than create new state laws. The measure directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to the Governor, the President, and Vermont's congressional representatives.
H.898 requires Vermont telecommunications carriers transitioning from copper-based phone networks to fiber-based VoIP service to provide clear, timely notice to customers. Specifically, carriers must mail and email written notices 120, 60, and 30 days before the transition, detailing service changes, backup power options (including battery systems for power outages), and emergency service impacts. The bill also mandates annual reports from VoIP providers to the state about customer adoption of backup power systems and any E-911 service interruptions due to power loss. This directly affects residential customers, particularly vulnerable groups like elderly or medically dependent users who rely on consistent emergency call access during outages. The law aims to ensure reliable service continuity during network modernization by strengthening consumer disclosures and state oversight.
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.
This bill requires Vermont internet service providers to offer affordable broadband service to low-income households starting October 2025. It defines "affordable" as 25 Mbps for $15/month (including fees) or 200 Mbps for $20/month, targeting households qualifying for federal Lifeline or Vermont's Home Heating Fuel Assistance Program. Providers must report on service availability, customer eligibility verification, and pricing annually, while the Public Utility Commission will adjust prices for inflation and review speed standards every five years. Small providers serving under 20,000 customers may be exempt if compliance would cause financial hardship.
HCR 18 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Vermont's communications union districts (CUDs) for their work bringing fiber-optic broadband to rural areas. It recognizes that CUDs - local entities formed under 2015 law - reduced the number of rural internet addresses with poor service from 100,000 to 20,000 by building infrastructure using municipal bonds and grants without burdening communities. The resolution formally expresses the General Assembly’s appreciation and directs copies to the CUDs, the Vermont Community Development Board, and the Governor. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new policy or funding.
