Veterans (National Guard & Reserve)

This bill designates April 2026 as the Month of the Military Child in Vermont to honor the children of military service members. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the Vermont National Guard Office of Child & Youth Services. The measure serves as a formal recognition rather than implementing new programs or funding.

This bill is a formal congratulatory resolution from the Vermont General Assembly honoring Sophia Parker of Addison for being selected as the 80th Miss Vermont. It recognizes her background as a registered nurse and Army National Guard sergeant who also co-founded a wildlife rescue organization. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Parker and the Miss Vermont Scholarship Organization, serving as an official acknowledgment of her achievement rather than creating new policy or funding.

HCR 196 is a ceremonial resolution honoring U.S. Army Major General Gregory Knight, Vermont's Adjutant and Inspector General, for his 43-year military and public service career. It formally commends his service - including deployments to Iraq, academic achievements, leadership in the Vermont National Guard, and his seven-year tenure as the state's top military officer - and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to him and the Vermont National Guard. This resolution does not create new laws or affect policy; it is a symbolic gesture of recognition. The bill was offered by all members of both the House and Senate.

This bill exempts Vermont National Guard members' state active duty subsistence and quarters allowance from the state's personal income tax. It directly affects Vermont-resident National Guard members who receive this specific allowance during state active duty. The key provision adds this allowance to Vermont's list of exempt military income, removing it from taxable income calculations. The exemption applies retroactively to tax years beginning January 1, 2025, and takes effect January 1, 2026.

H 68 expands Vermont's National Guard Tuition Benefit Program to cover graduate degrees and second bachelor's degrees, directly affecting Vermont National Guard members who meet eligibility criteria. The bill allows members to receive tuition benefits for graduate studies or a second undergraduate degree, provided they haven't previously used the program for an undergraduate degree. Key provisions include requiring a two-year service commitment for each year of tuition benefit received and mandating repayment if members leave service early or fail to complete their degree while employed in Vermont. This update extends existing coverage beyond undergraduate programs without altering the core structure of the benefit program.

S 130 expands Vermont's National Guard Tuition Benefit Program to cover graduate degrees and second bachelor's degrees for eligible members. It directly affects Vermont National Guard members pursuing these advanced credentials at Vermont institutions or approved non-Vermont schools with no Vermont equivalent. Key provisions require members to complete a two-year service commitment for each year of benefit received, with repayment required if they fail to fulfill this commitment or leave the Guard without good cause. The program continues to cover in-state tuition rates at Vermont schools and maintains existing eligibility requirements like academic progress and prior use of federal military education benefits.