| Bill | Position | Title | Sponsors | Note | Status | Committees | Upcoming Hearings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H.8 | An Act Relating To A Tax Credit For Home Modifications For Safety And Livability | Rep. Mary-Katherine Stone | proposes a personal income tax credit for home modifications that enhance safety and livability. Eligible individuals can claim up to $15,000 in qualified expenses, including ramps, stair lifts, widened doorways, bathroom renovations, and other accessibility improvements. The credit can be carried over for up to three years if it exceeds the individual's tax liability. The bill aims to help individuals live safely in their homes and takes effect retroactively on January 1, 2025, applying to taxable years on and after that date. This credit is a one-time lifetime benefit. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means (01/09/25) | House Ways and Means | ||
| H.33 | An Act Relating To Expanding Employee Access To Unpaid Leave | Rep. Troy Headrick; Rep. Chloe Tomlinson; Rep. Edward Waszazak; et al. | This bill proposes to expand access to unpaid family and medical leave and provide job-protected leave from employment for reasons related to domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, bereavement, and a qualifying exigency. This bill also proposes to eliminate barriers for LGBTQ+ families in accessing caregiving leave and to establish reporting requirements to track the impact of expanded access. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on General and Housing (01/15/25) | House General and Housing | ||
| H.42 | An Act Relating To The Creation Of The Housing Board Of Appeals | Rep. Thomas Stevens; Rep. Esme Cole; Rep. Kate McCann; et al. | This board will hear appeals of zoning decisions related to housing construction, with the goal of increasing the state's housing supply. The board will consist of three full-time members with expertise in land use law and housing development. They will have the authority to affirm, reverse, or modify municipal zoning decisions and award remedies. The bill also establishes the appeals process, including filing fees, notice requirements, and hearing procedures. The board's decisions can be appealed to the Supreme Court. The bill appropriates $600,000 for the board's creation | Read first time and referred to the Committee on General and Housing (01/17/25) | House General and Housing | ||
| H.50 | An Act Relating To Identifying Underutilized State Buildings And Land | Rep. Conor Casey; Rep. Kate McCann | This bill proposes to task the Department of Buildings and General Services with identifying State real property suitable for conversion into affordable housing. | Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Institutions (03/18/25) | House Corrections and Institutions; House General and Housing; Senate Institutions | ||
| H.129 High | High Priority | An Act Relating To The State Aid For School Construction Program | Rep. Alice Emmons; Rep. Christopher Taylor; Rep. Erin Brady | This bill proposes to establish a new State Aid for School Construction Program within the Agency of Education to provide State debt service subsidy to school districts undertaking eligible school construction projects, with varying amounts of State aid available based on bonus incentive criteria adopted by rule of the Agency. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on Education (01/31/25) | House Education | |
| H.149 | An Act Relating To Expanding Equal Pay Protections | Rep. Thomas Stevens | This bill proposes to extend equal pay protections to individuals in all protected classes: sex, race, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Adds classes: color, religion, ancestry, place of birth, age, or crime victim status | Read first time and referred to the Committee on General and Housing (02/05/25) | House General and Housing | ||
| H.163 | An Act Relating To Workers' Compensation | Rep. Monique Priestley; Rep. Abbey Duke; Rep. Emily Carris-Duncan; et al. | This bill proposes to include health insurance benefits in the definition of wages for workers’ compensation claims; to require carriers to pay for translation services; to allow claimants to request medical case management services; and to increase penalties for late payments of workers’ compensation benefits. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development (02/07/25) | House Commerce and Economic Development | ||
| H.181 High | High Priority | An Act Relating To Residential And Commercial Building Energy Standards | Rep. R. Scott Campbell; Rep. Barbara Rachelson; Rep. Bram Kleppner; et al. | aims to improve energy efficiency in Vermont's buildings. The bill extends the term of the Building Energy Code Working Group and directs the Public Service Department to establish a framework to attribute savings to building energy code compliance. It also requires the Department to develop a methodology for calculating and reporting greenhouse gas savings annually. The bill allows for a 6 month period after adoption of any new energy code updates before compliance begins. The bill makes changes to the Residential Builder Registry, reducing the registration threshold from $10,000 to $2,000 and requiring liability insurance coverage for registrants. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on Energy and Digital Infrastructure (02/11/25) | House Energy and Digital Infrastructure | |
| H.201 | An Act Relating To Prohibiting Discrimination Based On An Individual's Criminal History | Rep. Barbara Rachelson; Rep. Kevin Christie; Rep. Troy Headrick | The bill amends existing laws to include "criminal history" as a protected category, making it unlawful to discriminate against individuals with a criminal record in employment, housing, and public accommodations. Exceptions apply where federal or state laws require disqualification based on specific crimes. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on General and Housing (02/12/25) | House General and Housing | ||
| H.205 | An Act Relating To Agreements Not To Compete | Rep. Michael Marcotte; Rep. Abbey Duke; Rep. Anthony Micklus; et al. | proposes to prohibit noncompete agreements that restrict the ability of franchisees and employees from operating their businesses or competing with their former employers after separation. Exceptions include agreements related to the sale of a business, dissolution of a partnership or limited liability company, and severance agreements with reasonable limitations. Additionally, the bill does not apply to employees earning $100,000 or more annually in gross wages. Employers must notify employees and franchisees that existing agreements not to compete are void and unenforceable. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development (02/12/25) | House Commerce and Economic Development | ||
| H.235 | An Act Relating To Unemployment Insurance Eligibility And Benefits | Rep. Conor Casey | proposes changes to unemployment insurance eligibility and benefits. The bill aims to exclude wages earned from non-qualifying work when determining weekly benefit amounts. Additionally, it makes individuals working for educational institutions in non-instructional, research, or administrative capacities eligible for unemployment insurance between academic terms. The bill amends existing laws to provide partial unemployment benefits and expands eligibility for certain educational institution employees. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development (02/18/25) | House Commerce and Economic Development | ||
| H.253 | An Act Relating To Workforce Housing Zones | Rep. Rebecca Holcombe; Rep. Kate Lalley | The bill proposes to establish a revolving fund for low-cost, climate-friendly modular housing, create workforce housing zones near job centers, and prioritize water and wastewater systems in these zones. The zones will receive benefits similar to designated neighborhood development areas, with adjusted thresholds for housing projects and subdivisions. The Agency of Natural Resources will study the feasibility of expanding water and wastewater systems in these zones. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on General and Housing (02/18/25) | House General and Housing | ||
| H.261 | An Act Relating To Establishing A 32-hour Workweek | Rep. Monique Priestley; Rep. Jubilee McGill; Rep. Kate McCann; et al. | H 261 proposes to establish a 32-hour workweek in Vermont. 1. **Overtime**: Employers must pay employees at least one and a half times their regular wage rate for hours worked beyond 32 hours in a workweek. 2. **Employment of Children**: Children under 16 years old cannot work more than 8 hours a day or 32 hours a week. 3. **Earned Sick Time**: Employees accrue earned sick time at a rate of one hour for every 41 hours worked, with a maximum accrual of 40 hours in a 12-month period. 4. **Short-Time Compensation Program**: The bill defines "usual weekly hours of work" as the normal hours of work for full-time or part-time employees, not to exceed 32 hours, excluding overtime work. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on General and Housing (02/19/25) | House General and Housing | ||
| H.262 | An Act Relating To Restricting Electronic Monitoring Of Employees And The Use Of Employment-related Automated Decision Systems | Rep. Monique Priestley; Rep. Brian Minier; Rep. Ela Chapin; et al. | restricts electronic monitoring of employees and the use of automated decision systems in employment-related decisions. Employers must provide notice and obtain consent before monitoring, and ensure that systems are fair, transparent, and free from bias. Employees have the right to access and correct their data. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on General and Housing (02/19/25) | House General and Housing | ||
| H.263 | An Act Relating To Creating A Right For Employees To Disconnect From Work | Rep. Monique Priestley; Rep. Brian Minier; Rep. Jubilee McGill; et al. | proposes a "right to disconnect" for employees, allowing them to ignore work communications during nonworking hours. Exceptions include emergencies and scheduling changes. Employers must establish a policy supporting this right, and violations may result in administrative penalties of at least $10,000. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on General and Housing (02/19/25) | House General and Housing | ||
| H.272 | An Act Relating To Development On Slopes | Rep. Gregory Burtt; Rep. Eric Maguire; Rep. Francis McFaun; et al. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on Environment (02/19/25) | House Environment | |||
| H.295 | An Act Relating To Payment Of Vacation Leave Upon Separation From Employment | Rep. Richard Nelson; Rep. William Greer; Rep. Alicia Malay; et al. | proposes requiring employers to pay out unused accrued vacation leave upon an employee's separation from employment. The bill amends the state's labor laws to include payment for unused vacation leave in an employee's final wages, whether they leave voluntarily or involuntarily. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on General and Housing (02/20/25) | House General and Housing | ||
| H.306 | An Act Relating To Prohibiting Deed Restrictions Or Covenants That Prohibit Use Of Property For Commercial Or Industrial Purposes | Rep. Edye Graning; Rep. Abbey Duke; Rep. Anthony Micklus; et al. | proposes to prohibit deed restrictions or covenants on property zoned for commercial or industrial uses if they prohibit or have the effect of prohibiting use of the property for commercial or industrial purposes. Exemptions include property interests held by qualified organizations or state agencies, conservation easements, historic preservation rights, and housing subsidy covenants | Read first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary (02/21/25) | House Judiciary | ||
| H.308 | An Act Relating To Exempting Sales Of Building Materials And Supplies From Sales And Use Tax | Rep. Ashley Bartley; Rep. Casey Toof; Rep. Emilie Krasnow; et al. | H 308 proposes to exempt all sales of building materials and supplies from sales and use tax in Vermont. The exemption aims to reduce construction costs and revitalize downtown districts. The bill would take effect on July 1, 2025, and sunset after three years, reverting back to a limited exemption for manufacturing facilities on July 1, 2028. The exemption includes all materials and supplies used in construction, renovation, or repair of buildings, but excludes blueprints. This bill aims to provide incentives for construction and economic growth in Vermont. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means (02/21/25) | House Ways and Means | ||
| H.334 | An Act Relating To Limiting Employer Restrictions On Individuals Separating From Employment | Rep. Kate Logan; Rep. Brian Cina; Rep. Chloe Tomlinson; et al. | prohibits non-compete agreements that prevent employees from competing with former employers and restricts "stay-or-pay" provisions that require employees to repay costs upon separation. Exceptions include agreements related to business sales, partnership dissolutions, and limited liability company terminations. Employers must notify employees of void agreements and cannot retaliate against those exercising their rights. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on General and Housing (02/25/25) | House General and Housing | 04/09/25 9:00 AM in Room 31 | |
| H.336 | An Act Relating To Enhancing Enforcement Of Employment Laws | Rep. Kate Logan; Rep. Brian Cina; Rep. Chloe Tomlinson; et al. | enhances enforcement of Vermont's employment laws by allowing employees, representative organizations, and whistleblowers to bring civil actions on behalf of the Commissioner of Labor. The bill establishes procedures for public enforcement actions, prohibits retaliation, and creates a Community Outreach and Workforce Education Special Fund. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on General and Housing (02/25/25) | House General and Housing | 04/08/25 1:10 PM in Room 31 | |
| H.338 | An Act Relating To Unemployment Compensation | Rep. Kate Logan; Rep. Brian Cina; Rep. Chloe Tomlinson; et al. | proposes to allow striking workers to receive unemployment compensation in Vermont. The bill amends the current law to remove disqualifications for benefits due to labor disputes, except in certain circumstances. Workers not participating in or financing the dispute, or those locked out by their employer, would be eligible for benefits. A 14-day waiting period would apply, unless the employer hires replacement workers. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development (02/25/25) | House Commerce and Economic Development | ||
| H.344 | An Act Relating To Creating A Good Cause Standard For Termination Of Employment | Rep. Kate Logan; Rep. Brian Cina; Rep. Chloe Tomlinson; et al. | proposes to establish a "good cause" standard for termination of employment in Vermont. The bill defines "good cause" as a reasonable, good-faith reason related to a legitimate business reason, excluding trivial, arbitrary, or capricious reasons. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on General and Housing (02/25/25) | House General and Housing | 04/08/25 1:30 PM in Room 31 | |
| H.347 | An Act Relating To Expanding Coverage Of The Minimum Wage And Overtime Laws And Maintaining The Authority Of The Attorney General To Enforce Complaints Of Employee Misclassification | Rep. Kate Logan; Rep. Brian Cina; Rep. Chloe Tomlinson; et al. | proposes to increase Vermont's minimum wage to $20.00 per hour and eliminate the tipped minimum wage. The bill also repeals the exemption of agricultural workers from minimum wage laws and phases in overtime pay for them. Additionally, it sets a minimum salary of $1,128.00 per week for executive, administrative, or professional employees to be exempt from minimum wage and overtime laws. The bill also removes the authority to recommend a subminimum wage for individuals with disabilities and maintains the Attorney General's authority to investigate and enforce complaints of employee misclassification. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on General and Housing (02/25/25) | House General and Housing | 04/08/25 1:40 PM in Room 31 | |
| H.412 | An Act Relating To Land Use And Housing Development | Rep. Patricia McCoy; Rep. Ashley Bartley; Rep. Deborah Dolgin; et al. | The bill proposes multiple changes to existing laws, including Act 250, to encourage housing development and improve the state's land use planning process. Key provisions include updates to the definitions of "development" and "priority housing project," changes to the jurisdictional opinion process, and the creation of a new "Tier 1A" area designation. The bill also includes provisions related to tax increment financing, wetlands regulation, and the creation of a Vermont Infrastructure Sustainability Fund. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on Environment (02/27/25) | House Environment | ||
| H.437 | An Act Relating To Establishing A Study Committee To Examine Universal Design Standards For Residential Buildings | Rep. Elizabeth Burrows | Read first time and referred to the Committee on General and Housing (02/28/25) | House General and Housing | |||
| H.438 | An Act Relating To Exempting Sales Of Building Materials And Supplies From Sales And Use Tax For Priority Housing Projects | Rep. Gina Galfetti | Read first time and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means (02/28/25) | House Ways and Means | |||
| H.439 | An Act Relating To The Creation Of The Whole Home Repairs Program | Rep. Kate Logan | proposes the creation of the Whole Home Repairs Program within the Department of Housing and Community Development. The program aims to provide funding to address habitability concerns, improve energy or water efficiency, and make dwellings accessible for individuals with disabilities. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on General and Housing (02/28/25) | House General and Housing | 04/08/25 1:50 PM in Room 31 | |
| H.459 | An Act Relating To The Parental And Family Leave Act | Rep. Conor Casey; Rep. Edward Waszazak | Read first time and referred to the Committee on General and Housing (03/11/25) | House General and Housing | |||
| H.461 | An Act Relating To Expanding Employee Access To Unpaid Leave | Rep. Emilie Krasnow | 1. Broadens the definition of "family member" to include non-traditional family structures, such as domestic partners, grandparents, and siblings. 2. Employees are entitled to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a 12-month period for parental leave, family leave, safe leave, or qualifying exigencies. Additionally, employees may take up to 2 weeks of bereavement leave. 3. Employees must provide reasonable written notice to their employer before taking leave, except in cases of emergency or unforeseen circumstances. 4. Employers may require certification from a healthcare provider or documentation to verify the need for leave, but must maintain confidentiality of private medical information. 5. Employees who take leave are entitled to return to their same or comparable job with the same level of compensation, benefits, and seniority. | Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs (03/26/25) | Senate Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs; House General and Housing | ||
| H.479 | An Act Relating To Housing | House Committee on General and Housing | Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs (04/01/25) | House Appropriations; House Ways and Means; Senate Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs; House General and Housing | |||
| H.491 | An Act Relating To Setting The Homestead Property Tax Yields And The Nonhomestead Property Tax Rate | House Committee on Ways and Means | Yield Bill. $1.703 per $100.00 of equalized education property value. | Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Finance (04/02/25) | Senate Finance; House Ways and Means | ||
| S.37 | An Act Relating To Unemployment Insurance Eligibility And Benefits | Sen. Alison Clarkson; Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale; Sen. Rebecca White | This bill proposes to provide that wages earned for work that would not qualify an individual to receive unemployment insurance benefits shall not be counted when determining an individual’s weekly unemployment insurance benefit amount, and to make individuals who work for an educational institution in any capacity other than an instructional, research, or principal administrative capacity eligible for unemployment insurance between academic terms. (If you make a small amount while unemployed, it won’t reduce your benefits as much as before.) | Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs (01/30/25) | Senate Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs | ||
| S.39 High | An Act Relating To The State Aid For School Construction Program | Sen. David Weeks; Sen. Martine Gulick; Sen. Robert Norris | This bill proposes to establish a new State Aid for School Construction Program within the Agency of Education to provide State debt service subsidy to school districts undertaking eligible school construction projects, with varying amounts of State aid available based on bonus incentive criteria adopted by rule of the Agency. | Committee on Education relieved; bill committed to Committee on Finance on motion of Senator Bongartz (03/11/25) | Senate Education | ||
| S.67 | An Act Relating To Increasing The State Minimum Wage Based On The Livable Wage | Sen. Alison Clarkson; Sen. Anne Watson; Sen. Martine Gulick; et al. | proposes to increase the state minimum wage to the livable wage, as established by the basic needs budget. The livable wage is defined as the average hourly wage required for a full-time worker to pay for basic needs, assuming shared housing and employer-assisted health insurance. The proposed minimum wage would be $18.60, effective January 1, 2026. Future increases would be tied to the Consumer Price Index. | Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs (02/13/25) | Senate Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs | ||
| S.70 | An Act Relating To Data Brokers And Personal Information | Sen. Alison Clarkson; Sen. Wendy Harrison; Sen. Joseph Major; et al. | proposes to enhance the protection of residents' personal information. It requires data brokers to provide notice of security breaches, certify the legitimate use of disclosed information, and delete personal data upon consumer request. The bill establishes an accessible deletion mechanism, enabling consumers to request deletion of their brokered personal information from all registered data brokers. Data brokers must register with the Secretary of State, pay a registration fee, and provide information about their data collection practices. The bill also establishes penalties for non-compliance and creates a Data Brokers Registry Fund to offset enforcement costs. | Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs (02/18/25) | Senate Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs | ||
| S.71 | An Act Relating To Consumer Data Privacy And Online Surveillance | Sen. Alison Clarkson; Sen. Wendy Harrison; Sen. Joseph Major; et al. | (As passed by the Senate - includes strike all amendment incorporating S.93). Aims to provide data privacy and online surveillance protections to Vermont residents. The bill applies to businesses that process personal data of 100,000 or more consumers, It establishes consumer rights, including the right to access, correct, and delete personal data, and opt-out of targeted advertising and data sales. The bill also requires businesses to conduct data protection assessments and implement reasonable security measures. Enforcement is led by the Attorney General. There are entity level exemptions for insurers and non-profits and others. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development (04/01/25) | Senate Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs; House Commerce and Economic Development; Senate Institutions | ||
| S.90 | An Act Relating To Employee Privacy Protections | Sen. Tanya Vyhovsky | aims to restrict employers from conducting criminal history checks, credit checks, and drug testing on employees and prospective employees unless directly related to the job. Employers can only inquire about criminal history after a conditional job offer and must consider the offense's nature, time passed, and relevance to the job. Credit checks are only allowed for positions involving financial responsibilities or confidential information. Drug testing is limited to situations with probable cause or direct relation to job duties. | Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs (02/26/25) | Senate Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs | ||
| S.102 | An Act Relating To Land Use And Housing Development | Sen. Scott Beck | 1. **Act 250 Exemptions:** The bill expands exemptions from Act 250 jurisdiction for certain housing projects, including those in designated downtown development districts, village centers, and neighborhood development areas. 2. **Land Use Review Board:** The bill establishes a new Land Use Review Board to oversee land use planning and development in the state. 3. **Tier 1A and Tier 1B Areas:** The bill creates new designations for areas with high-density development potential, allowing for more flexible land use regulations. 4. **Wetlands Regulation:** The bill updates wetlands regulations to prioritize the protection of existing wetlands and allow for more flexible permitting for certain projects. 5. **Tax Increment Financing:** The bill expands the use of tax increment financing (TIF) for municipal development projects, including housing and infrastructure development. 6. **Vermont Rental Housing Improvement Program:** The bill establishes a new program to provide funding for the rehabilitation and creation of rental housing units. 7. **Manufactured Home Improvement and Repair Program:** The bill creates a new program to provide funding for the improvement and repair of manufactured homes. 8. **Appropriations:** The bill appropriates funds for various housing and development programs, including the Vermont Rental Housing Improvement Program, the Manufactured Home Improvement and Repair Program, and the Vermont Infrastructure Sustainability Fund. | Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Natural Resources and Energy (02/28/25) | Senate Natural Resources and Energy | ||
| S.117 | An Act Relating To Rulemaking On Safety And Health Standards And Technical Corrections On Employment Practices And Unemployment Compensation | Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs | S 117 is a comprehensive bill that proposes various amendments to Vermont's labor laws, including modifications to the formal rulemaking requirements for the State's Occupational Safety and Health Plan, clarifications on employment practices, and technical corrections to unemployment compensation laws. **Key Provisions:** 1. **Safety and Health Rulemaking:** The bill modifies the formal rulemaking requirements for the State's Occupational Safety and Health Plan, allowing for the adoption of federal rules and standards without going through the state's rulemaking process. 2. **Wage and Hour:** The bill clarifies the calculation of the minimum wage and removes the Commissioner of Labor's authority to recommend a subminimum wage for individuals with disabilities. 3. **Notice of Potential Layoffs:** The bill changes the notice requirements for potential layoffs, reducing the threshold from 50 to 20 employees. 4. **Unemployment Compensation:** The bill provides employers and claimants with the option to receive unemployment insurance notices and determinations electronically. 5. **Short-Term Compensation Program:** The bill resumes the Short-Term Compensation Program effective upon completion of the modernization of the unemployment insurance system, which is now expected to be completed by July 1, 2026. **Effective Dates:** * Sections 1, 3, 5-21, and 22 take effect on July 1, 2025. * Sections 2 and 4 take effect on July 1, 2028. Overall, S 117 aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Vermont's labor laws, while also providing greater clarity and flexibility for employers and employees. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development (03/27/25) | Senate Appropriations; House Commerce and Economic Development | ||
| S.122 | An Act Relating To Economic And Workforce Development | Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs | S.122 Economic Development Bill Sec. 1: Downtown Tax Credits - ? Raises annual tax credit cap from $3M to $5M. Sec. 2: Small Business Support ? (a) $300K for legal training and support via Law School. ? (b) $350K for BIPOC business services through Professionals of Color Network. ? (c) $688K for expanded advising via Small Business Development Center. ? (d) $100K to create a business resource guide, website, and AI tool. ? (e) $581K to fund statewide microbusiness development programs. ? (f) $120K for executive coaching for small business owners. Sec. 3: Arts & Film Support ? (a) $1.07M to Vermont Arts Council, including federal match. ? (b) $120K to create a film/media industry database and staffing. Sec. 4: Outdoor Recreation Support ? $250K to help outdoor businesses adapt to climate and economic changes. Sec. 5: International Trade Office ? $350K to expand global trade, site tools, and show presence. Secs. 6?8: Vermont-Ireland Trade Commission ? Creates 10-member commission to strengthen Ireland-Vermont trade ties. Sec. 9: Access to Capital Study ? ACCD to study capital access and financing challenges for businesses. Sec. 10: Convention Center Study ? Task force to assess feasibility of Vermont convention and performance venue. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development (03/28/25) | Senate Appropriations; Senate Finance; House Commerce and Economic Development | ||
| S.125 | An Act Relating To Workers' Compensation And Collective Bargaining Rights | Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs | **Section 1: Workers' Compensation Definitions** The bill amends the definition of "medical case management" to include planning and coordination of health care services to achieve medical rehabilitation. **Section 2-4: Workers' Compensation Process and Procedure** The bill requires workers' compensation insurance carriers to pay for translation services to ensure injured employees can participate in the claims process. It also increases penalties for late payment of workers' compensation benefits. **Section 5: Labor Relations Definitions** The bill amends the definition of "employee" to include judiciary supervisors, allowing them to organize and bargain collectively. **Section 6: Vermont Labor Relations Board Appropriation** The bill appropriates $250,000 from the General Fund to the Labor Relations Board to increase staffing in fiscal year 2026. | Rep. Marcotte of Coventry moved that the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development be relieved of the bill and that the same be recommitted to the Committee on General and Housing, which was agreed to (04/03/25) | Senate Appropriations; House Commerce and Economic Development | ||
| S.127 | An Act Relating To Housing And Housing Development | Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs | Sec. 1 - Vermont Rental Housing Improvement Program Expands rental rehab grants and loans. $50K per unit, plus $20K for visitable standards. Targets priority renters. Revolving loan fund. Sec. 2 - Vermont Manufactured Home Improvement and Repair Program Provides financial aid for manufactured home improvements and park upgrades. $15K for homeowners, $20K for park owners. Sec. 3 - Vermont Infrastructure Sustainability Fund Creates loan fund for water, sewer, and infrastructure tied to housing. Administered by Vermont Bond Bank. $9.1M appropriation. Sec. 4 - VHFA First-Gen Homebuyer & Down Payment Assistance Expands tax credits & down payment assistance for first-gen homebuyers. $250K per year for 5 years. Sec. 5 - Housing & Residential Services Planning Committee Creates a plan for 600+ service-supported housing units for individuals with developmental disabilities. Sec. 6-8 - Housing & Public Accommodation Protections Enhances anti-discrimination laws in housing/public spaces, adding protections based on citizenship & immigration status. Sec. 9 - Act 250 Appeals Study Moves study deadline to Nov 2025. Evaluates whether Act 250 appeals should stay with Environmental Court or transfer to LURB. Sec. 10-15 - Brownfields Eases brownfield/development soils management, increases remediation funding, and calls for efficiency improvements. $4M appropriation. Sec. 16 - Community Housing Infrastructure Program (CHIP) Allows municipalities to use TIF for housing-related infrastructure projects with affordability conditions. Language amendment on floor. No affordability. Sec. 17 - VEPC Authority Over CHIP Adds CHIP TIF oversight to VEPC, giving them authority to approve/deny applications. Sec. 18 - Tax Deduction for Medical Expenses Adjusts tax deductions for medical expenses, providing more favorable treatment for seniors in CCRCs. * Senate Finance removed. Sec. 19 - Statutory Purpose for Sec. 20 Establishes statutory purpose for Sec. 20. *Senate Finance removed. Sec. 20 - Property Tax Exemption for Improvements & ADUs Freezes taxable value for 3 years on improvements via VHIP or ADU construction. Applies to state & municipal taxes. Senate Finance removed. Sec. 21 - Appropriations Allocates $45.7M for housing & infrastructure programs, including VHFA, rental rehab, homeownership, and municipal upgrades. $45.6 million to the Department of Housing and Community Development $15 million to VHFA for Middle-Income Homeownership Development Program $15 million to VHFA for the Rental Housing Revolving Loan Fund $9.1 million - Vermont Infrastructure Sustainability Fund (via Vermont Bond Bank) Funds municipal infrastructure expansions (e.g., water, sewer, roads) to support housing. $4 million - Rental Housing Improvement Program $2 million - Manufactured Home Improvement and Repair Program Upgrades mobile home park infrastructure (e.g., lot preparation, utility upgrades). $500,000 - Homebuyer Education and Foreclosure Prevention Grants Funds NeighborWorks America HomeOwnership Centers to provide financial literacy and homebuyer support. $100,000 to the State Treasurer for the Positive Rental Payment Pilot Program | Read first time and referred to the Committee on General and Housing (04/02/25) | Senate Appropriations; Senate Finance; House General and Housing | 04/10/25 9:00 AM in Room 31 04/10/25 9:00 AM in Room 31 04/11/25 1:00 PM in Room 31 04/11/25 1:00 PM in Room 31 | |
| S.133 | An Act Relating To Land Use, Housing, And Brownfields | Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale; Sen. Alison Clarkson; Sen. Thomas Chittenden | S 133 - An Act Relating To Land Use, Housing, And Brownfields Municipal Zoning Sec. 1: Requires 5 units/acre in rezoned areas; allows related occupants to add units. Sec. 2: Expands definition of sewer/water-served areas for housing. Sec. 3: Calls for inclusionary zoning density tool report by Jan 2026. Sec. 4: Requires report on adopting minimal design standards by July 2026. Act 250 Sec. 5: Allows contracted or regional staff to help towns qualify for Tier 1A. Sec. 6: Towns must actively opt out of Tier 1B status. Sec. 7: Appeals don?t automatically stay Act 250 or zoning decisions. Sec. 8?9: Excludes some sawmills from Act 250 permitting. Brownfields Sec. 10: Allows reuse of development soils under simplified ANR approval. Sec. 11: Prioritizes brownfield cleanups tied to housing. Sec. 12: Requires report on brownfield program reforms by Nov 2025. Wetlands Sec. 13: Allows 25-ft buffers for Class II wetlands in key development areas. Sec. 14: Exempts some Class II wetland projects in designated areas from permits. Sec. 15: Authorizes reduced buffers in wetland determinations for growth zones. Sec. 16: Delays rulemaking; allows 1:1 mitigation ratio in growth areas. Sec. 17: Requires annual wetlands reports and mitigation guidance by Dec 2025. | Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Natural Resources and Energy (03/25/25) | Senate Natural Resources and Energy |