| 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.
Did not advance. 6/3/25 | 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. [Passed in H.461. 6/3/25] | 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
Did not advance. 6/3/25 | 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 | proposes the Department of Buildings and General Services identify underutilized state buildings and land for conversion into affordable housing. The Commissioner must maintain an inventory of state-owned/leased properties, updating it biannually, and submit it to legislative committees at the start of each biennium. | House proposal of amendment to Senate proposal of amendment (02/11/26) | 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.
Did not advance as standalone. School construction langauge incorprated into H.454. 6/3/25 | 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
Did not advance. 6/3/25 | 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.
Did not advance. 6/3/25 | 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. | H.181 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.
Did not pass out of committee. Several hearings in House Energy and Digital Infrastructure, laying the groundwork for summer BECWG | 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.
Did not advance. 6/3/25 | 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 $100,000,000 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. | Rep. Mihaly of Calais moved that the Committee on General and Housing be relieved of the bill and that the same be committed to the Committee on Environment, which was agreed to (04/16/25) | 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 a 32-hour workweek, requiring employers to pay overtime for hours worked beyond 32. | 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. Did not advance. Will come up in 2026. | Rep. Mihaly of Calais moved that the Committee on General and Housing be relieved of the bill and that the same be committed to the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development, which was agreed to (01/15/26) | House General and Housing | ||
| 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.
Did not advance. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on General and Housing (02/25/25) | House General and Housing | ||
| 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.
Did not advance. | 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.
Did not advance, but likley to in 2026. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on General and Housing (02/25/25) | House General and Housing | ||
| 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.
Did not advance. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on General and Housing (02/25/25) | House General and Housing | ||
| 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.
Did not advance. | 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 | Proposes establishing a study committee to examine implementing statewide universal design standards for residential buildings. The committee, comprising 22 members from various organizations, will analyze existing laws, best practices, and challenges in meeting universal design standards. They will submit a written report with findings and recommendations by November 1, 2025.
This language was also considered in S.127, though it was removed in Conference Committee. | 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 | Proposes to exempt sales of building materials and supplies from sales and use tax for priority housing projects. The bill aims to support affordable housing by reducing construction costs.
Did not advance. | 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.
Did not advance | Read first time and referred to the Committee on General and Housing (02/28/25) | House General and Housing | ||
| H.459 | An Act Relating To The Parental And Family Leave Act | Rep. Conor Casey; Rep. Edward Waszazak | This bill proposes to prohibit employers from requiring employees to take parental and family leave for a compensable work-related injury or illness. 6/3/25
Did not advance | 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 | Act 32 expands employee access to unpaid leave under the Parental and Family Leave Act. It broadens the definition of family member to include nontraditional family structures and extends parental leave to cover recovery from childbirth or miscarriage and foster care. The law allows up to 12 weeks of job-protected unpaid ?safe leave? when an employee or family member is a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. It also permits up to two weeks bereavement leave and qualifying exigency leave for a family member?s active military duty 6/3/25 | House message: Governor approved bill on May 22, 2025 (05/22/25) | Senate Appropriations; Senate Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs; House General and Housing | ||
| H.479 | An Act Relating To Housing | House Committee on General and Housing | The Senate amended H.479 to include a streamlined version of the Community Housing Incentive Program (CHIP), omitting the CHIP Board and instead assigning full oversight to VEPC. The Senate version removes caps on increment, geographic and affordability restrictions, and project-specific requirements like “but-for” tests or affordability covenants. All projects may retain 80% of the education property tax increment and 100% of municipal increment, with no program sunset. In addition, H.479 includes expansions to the Vermont Rental Housing Improvement Program (flexible grants/loans up to $70,000 per unit), a new Manufactured Housing Support program, a $7.5 million Infrastructure Sustainability Fund for housing-linked municipal projects, and stricter affordability terms for VHFA rental loans. The bill also creates a planning committee for 600 developmental disability housing units, enhances rental data reporting, repeals certain landlord certificate provisions, studies a statewide land bank, expands anti-discrimination protections, updates smoke detector rules, and launches a two-year positive rent reporting pilot to improve renters’ credit. Held on House Calendar then referred to HGEN after Conference Committee agreeement on S.127. | Rep. Mihaly of Calais moved to commit the bill to the Committee on General and Housing, which was agreed to (05/30/25) | House Appropriations; Senate Appropriations; Senate Finance; House Ways and Means; Senate Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs; Senate Natural Resources and Energy; 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 | Act 24 (H.491 – Property Tax Yields and Rate for FY 2026): This act sets Vermont’s education property tax parameters for fiscal year 2026. It establishes the property dollar equivalent yield at $8,596, the income dollar equivalent yield at $12,172, and sets the nonhomestead property tax rate at $1.703 per $100 of equalized education property value—temporarily overriding statutory rates for that year. The act also amends the definition of “equalized value of the housesite” in 32 V.S.A. § 6061(17), clarifying how the grand list value is adjusted using both municipal and statewide equalization factors. The law takes effect July 1, 2025. | House message: Governor approved bill on May 19, 2025 (05/20/25) | Senate Finance; House Ways and Means | ||
| H.570 | An Act Relating To Overtime Pay | Rep. Conor Casey | Eligible employees would receive time-and-a-half pay for work exceeding 8 hours in a day and double time for work exceeding 12 hours in a day. 1/10/26 | Read first time and referred to the Committee on General and Housing (01/06/26) | House General and Housing | ||
| H.589 | An Act Relating To A Six-year Statute Of Repose For Actions Arising Out Of Improvements To Real Property | Rep. Rebecca Holcombe | H 589 proposes to establish a six-year statute of repose for actions arising out of improvements to real property in Vermont. The bill would require civil actions for personal injury or property damages to be brought within six years after substantial completion of the improvement. The statute of repose would not apply to actions involving fraudulent misrepresentations or concealment of material facts. The bill defines substantial completion as the point at which an improvement can be utilized for its intended purpose. 1/10/26 | Read first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary (01/07/26) | House Judiciary | ||
| H.595 | An Act Relating To Child Care Financial Assistance Program Eligibility | Rep. Laura Sibilia; Rep. Emily Carris Duncan; Rep. Jonathan Cooper | H 595 proposes to expand eligibility for the Child Care Financial Assistance Program in Vermont. Currently, only families residing in Vermont are eligible. This bill would allow families living outside of Vermont to participate in the program if their child is enrolled in a participating child care program and the parent or guardian is employed in Vermont. The program provides subsidies for child care costs, enabling families to work or pursue training. The bill aims to support working families and address child care needs. 1/10/26 | Read first time and referred to the Committee on Human Services (01/07/26) | House Human Services | ||
| H.602 | An Act Relating To Housing And Land Use | Rep. Ashley Bartley; Rep. Patricia McCoy | H 602 proposes multiple changes to Vermont's land use and development laws to address the state's housing needs. The bill extends exemptions for priority housing projects, allows for by-right housing development in certain areas, and requires municipalities to plan for meeting regional housing targets. It also authorizes funding for offsite construction, tax credits for down payment assistance, and additional positions at the Department of Housing and Community Development. 1/10/26 | Read first time and referred to the Committee on Environment (01/07/26) | House Environment | ||
| H.620 | An Act Relating To Creating A Wealth Tax Commission | Rep. Edward Waszazak | proposes creating a Wealth Tax Commission to study taxation of wealth and investment gains that currently escape income taxation. The commission will consist of legislative members, commissioners from the Department of Financial Regulation and Taxes, and a facilitator with expertise in wealth taxes. A written report with findings and recommendations is due by November 1, 2027. 1/10/26 | Read first time and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means (01/08/26) | House Ways and Means | ||
| H.621 | An Act Relating To Personal Income Tax Brackets | Rep. David Yacovone; Rep. Edward Waszazak; Rep. Tiffany Bluemle | H.621 adds two new higher tax brackets: 11.75% and 13.75%, and they apply across all filing categories (married joint, head of household, single, married separate), with different income thresholds for each category. Lower brackets (3.35%, 6.6%, 7.6%, 8.75%) remain, but shift upward. The bill takes effect retroactively to Jan. 1, 2026. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means (01/08/26) | House Ways and Means | ||
| H.646 | An Act Relating To Creating A Residential Property Tax Subclass For Uninhabitable Buildings | Rep. Lawrence Satcowitz | H 646 proposes to authorize municipalities to assess an annual fee on uninhabitable properties. The fee would be 1% of the appraised value or $500, whichever is greater. Municipalities would determine habitability based on criteria such as desertion, abandonment, or existing orders declaring the property unfit for habitation. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs (01/13/26) | House Government Operations and Military Affairs | ||
| H.663 | An Act Relating To Exempting Municipalities From The Act 250 Requirement To Mitigate Reduction Of Primary Agricultural Soils | Rep. Christopher Taylor; Rep. Anthony Micklus; Rep. Brenda Steady; et al. | H.663 proposes to exempt municipalities from the Act 250 requirement to mitigate reduction of primary agricultural soils. The exemption applies when development is undertaken by a municipality on its own land, serves municipal purposes or public use, and no alternative locations can minimize the impact on primary agricultural soils. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on Environment (01/14/26) | House Environment | ||
| H.678 | An Act Relating To The Creation Of A Housing Pilot Program In Washington And Lamoille Counties | Rep. Michael Boutin; Rep. Edward Waszazak | H.678 proposes a housing pilot program in Washington and Lamoille Counties. The program aims to finance 250 dwelling units using municipal debt backed by 100% of municipal or education property tax increments. This initiative seeks to make homeownership more affordable and lower rental costs for new developments. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on General and Housing (01/14/26) | House General and Housing | ||
| H.717 | An Act Relating To The Residential And Commercial Building Energy Standards And The Adoption Of A Residential Building Code | Rep. R. Scott Campbell | H.717 would rename the Division of Fire Safety as the Division of Fire and Building Safety and transfer jurisdiction over the Residential and Commercial Building Energy Standards (RBES and CBES) from the Department of Public Service to the new division by December 31, 2029. It establishes a full statutory framework for adopting, updating, certifying, and enforcing building energy standards, including municipal enforcement authority, penalties, and a private right of action for false certifications. Energy code compliance would become a condition of occupancy for public buildings. The bill also creates a Building and Energy Codes Integration Task Force to plan the transition, staffing, IT, and funding needs, and to streamline enforcement with other building codes. Finally, it directs adoption of a residential building code for public buildings with residential units by 2027 and funds a new code administrator position. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on Energy and Digital Infrastructure (01/20/26) | House Energy and Digital Infrastructure | ||
| H.718 | An Act Relating To Building Energy Efficiency | Rep. R. Scott Campbell | H.718 would overhaul Vermont?s building energy and construction framework. It directs the Division of Fire Safety to adopt a statewide residential building code (based on the International Residential Code) by January 1, 2028; creates a Residential Contractor Regulation Task Force to improve the contractor registry and develop voluntary certifications; requires contractors to disclose criminal and civil records to clients; expands mandatory energy-education modules for licensed and certified professionals; authorizes municipalities to enforce RBES and CBES; and funds municipal enforcement support and a public-facing contractor registry website. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on Energy and Digital Infrastructure (01/20/26) | House Energy and Digital Infrastructure | ||
| H.726 | An Act Relating To Flexible Working Arrangements | Rep. Robert Hooper | proposes to require Vermont employers to grant requests for flexible working arrangements that do not conflict with business operations. Employees may request changes to their regular working arrangements, such as changes in hours or days worked, working from home, or job-sharing. Employers must consider requests in good faith and discuss alternative arrangements with employees. The bill outlines factors to consider when determining if a request is inconsistent with business operations, including additional costs, impact on morale, and ability to meet consumer demand. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on General and Housing (01/20/26) | House General and Housing | ||
| H.730 | An Act Relating To Act 250 Location-based Jurisdiction | Rep. Laura Sibilia; Rep. Lisa Hango; Rep. Lucy Boyden; et al. | "Rural Caucus Bill" H.730 proposes changes to Vermont's Act 250, specifically the Tier 3 rules, to provide notice to property owners and consider impacts on fair market value. The bill requires the Land Use Review Board to adopt rules identifying critical natural resources, ensuring no municipality is disproportionately impacted, and defining boundaries. It also amends exemptions for housing projects in designated downtown development districts and growth centers, and requires assessing officials to account for Act 250 requirements when determining appraisal values. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on Environment (01/21/26) | House Environment | ||
| H.737 | An Act Relating To Changes To Act 250 | Rep. Herb Olson | Narrows when housing projects trigger Act 250 review by raising the threshold from 10 units to 25 units and removing mobile homes and mobile home parks from this definition of ?development.? It also limits when Tier 3 critical resource areas can override town housing plans, promotes clustered development, and clarifies when roads count toward Act 250 jurisdiction. Overall, it shifts Act 250 toward larger projects while easing rules for smaller housing developments. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on Environment (01/21/26) | House Environment | ||
| H.748 | An Act Relating To Regional Plan Future Land Use Maps | Rep. Abbey Duke; Rep. Rebecca Holcombe | H.748 would make regional planning maps much more powerful in deciding where development belongs. Projects in newly defined ?designated neighborhoods,? ?village areas,? and ?transition/infill areas? would be easier to permit under Act 250, while areas outside those zones would face more scrutiny. More land could qualify as appropriate growth areas, especially near job centers and workforce housing zones. The changes reduce ambiguity over what counts as smart growth versus sprawl and give Regional Planning Commissions greater influence over permitting outcomes. Overall, it would steer housing and development toward mapped growth areas and away from rural or conservation lands. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on Environment (01/22/26) | House Environment | ||
| H.757 | An Act Relating To Manufactured Homes And Limited Equity Cooperatives | Rep. Gayle Pezzo; Rep. Marc Mihaly | H.757 would change how mobile homes and limited equity housing cooperatives are treated. It updates deed and conversion rules for mobile homes and aims to make manufactured homes more like other housing, including equal zoning treatment. It would restrict subleasing in new limited equity cooperatives (unless there?s hardship) and treat these coops as nonprofits that serve low- and moderate-income people. It also adjusts tax rules: mobile homes would be exempt from sales tax and subject to property transfer tax, and cooperative housing would be exempt from some stormwater permitting requirements | Read first time and referred to the Committee on General and Housing (01/22/26) | House General and Housing | ||
| H.774 | An Act Relating To A Three-year Education Property Tax Freeze | Rep. Gina Galfetti; Rep. Anthony Micklus; Rep. Christopher Pritchard; et al. | H.774 proposes a three-year education property tax freeze in Vermont. The bill aims to cap education property tax rates at fiscal year 2026 levels for fiscal years 2027 through 2029. Any resulting deficit in the Education Fund would be offset by monies from the General Fund to ensure full funding for statewide education spending. The Commissioner of Taxes would bill property taxpayers at the lesser of the fiscal year 2026 rate or the current rate. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means (01/23/26) | House Ways and Means | ||
| H.775 | An Act Relating To Creating Tools For Housing Production | Rep. Marc Mihaly; Rep. Thomas Charlton; Rep. Ashley Bartley; et al. | H.775 proposes new tools for housing production in Vermont, including a Rural Housing Finance Pilot that stabilizes property taxes for small developments (with at least 15% affordable units), authority for special assessment revenue bonds to help finance infrastructure, expansion of the State Treasurer?s housing credit facility, and an Off-Site Construction Accelerator pilot to support bulk modular/manufactured housing procurement and lower costs. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on General and Housing (01/27/26) | House General and Housing | ||
| H.794 | An Act Relating To Increasing Taxes On Higher Income Earners And Creating The School Construction Aid Special Fund | Rep. Kate Logan; Rep. Brian Cina; Rep. Chloe Tomlinson | H 794 proposes to increase taxes on higher-income earners and create the School Construction Aid Special Fund. It introduces a personal income tax surcharge on taxpayers with over $2.5 million in adjusted gross income, a wealth proceeds tax on individuals, estates, and trusts with taxable income over certain thresholds, and a new property tax classification for non-homestead residential properties with a tax rate double that of homestead taxpayers. The revenue generated will fund Green Mountain Care and school construction projects. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means (01/28/26) | House Ways and Means | 02/13/26 9:20 AM in Room 45 | |
| H.825 | An Act Relating To Zoning For Construction Of Wheelchair Ramps | Rep. Elizabeth Burrows; Rep. Anne Donahue; Rep. Bram Kleppner; et al. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on Environment (01/29/26) | House Environment | |||
| H.826 | An Act Relating To Land Access And Opportunity | Rep. Brian Cina; Rep. Emily Carris Duncan; Rep. Chloe Tomlinson; et al. | H 826 creates the Land Access and Opportunity Fund to support affordable housing and community development. The bill requires an affordable housing tax report from the Department of Taxes and establishes the Land Security Working Group to assess disparate economic and environmental justice impacts of Vermont's land use policies. The bill prioritizes funding for projects that benefit historically marginalized communities and promotes sustainable and resilient housing infrastructure. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on General and Housing (01/29/26) | House General and Housing | ||
| H.883 | An Act Relating To A Permit Reform Task Force | Rep. Christopher Morrow; Rep. Abbey Duke; Rep. Anthony Micklus; et al. | H.883 proposes creating a permit reform task force to review Vermont?s state permitting systems. The task force would evaluate how to make permitting more transparent, efficient, and less burdensome?including looking at a single point of entry for all state permits. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on Environment (02/04/26) | House Environment | ||
| 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.)
Did not advance | 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. Updated 6.3.25 | 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.
Did not advance. | 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, banks, non-profits and others. . House Commerce Committee has posted strike all amendment that they will be working on/proposing next session that is similar to H.208, but tightens the PRA and includes no stepdown on the threshold of applicability. Updated 6.3.25. | 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 | S 102 is a comprehensive bill aimed at addressing Vermont's housing needs by making multiple changes to land use planning, Act 250, municipal and regional planning, housing programs, and tax increment financing. The bill proposes to create a new tier system for development, allowing for more flexible and streamlined permitting processes in designated areas. It also establishes a Vermont Rental Housing Improvement Program and a Manufactured Home Improvement and Repair Program to support affordable housing. Additionally, the bill provides funding for various initiatives, including brownfield redevelopment, water and sewer infrastructure, and housing programs.
Did not advance. | 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 Wage And Hour, Unemployment Compensation, And Workers' Compensation | Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs | Act 40 updates laws on wage and hour, unemployment compensation, and workers? compensation. It revises penalty distribution for willfully withheld wages, adjusts how the minimum wage is calculated, and removes the Labor Commissioner?s authority to set subminimum wages for learners, apprentices, or people with disabilities. The act allows electronic communications for unemployment insurance, clarifies successor employer reporting, delays certain UI IT deadlines and resumes short-time compensation. It expands workers? compensation claimant services (medical case management and translation), increases penalties for late weekly benefit payments, and requires employer reporting of late payments to the Department of Labor. Updated 6.3.25 | Senate Message: Signed by Governor 5/28/2025 (05/29/25) | House Appropriations; Senate Appropriations; House Ways and Means; 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, as passed by the House and Senate, includes language for funds already appropriated in the budget. It appropriates funds in FY26 to support BIPOC-owned small businesses through the Vermont Professionals of Color Network, enhance business advising services through the Vermont Small Business Development Center, and continue international trade initiatives. The bill creates a task force to evaluate the feasibility of developing a statewide convention center and performance venue. It also establishes a Vermont-Ireland Trade Commission (effective July 2026) to foster bilateral trade, with sunset in 2030. Major changes to workforce governance clarify that the Commissioner of Labor and Executive Director of Workforce Strategy are co-leaders of Vermont’s workforce system, outlining their distinct responsibilities, reporting obligations, and coordination requirements across state agencies and sectors. A last minute floor amendment removed language that would authorize the State Treasurer to implement a five-year Baby Bonds Pilot Program, including fund creation, annual reporting, and evaluation of recipient outcomes. Most provisions are phased in by July 2025 or July 2026. 5/30/25 | Senate Message: Signed by Governor June 12, 2025 (06/13/25) | House Appropriations; Senate Appropriations; Senate Finance; House Ways and Means; House Commerce and Economic Development | ||
| S.125 | An Act Relating To Collective Bargaining | Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs | Expands collective bargaining rights to Judiciary Department employees (excluding judges, assistant judges, clerks, supervisors, etc.) increase penalties for late workers' compensation payments, and require workers' compensation insurance carriers to cover translation services. It also proposed decertification procedures for bargaining representatives with less than majority support. 6/3/25 | Committed to Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs on motion of Senator Clarkson (06/16/25) | Senate Appropriations; Senate Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs; House Commerce and Economic Development; House General and Housing | ||
| S.127 | An Act Relating To Housing And Housing Development | Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs | S.127 is a landmark housing bill creating the Community and Housing Infrastructure Program (CHIP), a new tax-increment financing tool to help towns pay for housing-related infrastructure like roads, sewers, and utilities. Instead of grants, municipalities retain a share of future property-tax growth from new development to fund projects, potentially supporting up to $2 billion in housing infrastructure over the next decade. Towns must partner with developers, apply to VEPC, and hold a public vote. Projects must meet housing and affordability standards and pass a but-for test. The bill also invests in rental and manufactured housing, brownfields reform, and planning tools. Updated 6.3.25 | Senate Message: Signed by Governor June 12, 2025 (06/13/25) | House Appropriations; Senate Appropriations; Senate Finance; House Ways and Means; House General and Housing | ||
| 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.
S.133 will likely be a starting point for further houisng legislation next year. | Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Natural Resources and Energy (03/25/25) | Senate Natural Resources and Energy | ||
| S.165 | An Act Relating To Grand List Values Of Parcels With Wetlands | Sen. Steven Heffernan | proposes to adjust the valuation of parcels with wetlands for the grand list. The bill requires assessing officials to consider state laws regulating the use and development of land with wetlands when determining the parcel's value. This includes accounting for any reduction in value due to development or use restrictions. The legislation defines wetlands as Class I and II wetlands, as well as those deemed significant by the Secretary of Natural Resources. The bill aims to ensure fair taxation of parcels with wetlands, taking into account their unique environmental characteristics. 1/10/26 | Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Finance (01/06/26) | Senate Finance | ||
| S.169 | An Act Relating To Act 250 Permit Appeals | Sen. Alison Clarkson; Sen. Anne Watson | Proposes to transfer appeals of Act 250 permits from the Environmental Division of the Superior Court to the Land Use Review Board. The Land Use Review Board will have the power to hear appeals, render judgments, and enforce decisions. The bill also establishes a new position at the Land Use Review Board and appropriates funds for setup costs and personnel. 1/10/26 | Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Natural Resources and Energy (01/06/26) | Senate Natural Resources and Energy | ||
| S.183 | An Act Relating To Home Improvement And Land Improvement Fraud | Sen. Robert Norris | Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Judiciary (01/06/26) | Senate Judiciary | |||
| S.185 | An Act Relating To Regional Plan Maps And Act 250 Tier 1 | Sen. Alison Clarkson | proposes multiple changes to Vermont's regional plan map land use categories related to their use in Act 250 Tier 1. The bill aims to promote sustainable development, reduce sprawl, and enhance the vitality of downtowns and villages. Key provisions include: Revisions to village area and transition/infill area definitions to prioritize mixed-use development, public water and wastewater infrastructure, and walkability. Expansion of designated neighborhood areas to include planned growth areas, village areas, and transition/infill areas within workforce housing zones. Introduction of a workforce housing zone definition to identify areas with high demand for housing due to proximity to job-rich census tracts. Implications: Encourages more efficient use of land and resources. Supports the development of vibrant, walkable communities. May lead to increased investment in downtowns and villages. Could help address Vermont's housing affordability challenges. | Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Natural Resources and Energy (01/06/26) | Senate Natural Resources and Energy | ||
| S.230 | An Act Relating To Flexible Working Arrangements | Sen. Andrew Perchlik | Proposes to REQUIRE employers to grant requests for flexible work arrangements that do not conflict with business operations. Employees may request changes in work schedules, including working from home or job-sharing, and employers must consider these requests in good faith. The bill outlines factors to determine if a request is inconsistent with business operations, such as additional costs, impact on employee morale, and ability to meet consumer demand. 1/10/26 | Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs (01/09/26) | Senate Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs | ||
| S.267 | An Act Relating To Housing And Land Use | Sen. Scott Beck; Sen. Brian Collamore; Sen. Christopher Mattos; et al. | S.267 proposes broad reforms to Vermont?s land use and housing laws to stimulate residential development. It repeals certain road-related Act 250 jurisdiction, extends interim development exemptions for priority housing, and expands ?by-right? housing allowance in municipal zoning. The bill adds requirements for municipal housing planning, modifies land use tier designations, increases Downtown/Village Center Tax Credits, continues the Downpayment Assistance Program, and funds an off-site construction pilot. It also creates housing-related positions in state government and includes appropriations to support implementation. | Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Natural Resources and Energy (01/16/26) | Senate Natural Resources and Energy | ||
| S.282 | An Act Relating To Increasing Taxes On Higher Income Earners And Creating The School Construction Aid Special Fund | Sen. Tanya Vyhovsky; Sen. Alison Clarkson; Sen. Anne Watson; et al. | Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Finance (01/21/26) | Senate Finance | 02/13/26 11:00 AM in Room 3 | ||
| S.283 | An Act Relating To School Districts Pursuing School Construction Projects During The Moratorium On State Aid | Sen. Alison Clarkson; Sen. Joseph Major; Sen. Martine Gulick; et al. | Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Education (01/21/26) | Senate Education | |||
| S.286 | An Act Relating To A Meals And Rooms Tax Surcharge For School Construction Aid | Sen. Martine Gulick; Sen. Tanya Vyhovsky | S.286 proposes a 2% meals and rooms tax surcharge to fund school construction. The surcharge would be collected by operators on taxable meals, rooms, and alcoholic beverages, and deposited into the School Construction Aid Special Fund. The bill aims to generate revenue for school construction aid, with the surcharge itemized on invoices and bills. | Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Finance (01/21/26) | Senate Finance | ||
| S.305 | An Act Relating To Housing And Land Use | Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale; Sen. David Weeks; Sen. Patrick Brennan; et al. | S 305 is a comprehensive bill that proposes multiple changes to Vermont's land use and housing laws. The bill aims to address the state's housing shortage by promoting affordable housing, reducing regulatory barriers, and increasing access to credit for renters. Key provisions of the bill include: Requiring municipalities to allow accessory dwelling units in certain zoning districts Prohibiting municipalities from excluding mobile homes, modular housing, or prefabricated housing from residential districts Creating a positive rental payment reporting pilot program to help renters build credit Allowing for denser development in areas with municipal sewer and water infrastructure Reducing the appeal period for certain land use decisions Amending the state's Act 250 law to streamline the permitting process for development projects Prohibiting common interest communities from restricting unit owners from leasing their units for residential purposes Appropriating $1 million to implement the rental payment pilot program | Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs (01/23/26) | Senate Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs | ||
| S.317 | An Act Relating To Weatherization Funding And Weatherization Workforce Recruitment | Sen. Steven Heffernan; Sen. Terry Williams | Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Natural Resources and Energy (01/27/26) | Senate Natural Resources and Energy | |||
| S.328 | An Act Relating To Housing And Common Interest Communities | Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs | S.328 is a broad housing and community-policy bill. It would require municipal plans to analyze and set targets for future housing development; extend and reform affordable housing tax credits including down payment assistance; and create a pilot for reducing housing costs through off-site/modular construction. The bill restricts homeowners associations and common-interest communities from banning unit leasing, family child care homes, or electric vehicle charging installation. It also caps mobile home lot rent increases, expands the Vermont Economic Development Authority?s housing financing authority, and establishes a Service-Supported Housing Advisory Council, among other housing-related reforms. | Committed to Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs on motion of Senator Clarkson (02/03/26) | Senate Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs |