| 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 | As introduced, the bill proposes to task the Department of Buildings and General Services with identifying State real property suitable for conversion into affordable housing.
Before passing the House removed the affordable housing language and added language to improve the tracking and reporting of not just State-owned realed property, but land. The language also revises subsection (e) to clarify that the Commissioner of Buildings and General Services must maintain an inventory of such properties and biannually compile and update information received under subsection (g). In subsection (g), the bill updates the reporting requirements, mandating that agency heads submit this inventory annually, rather than only upon request, and in a standardized format prescribed by the Commissioner. It also requires agencies to indicate whether any buildings are vacant or any land is unnecessary for their statutory purpose. Finally, a new subsection (j) is added requiring the Commissioner to submit the updated inventory to legislative committees at the start of each biennium. The bill takes effect upon passage. The Senate added "State" leased land to the inventory, and the bill was referred back to the House Corrections and Institutions Committee at the end of the session. 6/3/25 | Rep. Emmons of Springfield moved to commit bill to the Committee on Corrections and Institutions, which was agreed to (05/28/25) | 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.
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 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 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.
Did not advance. Will come up in 2026. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on General and Housing (02/25/25) | 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.454 | An Act Relating To Transforming Vermont's Education Governance, Quality, And Finance Systems | Rep. Beth Quimby; Rep. Casey Toof; Rep. Christopher Taylor; et al. |
Key political context:
6/17/25 | House message: Governor approved bill on July 1, 2025 (06/16/25) | House Appropriations; House Education; Senate Appropriations; Senate Education; Senate Finance; House Ways and Means | ||
| 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 | This act expands the definition of a family member in Vermont’s Parental and Family Leave Act to provide individuals in nontraditional family structures with equal access to caregiving leave. The act also extends coverage to airline flight crew who meet the special eligibility requirements for coverage under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act. The act expands the definition of parental leave to include an employee’s recovery from childbirth or miscarriage, or to care for a foster child. The act permits eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave annually for safe leave if an employee or an employee’s family member is the victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The act also permits eligible employees to use up to two weeks for bereavement leave, with no more than five workdays to be taken consecutively. Finally, the act permits covered employees to take qualifying exigency leave related to active duty service by a family member in the U.S. Armed Forces. Applies to employerw who employe 10 or more individuals who are employed for an average of at least 30 hours per week during a year and for the purposes of family leave employs 15 or more individuals for an average of at least 30 hours per week during a year.
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 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 | ||
| 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 | This act makes technical corrections to: the distribution of penalties for the willful withholding of wages by an employer; the annual calculation of the minimum wage; the definition of the highest benefit cost rate used in computing the unemployment insurance tax rate schedule; and the calculation of disregarded earnings. This act removes the authority of the Commissioner of Labor to recommend a subminimum wage for individuals with disabilities, learners, and apprentices. This act provides claimants and employers with the option to receive communications about unemployment insurance claims electronically. This act mandates that if, upon the acquisition of a Vermont employer, a successor entity divides the operations of the business, the successor shall designate one of the corporate entities as the filing successor for unemployment insurance purposes. This act updates deadlines set in 2022 Acts and Resolves No. 183 regarding the implementation of a modernized information technology system for the unemployment insurance program and provides for the resumption of the Short-Term Compensation Program. This act allows workers’ compensation claimants to request medical case management services and, for claimants who do not speak English fluently, to receive translation services. This act provides enhanced penalties for the late payment of weekly benefits to workers’ compensation claimants and, finally, the act requires employers to report late payments to the Department of Labor and for the Department to compile the data and submit a written report to the General Assembly by January 15, 2027. Effective Date: July 1, 2025. 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, clerks, supervisors, etc.).
Updates definition of "employee" to include permanent and limited-status judicial workers. Streamlines union certification/decertification process via petition with 30% employee support. Requires employers to respond to petitions within 7 business days. Labor Relations Board oversees petitions and bargaining unit determinations. 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 centered around the creation of the Community and Housing Infrastructure Program (CHIP) — a new tax increment financing tool to help municipalities fund infrastructure needed for housing development. Unlike traditional grants or loans, CHIP allows towns to retain a portion of future property tax growth from new developments to pay for projects like roads, sewers, and utilities, potentially unlocking up to $2 billion in housing-supportive infrastructure over the next decade. Municipalities must partner with developers through formal agreements, apply to the Vermont Economic Progress Council (VEPC), and undergo a public vote to qualify. Projects must meet housing thresholds and affordability definitions, with higher tax increment retention rates for those including affordable or moderate-income units. CHIP also includes a “but-for” test to ensure support goes only to projects that wouldn’t happen otherwise, with flexibility on eligible infrastructure costs. Beyond CHIP, S.127 invests in rental and manufactured housing improvement programs, infrastructure loans, anti-discrimination protections, brownfields reform, and planning for disability housing and land bank models, making it the most comprehensive housing and infrastructure package Vermont has enacted to date. 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 |