| Bill | Title | Sponsors | Note | Status | Committees | Upcoming Hearings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H.181 Low | 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.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.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.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.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 Low | An Act Relating To Limiting Employer Restrictions On Individuals Separating From Employment | Rep. Kate Logan; Rep. Brian Cina; Rep. Chloe Tomlinson; et al. | H.334 limits employers? ability to restrict workers after they leave a job. The bill restricts or bans non-compete agreements for most employees, limits ?stay-or-pay? training repayment clauses, and clarifies when employers can use confidentiality or non-solicitation provisions, aiming to improve worker mobility while preserving protections for legitimate business interests overall. | 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.344 | An Act Relating To Creating A Good Cause Standard For Termination Of Employment | Rep. Kate Logan; Rep. Brian Cina; Rep. Chloe Tomlinson; et al. | Proposes to establish a "good cause" standard for termination of employment in Vermont. The bill defines "good cause" as a reasonable, good-faith reason related to a legitimate business reason, excluding trivial, arbitrary, or capricious reasons. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on General and Housing (02/25/25) | House General and Housing | |
| H.348 Low | An Act Relating To Protecting Workers From Extreme Temperatures In The Workplace | Rep. Conor Casey; Rep. Kate Logan | H. 348, the Extreme Temperature Worker Protection Act, creates workplace safety standards for extreme temperatures. Defines extreme heat as ?80?F (wet bulb globe temperature) and extreme cold as <35?F. Applies broadly to Vermont workplaces with limited exemptions. Requires water, rest areas, communication access, climate-controlled vehicles, temperature monitoring, and employer prevention plans including training and emergency procedures. House General Chair says he could support if: Only applies to employers with 50 or more employees; Change the low temperature down from current 35 maybe to 32 out 30 degrees?; Consider eliminating the requirement for a plan. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on General and Housing (02/25/25) | House General and Housing | |
| H.400 | An Act Relating To Housing Appeals | Rep. Gina Galfetti; Rep. Edward Waszazak | Aims to expedite the process of housing appeals in the state: 1. **Expedited Hearing and Decision Process**: The Environmental Division of the Superior Court will be required to hear an appeal related to housing within 30 days of the appeal being filed and issue a decision on the case within 120 days after the hearing. 2. **Additional Court Positions**: The bill creates two new full-time, permanent positions in the Environmental Division of the Superior Court: one Superior Court Judge and one law clerk. An appropriation of $300,000 is allocated to the Judiciary for the hiring of these positions in fiscal year 2026.
Did not advance | Read first time and referred to the Committee on Environment (02/26/25) | 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.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.589 Medium | An Act Relating To A Six-year Statute Of Repose For Actions Arising Out Of Improvements To Real Property | Rep. Rebecca Holcombe | Did not pass. H.589 would have established a six-year statute of repose for claims arising from improvements to real property, limiting the period during which architects, engineers, contractors, and other construction professionals could be sued for alleged design or construction defects. Supporters argued Vermont's lack of a general construction statute of repose increased insurance costs and exposed the industry to indefinite liability long after projects were completed. Opponents raised concerns that the proposal could bar claims involving latent defects that are not discovered until years later. The bill received extensive testimony but did not advance. Vermont remains one of the few states without a general construction statute of repose. https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/H-0589/H-0589%20As%20Introduced.pdf | Read first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary (01/07/26) | House Judiciary | |
| 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.717 High | 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 was an early-session proposal that would have directed Vermont to adopt a statewide residential building code while also restructuring administration and enforcement of the Residential and Commercial Building Energy Standards (RBES/CBES). The bill proposed giving the Division of Fire Safety primary code authority and represented one of the clearest legislative attempts to move Vermont away from its long-standing system of energy standards without a true residential building code. Unlike the later, broader H.718 vehicle, H.717 never received hearings or substantive movement and was effectively overtaken by the H.718 debate. Many of the core concepts — statewide code authority, RBES enforcement, contractor registry reform, and compliance administration — were later folded into H.718 discussions. | Read first time and referred to the Committee on Energy and Digital Infrastructure (01/20/26) | House Energy and Digital Infrastructure | |
| H.718 High | An Act Relating To Building Energy Efficiency | Rep. R. Scott Campbell | Did not pass. H.718 served as the Legislature's primary vehicle for proposed reforms to Vermont's building energy code system. The bill included proposals related to statewide residential building codes, municipal RBES/CBES enforcement authority, contractor registry requirements, code compliance, and professional education standards. The House advanced a narrower version of the legislation, but the bill stalled in the Senate amid concerns regarding implementation, administrative complexity, and enforcement. Although H.718 did not become law, many of the issues it addressed remain active through ongoing rulemaking, the Building Energy Code Working Group, and implementation of updated energy codes under Executive Order 06-25. https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/H-0718/H-0718%20As%20Passed%20by%20the%20House%20Unofficial.pdf. | Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Natural Resources and Energy (03/27/26) | House Appropriations; Senate Natural Resources and Energy; House Energy and Digital Infrastructure | |
| 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.757 Low | An Act Relating To Manufactured Homes And Limited Equity Cooperatives | Rep. Gayle Pezzo; Rep. Marc Mihaly | H.757 focused on expanding and modernizing Vermont’s manufactured housing and limited equity cooperative framework as part of the Legislature’s broader housing affordability agenda. The bill proposed updates to financing, titling, and ownership structures for manufactured homes, while also creating clearer legal pathways for resident-owned communities and limited equity housing cooperatives. Much of the discussion centered on improving access to capital, modernizing outdated statutes, and preserving long-term affordability in manufactured housing parks. The bill moved through both House and Senate Economic Development committees with generally broad support from housing advocates, cooperatives, lenders, and affordable housing organizations. | House message: Governor approved bill on June 17, 2026 (05/29/26) | Senate Finance; House Ways and Means; Senate Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs; House General and Housing | |
| H.775 Medium | An Act Relating To Creating Tools For Housing Production | Rep. Marc Mihaly; Rep. Thomas Charlton; Rep. Ashley Bartley; et al. | H.775 emerged late in the 2026 session as the Senate’s primary omnibus housing and infrastructure vehicle, consolidating multiple housing finance, permitting, and development proposals — many of which overlapped with or absorbed concepts from S.328. The bill included provisions related to housing infrastructure financing, VEDA and VHFA authority expansions, municipal bonding tools, manufactured housing siting, revolving loan funds, and updates to programs like VHIP. During Senate negotiations, lawmakers removed the proposed off-site construction accelerator pilot that had been a major component of S.328, though supporters indicated they hoped elements of the concept could continue administratively or through future legislation. H.775 also became a vehicle for continued discussion of CHIP/TIF technical fixes. | Referred to Committee on Appropriations per Senate Rule 31 (05/22/26) | House Appropriations; Senate Appropriations; House Ways and Means; Senate Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs; Senate Natural Resources and Energy; House General and Housing | |
| H.933 | An Act Relating To Miscellaneous Administrative And Policy Changes To The Tax Laws | House Committee on Ways and Means | H.933 makes a variety of changes to Vermont tax law, including updates to federal tax conformity, property transfer taxes, estate taxes, and business taxation. The bill increases Vermont's Research and Development (R&D) tax credit from 27 percent to 75 percent of the federal credit for eligible in-state research activities beginning in tax year 2027. It also raises the Vermont estate tax exemption to $5 million and closes a property transfer tax loophole involving certain second-home transactions.
To preserve State revenue, the bill decouples Vermont from selected federal tax provisions for larger businesses, including certain bonus depreciation, research expensing, and foreign-income provisions. The legislation also increases the share of Public Utility Commission and Department of Public Service assessments deposited into the Transportation Fund, generating additional transportation revenue while reducing corresponding transfers to the Education Fund. | House message: Governor approved bill on June 18, 2026 (05/29/26) | House Appropriations; Senate Appropriations; Senate Finance; House Ways and Means | |
| H.937 | An Act Relating To Miscellaneous Judiciary Procedures | House Committee on Judiciary | Passed. Delivered to the Governor June 12. H.937 is the Judiciary Committee's annual miscellaneous-procedures bill, making a variety of updates to court operations, victim services, criminal justice procedures, property law, and estate planning. The bill expands remote access to certain nonconfidential court records for licensed Vermont attorneys, modifies restitution-related provisions, and makes numerous technical corrections to judicial procedures.
The bill also includes several real estate and property law changes, including clarifications regarding tenancy in common, joint tenancy with rights of survivorship, tenants by the entirety, qualifying trusts, and assignments of long-term leases. A significant provision revises Vermont's home improvement and land improvement fraud statute. The bill expands the law to cover written and oral contracts, agreements, and change orders, while clarifying that criminal liability requires proof that a contractor knowingly made false representations, knowingly misused funds, or knowingly failed to fulfill obligations under the contract. The legislation was intended both to strengthen consumer protections and to address concerns raised by prior changes to the contractor fraud statute. https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/H-0937/H-0937%20As%20Passed%20by%20Both%20House%20and%20Senate%20Unofficial.pdf | House message: Governor approved bill on June 18, 2026 (05/29/26) | House Judiciary; Senate Judiciary; House Appropriations; Senate Appropriations; House Ways and Means | |
| H.947 Low | An Act Relating To The Requirement To Implement A Residential Universal Design Building Code | Rep. Elizabeth Burrows | Read first time and referred to the Committee on General and Housing (03/20/26) | House General and Housing | ||
| H.949 Medium | An Act Relating To Homestead Property Tax Yields, The Nonhomestead Property Tax Rate, And Technical Changes To Education Finance | House Committee on Ways and Means | H.949 establishes FY2027 education property tax rates and implements several education finance changes. The bill transfers approximately $100 million from the General Fund to the Education Fund to reduce FY2027 property tax rates and modifies components of the education funding formula, including yield calculations and income sensitivity provisions. H.949 also advances implementation of future property tax classifications by directing continued data collection and analysis related to homestead, nonhomestead residential, and nonresidential properties. The bill serves as the primary annual vehicle for setting education tax rates and funding mechanisms for FY2027. | House message: Governor approved bill on June 18, 2026 (05/29/26) | House Appropriations; Senate Appropriations; Senate Education; Senate Finance; House Ways and Means | |
| H.951 Medium | An Act Relating To Making Appropriations For The Support Of The Government | House Committee on Appropriations | This budget fills all statutorily required reserves, meets all pension obligations, and makes essential investments in health care, human services, housing and economic development, education, public safety, and the environment. To develop this budget, the Committee of Conference worked from the Senate-proposed budget and engaged with administration officials, standing committees, and interested stakeholder to inform its changes. The Committee of Conference also reviewed testimony, conducted research, and considered input submitted throughout the budget development process. General Fund appropriations total $2.57 billion, a 2.88% increase compared to fiscal year 2026 adjusted appropriations. $215.11 million is transferred to other funds and reserves, including a one-time $100.90 million transfer to the Education Fund for property tax relief. Total appropriations from all funds (unduplicated) are $9.38 billion, a 2.10% change from fiscal year 2026 appropriations. Budget highlights document: https://ljfo.vermont.gov/assets/Uploads/FY-2027-Budget-Highlights-Committee-of-Conference-H951-v2.pdf | House message: Governor approved bill on June 16, 2026 (05/29/26) | House Appropriations; Senate Appropriations; Senate Finance; House Ways and Means | |
| H.955 Medium | An Act Relating To Next Steps In Transforming Vermont's Education System | House Committee on Education | H.955 establishes a multi-year framework for restructuring Vermont's public education governance, service delivery, funding system, and property tax structure. The bill creates seven regional Cooperative Educational Service Areas (CESAs) to provide shared services, including special education support, business operations, transportation coordination, information technology, and merger facilitation.
The bill initiates a statewide school district governance review process involving 21 regional study groups. These groups are charged with evaluating potential governance changes, including district mergers and regionalization opportunities, and must submit recommendations by December 1, 2027. Proposed governance changes may subsequently be considered by voters beginning in 2028. H.955 accelerates implementation of a foundation-based education funding formula and establishes a framework for future property tax classifications, including separate treatment of homestead, nonhomestead residential, and nonresidential property. Implementation of these tax reforms is contingent on future data collection, administrative actions, and statutory milestones extending through 2029 and beyond. The bill reestablishes a state-supported school construction aid program for the first time since the 2007 moratorium. The Agency of Education must develop rules governing project eligibility, prioritization, and aid awards by March 1, 2028, before grants can be awarded. H.955 also creates a potential legacy debt aid program for certain existing school construction debt, subject to future appropriations and statutory conditions. Districts seeking state construction aid generally may not issue bonds until the Secretary of Education has provided notice regarding aid eligibility. Additional provisions address class size standards, career and technical education, district operations, financial reporting, and implementation of regional service delivery systems. While most provisions take effect July 1, 2026, many of the bill's major reforms require additional rulemaking, studies, reports, regional planning efforts, local votes, and future implementation actions before becoming fully operational. Key Implementation Timeline. July 1, 2026: Most provisions take effect; CESA implementation begins. September 2026–2027: Various Agency of Education guidance documents and reports due. December 1, 2027: Regional governance study recommendations due. March 1, 2028: School construction aid rules due. 2028: Potential local votes on governance changes. FY2030: Foundation formula implementation accelerated. 2028–2029: Property classification data collection and implementation decisions. 2030: Earliest potential implementation of new property tax classifications. | House message: Governor approved bill on June 18, 2026 (05/29/26) | House Appropriations; House Education; Senate Appropriations; Senate Education; Senate Finance; Senate Rules; House Ways and Means | |
| 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.71 | An Act Relating To Consumer Data Privacy And Online Surveillance | Sen. Alison Clarkson; Sen. Wendy Harrison; Sen. Joseph Major; et al. | S.71 establishes a comprehensive consumer data privacy law governing how businesses collect, use, share, and sell Vermonters' personal information. The bill grants consumers rights to access, correct, delete, and obtain copies of their data, opt out of targeted advertising, data sales, and certain automated profiling practices, and challenge significant automated decisions affecting areas such as employment, housing, credit, and health care. The bill applies to businesses meeting specified data-processing thresholds and includes exemptions for government entities, insurers, HIPAA-covered health information, financial institutions regulated under federal and state law, educational records, journalism, and employment-related data. It provides heightened protections for sensitive data, including health, genetic, biometric, geolocation, neural, reproductive health, and immigration-related information, and prohibits geofencing around certain health care facilities. Covered businesses must comply with requirements related to data minimization, consumer consent, privacy notices, universal opt-out signals, security practices, and impact assessments for high-risk data activities. The Attorney General has exclusive enforcement authority, with no private right of action. The law takes effect January 1, 2028, and includes a temporary cure period through June 30, 2029. | Senate Message: Signed by Governor June 16, 2026 (05/29/26) | Senate Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs; House Commerce and Economic Development; Senate Institutions | |
| 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.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.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.212 Low | An Act Relating To Potable Water Supply And Wastewater System Connections | Sen. Anne Watson | S 212 authorizes the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) to delegate permitting and technical review of potable water supply and wastewater system connections to municipalities. The bill requires ANR to adopt a general permit for municipal connections and establishes fees for permits. Municipalities must demonstrate capacity to administer the program and comply with ANR rules. The bill aims to streamline the permitting process and promote local control over water and wastewater systems, effective July 1, 2026. | Senate Message: Signed by Governor June 18, 2026 (05/29/26) | Senate Finance; House Ways and Means; Senate Natural Resources and Energy; House Environment | |
| S.230 Low | An Act Relating To Fair Employment Practices | Sen. Andrew Perchlik | After the House contemplated adding various non-compete provisions, the House proposed to the Senate language stating "Agreements not to compete between an employer and a nonexempt employee, per the Fair Labor Standards Act, 17 29 U.S.C. §§ 201–219, are prohibited as presumptively coercive and a restraint on trade, unless bargained for as part of a collective bargaining agreement." The House also proposed prohibitions on certain terms in health care provider contracts. The Senate rejected the non-compete prohibitions for nonexempt employees, but agreed to the health care provider contract language and in the final days of the session, the House agreed with those changes. The language regarding health care provider contracts was also included in S.313, the CTE bill. | Senate Message: Vetoed by Governor June 18, 2026 (05/29/26) | Senate Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs; House General and Housing | |
| S.303 | An Act Relating To Administration Of The Three-acre Stormwater Discharge Permit | Sen. Terry Williams; Sen. Brian Collamore; Sen. Christopher Mattos; et al. | Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Natural Resources and Energy (01/23/26) | Senate Natural Resources and Energy | ||
| S.305 Low | 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.325 High | An Act Relating To Regional Planning And Act 250 Tier Jurisdiction | Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy | Passed. https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.325. S.325 repeals the Act 181 "Road Rule" and eliminates the requirement that the Natural Resources Board prepare a Tier 3 designation report. The bill retains the Tier 3 critical resource framework while directing the Land Use Review Board (LURB) to develop a public engagement plan and recommendations for future identification and protection of critical natural resources. It also authorizes regional planning commissions to amend regional plans to support Tier 1B implementation and extends several temporary housing-development exemptions through 2028.
The bill modifies Act 250 jurisdiction by clarifying that projects seeking to utilize the 50-unit/10-acre housing exemption must locate all project elements within 10 contiguous acres. It also requires additional reports and recommendations concerning sprawl, Act 250 jurisdiction, and the treatment of on-farm commercial activities. S.325 establishes a new framework for certain on-farm accessory businesses, allowing qualifying farms to conduct activities such as agritourism events, farm-based retail sales, processing of farm products, and limited farm stays without triggering Act 250 jurisdiction, provided statutory conditions are met. The bill includes operational standards addressing noise, hours of operation, scale, and the requirement that agricultural production remain a substantial component of the overall enterprise. Most provisions take effect July 1, 2026, with certain on-farm business provisions effective July 1, 2027. | Senate Message: Signed by Governor June 16, 2026 (05/29/26) | House Appropriations; Senate Appropriations; Senate Finance; House Ways and Means; Senate Natural Resources and Energy; House Environment | |
| S.328 Medium | An Act Relating To Housing And Common Interest Communities | Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs | Passed House and Senate. Delivered to Governor June 12. S.328 expands state and local tools intended to increase housing production and improve housing affordability. The bill authorizes additional housing financing and infrastructure programs, expands the Treasurer's "10 Percent for Vermont" investment authority, broadens VEDA's housing lending capabilities, and creates an Off-Site Construction Accelerator Pilot Program. It also modifies municipal planning and housing requirements, expands opportunities for manufactured housing, extends and modifies certain local zoning preemptions related to duplexes, accessory dwelling units, and multi-unit housing, and establishes additional housing development incentives and reporting requirements. Most provisions take effect July 1, 2026. https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/S-0328/S-0328%20As%20Passed%20by%20Both%20House%20and%20Senate%20Unofficial.pdf. | Senate Message: Signed by Governor June 18, 2026 (05/29/26) | House Appropriations; Senate Appropriations; Senate Finance; House Ways and Means; Senate Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs; House General and Housing |