| 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.
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.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 | H.589 would establish a six-year statute of repose for construction-related claims tied to improvements to real property in Vermont, generally barring lawsuits more than six years after substantial completion regardless of when a defect is discovered. The bill received significant support from builders, architects, insurers, and AIA Vermont, who argue Vermont is an outlier without this protection. Trial lawyers and consumer advocates opposed the proposal over homeowner remedy concerns. While the bill did not advance this session, both House and Senate stakeholders appear open to continued negotiations and potential action in 2027. 5/25/26 | 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 | H.718 was the Legislature’s main 2026 building energy/code reform bill and became the central vehicle for broader debates over RBES enforcement, contractor regulation, and whether Vermont should finally adopt a statewide residential building code. As introduced, the bill proposed directing the Division of Fire Safety to adopt a residential code, expanding municipal RBES/CBES enforcement authority, updating contractor registry requirements, and modifying professional education standards. The House advanced a narrower version, but the bill ultimately stalled in Senate Natural Resources after significant concerns from Chair Anne Watson and others that the proposal was too broad, administratively unclear, and not ready for enactment this session. Debate also became intertwined with Governor Scott’s Executive Order 06-25 allowing optional compliance with either the 2020 or 2024 energy codes. | 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. | Senate proposal of amendment concurred in (05/22/26) | 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.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 | ||
| 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. | (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.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. | House proposal of amendment (05/26/26) | 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 | S.230 New name: An act relating to fair employment practices. Now in the House with the real focus on potential additions—notably extreme temperature worker protections, which are not yet in the bill but actively under discussion. Separately, Section 3A raises questions around employer deductions from wages (e.g., lodging/meals), drawing stakeholder attention and possible revisions. 3/13/26 | Which was agreed to on a Roll Call Passed -- Needed 67 of 133 to Pass -- Yeas = 85, Nays = 48 (05/21/26) | 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 | S.325 became one of the session’s highest-profile land use and housing bills, centered on revising implementation of Act 181’s Act 250 reforms. The final legislation repealed the controversial “road rule” and Tier 3 jurisdiction provisions created under Act 181, while preserving the broader Tier 1A/1B regional planning framework. The bill also extended — but narrowed — interim Act 250 housing exemptions by imposing a 10-acre limitation and shortening the extension timeline compared to earlier Senate proposals. In addition, lawmakers approved expanded exemptions for certain on-farm accessory businesses and events, including some processing activities, farm stays, weddings, and concerts, while adding guardrails related to noise, timing, and maintaining an agricultural connection. S.325 reflected growing concern that portions of Act 181 were creating uncertainty for housing development, rural landowners, farms, municipalities, and regional planners. | Committee of Conference report (05/26/26) | 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 | S.328 began as a broad Senate housing package focused on accelerating housing production through financing tools, off-site construction support, infrastructure investments, and regulatory modernization. The bill originally included a prominent Off-Site Construction Accelerator Pilot intended to support modular and panelized housing production through standardized designs, bulk purchasing, and financing support. As the session progressed, many core financing and housing provisions from S.328 were ultimately folded into H.775, while the off-site pilot itself was removed from the final legislative framework. Even so, S.328 heavily shaped the broader late-session housing negotiations around VEDA authority, municipal financing tools, manufactured housing policy, VHIP reforms, and housing production strategy more generally. | House proposal of amendment (05/26/26) | House Appropriations; Senate Appropriations; Senate Finance; House Ways and Means; Senate Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs; House General and Housing |