Vermont Bill Book

The bill would stop donors from getting a federal tax credit for giving to scholarship groups, so they would pay more taxes.

Citizens who fund scholarships would lose a tax break, making charitable giving more expensive. The state could collect extra revenue, but donors lose an incentive.

Government Power

• Accountability (neutral) — no new oversight. Bill does not add accountability measures
• Rights & Protections (hurts) — removes tax credit. Eliminates a tax benefit for donors
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — cost shifts to donors. Donors pay higher taxes
• Process Transparency (neutral) — standard committee referral. Bill just introduced, no special transparency
• Funding Tilt (hurts) — shifts revenue to state. State gains revenue, donors lose credit

• Official text (VT H0770)https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.770
• LegiScan — H0770https://legiscan.com/VT/bill/H0770/2025

The bill would let insurers charge higher rates to older people and to those who use tobacco, making coverage costlier for them.

If passed, older Vermonters and smokers could see their monthly health bills jump, while younger, non‑smokers might pay less, widening the gap and hurting those who need help most.

Insurers

• Accountability (neutral) — No change to oversight mechanisms.. The bill does not add or remove accountability measures for insurers.
• Rights & Protections (hurts) — Reduces protection for older and smoking consumers.. Allows higher premiums based on age and tobacco, limiting affordability for vulnerable groups.
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — Shifts cost to older and smoking individuals.. Consumers in those categories would pay more, while insurers keep the extra revenue.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — No new transparency provisions.. The bill does not require additional disclosure about pricing.
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — No funding changes.. The bill does not allocate or redirect money.

• Official text (VT H0430)https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.430
• LegiScan — H0430https://legiscan.com/VT/bill/H0430/2025

The bill would let hospitals avoid being sued when they work with state programs, making it harder for patients to get compensation.

Vermont residents could lose the ability to hold hospitals accountable for mistakes if the bill becomes law, so they should watch the debate and speak up now.

Hospitals

• Accountability (hurts) — Reduces ability to sue hospitals. Provides state action immunity for hospitals, shielding them from liability.
• Rights & Protections (hurts) — Limits legal recourse for patients. Cuts down on everyday people's right to take hospitals to court.
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — Costs shift to patients. Patients may have to pay out of pocket if hospitals are immune.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — No new transparency measures. Bill does not add public reporting or oversight.
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — No funding changes mentioned. Official text contains no budget provisions.

• Official text (VT H0719)https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.719
• LegiScan — H0719https://legiscan.com/VT/bill/H0719/2025

This bill would change unemployment insurance eligibility and benefits

If you lose your job, this bill could affect whether you get unemployment benefits and how much you get, so it's a good time to weigh in on the proposed changes

Everyday People

• Accountability (neutral) — No clear information. Unknown
• Rights & Protections (neutral) — No clear information. Unknown
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — No clear information. Unknown

• Official text (VT H0235)https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.235
• LegiScan — H0235https://legiscan.com/VT/bill/H0235/2025

The bill would let businesses claim a tax credit for money they spend on advertising with local media, lowering their tax bill.

Citizens could see less state revenue, which might mean higher taxes or fewer services, while advertisers get a cheaper way to promote locally.

Media

• Accountability (neutral) — No new oversight mechanisms added. Bill does not change accountability structures
• Rights & Protections (neutral) — No rights removed or added. Bill does not affect personal rights
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — Tax credit reduces state revenue. Cost shifts to taxpayers
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Bill only introduced, details sparse. Limited public information at this stage
• Funding Tilt (hurts) — Benefit goes to advertisers, not taxpayers. Financial advantage for businesses advertising locally

• Official text (VT H0377)https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.377
• LegiScan — H0377https://legiscan.com/VT/bill/H0377/2025

The bill would change who can get unemployment benefits and how much they receive, affecting people who lose jobs.

If it passes, some jobless workers might find it harder to qualify for aid, while others could see more help, so voters should watch the debate and let their voices be heard now.

Workers

• Accountability (neutral) — unknown impact. No clear changes to accountability shown
• Rights & Protections (neutral) — unknown impact. Unclear effect on workers' rights
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — unknown impact. Cost implications not specified
• Process Transparency (neutral) — unknown impact. Procedural details limited
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — unknown impact. Funding changes not described

• Official text (VT S0037)https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.37
• LegiScan — S0037https://legiscan.com/VT/bill/S0037/2025

The bill would change the rules for declaring a homestead and getting a property tax credit, which could affect your home tax bill.

Homeowners might see a bigger or smaller tax break depending on the new rules. It's important to watch this bill now because it could change how much you pay each year.

Everyday People

• Accountability (neutral) — No clear changes to oversight. Bill text does not specify new accountability measures.
• Rights & Protections (neutral) — Unclear impact on homeowner rights. Changes to tax credit may affect rights to claim credit.
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — Cost shift not specified. Potential cost shift to taxpayers unknown.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Bill just introduced, limited info. No details on public input.
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — No funding changes noted. Bill does not mention new funding sources.

• Official text (VT H0486)https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.486
• LegiScan — H0486https://legiscan.com/VT/bill/H0486/2025

The bill would let companies claim a refundable tax credit when they buy new machines, giving them cash back if the credit exceeds their taxes.

Tax credits help businesses afford upgrades, but they lower state revenue, meaning taxpayers may pay more later; supporters say it spurs jobs, opponents warn about the cost.

Manufacturing equipment

• Accountability (neutral) — no change. bill does not alter oversight of businesses
• Rights & Protections (neutral) — no impact. does not affect individual legal rights
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — tax credit reduces revenue. state funds credit from general fund, shifting cost to taxpayers
• Process Transparency (neutral) — no change. bill does not change how decisions are made
• Funding Tilt (hurts) — benefits businesses. refundable credit gives cash back to firms that invest in equipment

Pushing for it: Businesses
Bearing the cost: Taxpayers

• Official text (VT S0312)https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.312
• LegiScan — S0312https://legiscan.com/VT/bill/S0312/2025

The bill would change how credit card fees are set, which could raise or lower the cost you pay when you swipe a card.

Citizens should watch this bill because it could shift the burden of card fees onto shoppers or merchants, and the outcome will shape everyday expenses.

Credit card companies

• Accountability (neutral) — no info. unknown effect on holding parties accountable
• Rights & Protections (neutral) — no info. unknown effect on consumer rights
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — no info. unknown who would pay more or less
• Process Transparency (neutral) — no info. unknown impact on openness
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — no info. unknown funding changes

• Official text (VT S0316)https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.316
• LegiScan — S0316https://legiscan.com/VT/bill/S0316/2025

This bill would update health insurance rules to make them clearer for everyone.

It's important to watch how this bill changes health insurance rules, as it could affect how people get care and understand their options.

• Accountability (neutral) — No clear accountability measures mentioned.. The text does not specify how accountability will be improved.
• Rights & Protections (neutral) — No new rights or protections provided.. The bill focuses on reorganizing existing statutes without adding new protections.
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — Cost implications are unclear.. The bill does not mention who will bear any costs related to the updates.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — No transparency measures included.. The bill does not outline how the process will be more transparent.
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — Funding details are not provided.. There are no details on funding in the bill.

• Official text (VT H0095)https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.95
• LegiScan — H0095https://legiscan.com/VT/bill/H0095/2025

This bill would let some volunteers in Vermont get free criminal background checks, making it easier to help others.

This bill would make it easier for people who want to help others through certain volunteer groups. It would mean they would not have to pay money to get a criminal history check. This could help more people volunteer and make it simpler for them to do good work. Some might say that everyone should pay their own way, but this bill tries to remove a small cost that might stop someone from volunteering.

Everyday People

• Accountability (neutral) — Neutral impact on accountability.. The bill does not change how people are held accountable.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Removes a small barrier to volunteering.. Removes a small financial barrier for volunteers.
• Who Bears the Cost (helps) — Shifts cost away from volunteers.. Volunteers would not have to pay for criminal history checks.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Standard legislative process.. The bill is in the early stages of the legislative process.
• Funding Tilt (helps) — Reduces costs for volunteers.. Reduces costs for certain volunteers.

Pushing for it: Certain DAIL volunteers
Bearing the cost: The state of Vermont

• Official text (VT S0252)https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.252
• LegiScan — S0252https://legiscan.com/VT/bill/S0252/2025

This bill would let some volunteers get free background checks, making it easier for them to help people.

This bill would make it easier for people who want to help others through DAIL to do so. Volunteers often give their time for free, and paying for a background check can be a small hurdle. By removing this fee, more people might be able to volunteer. Some might say that the state would lose a small amount of money from these fees, but the benefit of more volunteers helping the community could be much greater. This bill is still new and has a long way to go before it could become law.

Everyday People

• Rights & Protections (helps) — Helps volunteers. This bill would make it easier for people to volunteer by removing a small fee for criminal history records.
• Who Bears the Cost (helps) — State covers fee. The state would cover the cost of background checks for certain volunteers instead of the volunteers paying.
• Funding Tilt (helps) — Supports volunteering. This bill supports community volunteering by removing a financial barrier for certain DAIL volunteers.

Pushing for it: Certain DAIL volunteers
Bearing the cost: Vermont state

• Official text (VT H0682)https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.682
• LegiScan — H0682https://legiscan.com/VT/bill/H0682/2025

This bill would give you money back on your taxes if you make your home safer or easier to live in, helping you afford important updates.

This bill would help people pay for things like grab bars, ramps, or wider doorways to make homes safer and more accessible. It could help older people or those with disabilities stay in their homes longer. This is a good idea because it helps regular people directly. The state would pay for this by giving up some tax money. People should tell their lawmakers if they think this is a good way to use state money.

Everyday People

• Accountability (neutral) — Neutral impact. The bill does not directly address accountability of powerful entities.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Helps people stay in their homes. By making home modifications more affordable, it helps protect people's ability to live safely and independently in their homes.
• Who Bears the Cost (helps) — Cost shifted from individuals to state. The cost of home modifications would be partially covered by the state through a tax credit, benefiting individuals.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Normal legislative process. The bill is in the early stages of the legislative process, which is typical.
• Funding Tilt (helps) — Funding helps individuals. The tax credit would direct state funds to help individuals pay for home improvements.

Pushing for it: Homeowners making safety and livability modifications
Bearing the cost: Vermont state budget

• Official text (VT H0008)https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.8
• LegiScan — H0008https://legiscan.com/VT/bill/H0008/2025

This bill would tell Vermont state offices to keep private medical information safe for people with autism, especially with new federal plans for health databases.

This bill is a special message from the Vermont House. It would tell all state offices to protect the private health information and rights of Vermonters with autism. This is important because the U.S. government plans to make new databases about autism. This bill would make sure Vermont stands up for its people's privacy. Even though it is not a law, it shows what the House thinks is important. You can tell your lawmakers you agree or disagree with this message.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — Urges state agencies to protect privacy.. The resolution would urge all State agencies, departments, and offices to protect civil rights and privacy.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Aims to protect personal privacy and civil rights.. The resolution would urge protection of civil rights, medical confidentiality, and all aspects of personal privacy.
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — No direct cost shift mentioned.. The resolution does not mention any specific costs or who would pay for them.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — A resolution is a transparent way to express legislative opinion.. This is a House resolution, which is a public statement of the chamber's position.
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — No funding is mentioned in the resolution.. The resolution does not include any funding provisions.

Pushing for it: Vermonters with autism, their families, and privacy advocates.
Bearing the cost: Not applicable, as this is a protective measure.

• Official text (VT HR0009)https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.R.9
• LegiScan — HR0009https://legiscan.com/VT/bill/HR0009/2025

This bill would help keep your health choices private, so no one can easily find out about your personal medical care.

This bill is important because it would make it harder for others to get information about your private medical decisions, especially for reproductive health care. It aims to keep your health records safe from being shared without your permission. This helps make sure you feel secure when seeking care.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — Protects individual data. The bill aims to protect individuals' private health information, making it harder for others to access it without consent.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Strengthens privacy rights. It would strengthen the right to privacy for personal health decisions, especially for reproductive care.
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — No clear cost shift. The official text does not specify any new costs or who would bear them.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — No specific process changes. The bill's summary does not detail changes to process transparency.
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — No funding details. The bill text does not mention any funding changes or allocations.

Pushing for it: Individuals seeking reproductive health care
Bearing the cost: Entities that might seek to access or share private health data

• Official text (VT S0049)https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.49
• LegiScan — S0049https://legiscan.com/VT/bill/S0049/2025

The bill would erase tax bills for people who lost money to fraud, giving them a fresh start.

Victims would get relief from tax debt, but the state would lose revenue, so taxpayers might feel the impact later.

Everyday People

• Accountability (neutral) — Bill does not change who is accountable for fraud. No new accountability measures
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Provides relief to victims. Erases tax debt for fraud victims
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — Cost shifts to state budget/public. State loses tax revenue
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Bill just introduced, limited details. No clear process for determining victims
• Funding Tilt (hurts) — Potential loss of revenue. State funds may be reduced

• Official text (VT H0115)https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.115
• LegiScan — H0115https://legiscan.com/VT/bill/H0115/2025

This bill would give back extra property tax money to people in Barre and Milton.

If you live in Barre or Milton and overpaid taxes, this bill could help you get your money back. It's important to support it now so you can benefit.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — This bill aims to return money to taxpayers.. It holds the government accountable for tax overpayments.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Protects citizens' rights to receive refunds.. It ensures people get back what they overpaid.
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — Costs are not shifted to others.. The bill focuses on refunds, not new taxes.

• Official text (VT H0178)https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.178
• LegiScan — H0178https://legiscan.com/VT/bill/H0178/2025

The bill would increase tax credits, giving households more money back on their state income taxes.

People could get bigger refunds, helping families stretch their budgets, while the state will need to fund the credits, so voters should watch the discussion.

Everyday People

• Accountability (neutral) — No new oversight mechanisms added. The bill does not change who monitors tax credit distribution.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Expands benefits to taxpayers. More tax credits give households greater financial relief.
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — State budget must pay for larger credits. The extra refunds are funded by state revenue.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Standard legislative process. Bill follows normal committee referral and reading steps.
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — Unclear funding source. No specific financing plan is outlined in the text.

Pushing for it: taxpayers
Bearing the cost: state budget

• Official text (VT H0483)https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.483
• LegiScan — H0483https://legiscan.com/VT/bill/H0483/2025

This bill would help people by making businesses accept cash and lowering credit card fees.

If this bill passes, it could save you money on fees and make it easier to pay with cash. Now is the time to support it.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — Supports consumer rights.. The bill helps consumers by ensuring cash is accepted.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Protects payment options.. It gives people the choice to pay with cash.
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — No clear cost shift.. The bill does not shift costs to consumers.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Introduced bill.. The bill is still in early stages.
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — No funding changes.. The bill does not require new funding.

• Official text (VT S0135)https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.135
• LegiScan — S0135https://legiscan.com/VT/bill/S0135/2025

The bill would stop towns from adding extra charges when you pay your water or electric bill online.

Citizens would keep more of their money and not be forced to pay hidden fees, while municipalities lose a small revenue source.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — bill bans fees. prevents municipalities from adding fees
• Rights & Protections (helps) — protects consumer right to pay without extra cost. removes convenience fee
• Who Bears the Cost (helps) — keeps cost on municipality. no extra charge to consumers
• Process Transparency (neutral) — standard legislative process. bill introduced, committee referral
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — no new funding. does not allocate money

• Official text (VT H0265)https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.265
• LegiScan — H0265https://legiscan.com/VT/bill/H0265/2025