An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects
Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
11 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 3 costs, 4 mixed.
Forestry heavy cut permits confirmed
The State confirms that heavy‑cut authorizations issued from July 1, 2018 through July 1, 2025 are valid and enforceable. The Department must publish the rule in the Vermont Code of Rules by July 1, 2026.
Paint recycling expands to all products
Starting July 1, 2026, the paint stewardship program covers all paint, not just architectural paint. Producers must run an approved statewide plan for collection, reuse, recycling, energy recovery, and safe disposal. The State phases in sale, plan, and reporting dates and treats collected hazardous postconsumer paint as universal waste to simplify handling.
Annual fees and reports for fertilizers
Fertilizer sellers must register each product ($85 per grade or formula; $50 per agricultural lime) and renew yearly by December 31. Each year they must also report tonnage and pay a fee: at least $150, plus $0.50 per ton of agricultural fertilizer and $30 per ton of nonagricultural fertilizer. Beneficial substances and agricultural limes are exempt from tonnage fees. If a product is underweight, the registrant pays three times the value of the shortage.
Higher pesticide fees and funding study
Pesticide registrants pay $200 per product each year. Of that, $185 goes to a special fund, $15 to the Agricultural Water Quality Fund, and $25 offsets inspections and pollinator education. An extra $50 per product is also collected until a producer‑responsibility program fully funds pesticide collection. The State will report by December 15, 2025 on long‑term funding options to pay for unwanted pesticide disposal.
Free drop off for hazardous household waste
You can drop off covered household hazardous products for free statewide. After July 1, 2026, you cannot put these products in the trash or landfill. Plans must aim for at least 5% annual household participation, and the State can require more outreach or events if goals are missed. Until July 1, 2027, towns may get a variance to hold one collection event instead of two if they partner or show costs are unreasonable.
Household hazardous waste rules for manufacturers
Stewardship groups must register by July 1, 2025 and renew yearly starting July 1, 2026. Manufacturers of covered products must join a stewardship group by November 1, 2025 and, after plan approval plus six months, be listed to sell in Vermont. If no group forms or submits an adequate plan, the Secretary will run the plan and charge each maker its prorated costs, plus an extra 10% assessment. Architectural paint is removed from this HHW program. Stewardship groups must take on makers’ duties and keep a public list of covered brands.
Tougher efficiency rules for baseload plant
The baseload renewable plant must raise overall efficiency by at least 50% over the 12 months before July 1, 2022. By October 1, 2025, the owner must submit a signed contract and engineer certification for a facility that uses excess heat. By October 1, 2026, the owner must certify key components are manufactured and plans are complete. Missing these dates ends utilities’ purchase obligation on November 1, 2026. By September 1, 2027, the Department checks if the 50% gain is met; if not, purchases end on November 1, 2027. After November 1, 2028, the owner files annual efficiency reports with a fix‑plan if needed. The Commission sets the 2028–2032 price by November 1, 2028, based on avoided cost.
Stormwater fee break for Rutland society
The Rutland County Agricultural Society is exempt from the three‑acre stormwater impact fee and offset if it is registered with the Agency of Agriculture. The exemption applies only while registration is maintained.
Annual fertilizer data and phosphorus tips
Each year, the State publishes fertilizer distribution data and test results. The Secretary also shares simple tips about phosphorus for lawns and homes, working with UVM Extension and lake groups. Outreach can include store signs and public service announcements.
Small fee at checkout for paint
When you buy architectural paint, you pay a stewardship fee based on size: $0 for 0.5 pint or smaller; $0.65 for >0.5 pint to 1 gallon; $1.35 for >1 to 2 gallons; $2.45 for >2 to 5 gallons. Retailers collect this at checkout.
Stronger rules for fertilizer sellers
The Secretary of Agriculture now runs and enforces Vermont’s fertilizer law. Inspectors can enter sites and vehicles during business hours, review records, and take samples. Products must meet new label rules and cannot be misbranded or adulterated. The Secretary can suspend or cancel registrations, order product withdrawals, and seek seizure in court. Definitions clarify which products are covered. Exchanges and shipments among registered manufacturers remain allowed.
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Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
There is no primary sponsor on record.
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
House message: Governor approved bill on June 11, 2025
6/13/2025SenateSigned by Governor on June 11, 2025
6/11/2025HouseDelivered to the Governor on June 5, 2025
6/5/2025HouseSenate Message: House proposal of amendment to Senate proposal of amendment concurred in
5/30/2025HouseRules suspended & messaged to House forthwith, on motion of Senator Baruth
5/30/2025SenateHouse proposal of amendment to Senate proposal of amendment concurred in
5/30/2025SenateHouse proposal of amendment to Senate proposal of amendment, text
5/30/2025SenateRules suspended & taken up for immediate consideration, on motion of Senator Baruth
5/30/2025SenateHouse message: House concurred in Senate proposal of amendment with proposal of amendment
5/30/2025SenateRules suspended and bill messaged forthwith to the Senate as moved by Rep. McCoy of Poultney
5/30/2025HouseSenate proposal of amendment concurred in with further amendment thereto, as offered by Rep. Nelson of Derby
5/30/2025HouseAction Calendar: Senate Proposal of Amendment
5/30/2025HouseNotice Calendar: Senate Proposal of Amendment
5/29/2025HouseSenate Message: Passed in concurrence with proposal of amendment
5/28/2025HouseRules suspended & messaged to House forthwith, on motion of Senator Baruth
5/28/2025SenateRead 3rd time & passed in concurrence with proposal of amendment
5/28/2025SenateSenator Brennan requested & granted leave to withdraw proposal of amendment
5/28/2025SenateProposal of amendment by Senator(s) Brennan; text
5/28/2025SenateRules suspended & bill placed on all remaining stages of passage, on motion of Senator Baruth
5/28/2025Senate3rd reading ordered
5/28/2025SenateProposal of amendment by Committee on Agriculture, as amended, agreed to
5/28/2025SenateProposal of amendment by Committee on Agriculture amended as moved by Senator(s) Watson
5/28/2025SenateProposal of amendment by Committee on Agriculture amended as recommended by Committee on Finance
5/28/2025SenateReported favorably by Senator Mattos for Committee on Finance with proposal of amendment
5/28/2025SenateRead 2nd time, reported favorably with proposal of amendment by Senator Ingalls for Committee on Agriculture
5/28/2025Senate
Bill Text
As Enacted (ACT 59)
6/18/2025
As Passed by Both Chambers
6/2/2025
As Passed by Both Chambers (Unofficial)
6/2/2025
Senate Proposal of Amendment
5/29/2025
Senate Proposal of Amendment (Unofficial)
5/29/2025
As Passed by the House
3/28/2025
As Passed by the House (Unofficial)
3/28/2025
As Introduced
3/17/2025
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