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VermontH.9172025-2026 SessionHouseWALLET

An act relating to military affairs

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

9 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Grants and outreach for veterans in need

Beginning July 1, 2026, the Vermont Veterans’ Fund provides grants recommended by a nine-member committee and managed by the Military Department. The Office of Veterans’ Affairs uses approved criteria to give money for aid, care, and education to veterans in need and their dependents, and reports each year. The Office can also fund outreach to teach veterans about available benefits, with prior approval.

Stronger state job preference for veterans

Beginning July 1, 2026, the State must work to recruit, interview, and hire qualifying veterans and some spouses, in line with bargaining and affirmative action rules. In point‑based exams, qualifying veterans and spouses get 5 extra points, and some disabled veterans and eligible survivors get 10 points. Qualifying veterans may also apply for jobs open only to statewide promotional candidates.

Guard tuition help, with dismissal limits

Beginning July 1, 2026, tuition awards for eligible Vermont National Guard students are paid to schools after VSAC verifies enrollment. VSAC must set clear rules on eligibility, applications, proration for short terms, data sharing, and “good cause.” The Adjutant and Inspector General can end or deny tuition benefits if a student is dismissed for academic or disciplinary reasons.

Free parking at meters for disabled veterans

Starting July 1, 2026, vehicles with disabled veteran plates from any state may park at meters without paying the fee. This lowers parking costs for eligible veterans.

State medals to honor Guard service

Beginning July 1, 2026, the State may create awards and medals for Vermont National Guard members with the Governor’s approval. The Adjutant and Inspector General must publish who is eligible and the rules, and present awards in the name of the State.

Guard deployment and property safety rules

Beginning July 1, 2026, the Governor may call out the Vermont National Guard for riots, invasion, disasters, or a declared emergency, and can order training camps. State and U.S. military property under State control must be stored in Vermont, and rules must protect issued property. When property is damaged or unfit, a board can be appointed to inspect and report.

New rules for Vermont Guard leadership

Beginning July 1, 2026, the legislature sets a fixed schedule to elect the Adjutant and Inspector General to a two‑year term, with clear vacancy rules. The Adjutant and Inspector General holds the rank of major general, can appoint and remove certain deputies and assistants with the Governor’s approval, and the Deputy ensures continuity if there is an absence or vacancy. The Adjutant and Inspector General runs the Military Department and must adopt rules for the National Guard.

New Guard discipline, appeals, and court rules

Beginning July 1, 2026, only the Governor can convene a general court‑martial. Rules for courts‑martial and Guard discipline are set by the Adjutant and Inspector General and approved by the Governor, and have the force of law. A defendant must file notice of appeal within 30 days after a guilty finding, and may appeal the Adjutant’s decision to the Governor within 60 days. For nonjudicial discipline, members can appeal within 15 days; if a general officer starts the case, the Adjutant and Inspector General decides the final appeal. The State pays military court expenses from the General Fund, and the Governor may grant discharges to officers under adopted rules.

Guard pay secured; drills and duties required

Beginning July 1, 2026, the State must provide pay for authorized duty to every Vermont National Guard officer and enlisted member. Officers and enlisted members must follow orders and attend drills, parades, inspections, and reviews, and perform duties under rules set by the Adjutant and Inspector General.

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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

  1. House message: Governor approved bill on April 27, 2026

    4/29/2026Senate

  2. Signed by Governor on April 27, 2026

    4/28/2026House

  3. Delivered to the Governor on April 21, 2026

    4/21/2026House

  4. Senate Message: Passed in concurrence

    4/17/2026House

  5. Read 3rd time & passed in concurrence

    4/16/2026Senate

  6. New Business/Third Reading

    4/16/2026Senate

  7. Reported favorably by Senator White for Committee on Government Operations, read 2nd time and 3rd reading ordered

    4/15/2026Senate

  8. Favorable report by Committee on Government Operations

    4/15/2026Senate

  9. Second Reading

    4/15/2026Senate

  10. Favorable report by Committee on Government Operations

    4/14/2026Senate

  11. Second Reading

    4/14/2026Senate

  12. Entered on Notice Calendar

    4/14/2026Senate

  13. Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Government Operations

    3/24/2026Senate

  14. Read third time and passed

    3/19/2026House

  15. Action Calendar: Third Reading

    3/19/2026House

  16. Third Reading ordered

    3/18/2026House

  17. Rep. Stone of Burlington, Birong of Vergennes, Boyden of Cambridge, Coffin of Cavendish, Hango of Berkshire, Morgan, M. of Milton, Nugent of South Burlington, Pinsonault of Dorset, and Waters Evans of Charlotte moved to amend the bill, which was agreed to

    3/18/2026House

  18. Rep. Page of Newport City recommended for the Committee on Ways and Means

    3/18/2026House

  19. Rep. Stone of Burlington spoke for the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs

    3/18/2026House

  20. Read second time

    3/18/2026House

  21. Action Calendar: Action postponed until March 18, 2026

    3/18/2026House

  22. Rep. Waters Evans of Charlotte moved to postpone action until March 18, 2026, which was agreed to

    3/17/2026House

  23. Action Calendar: Favorable

    3/17/2026House

  24. Notice Calendar: Favorable

    3/13/2026House

  25. Committee bill read first time and referred to Committee on Ways and Means per Rule 35(a)

    2/26/2026House

Bill Text

  • As Enacted (ACT 88)

    5/8/2026

    PDF

  • As Passed by Both Chambers

    4/20/2026

    PDF

  • As Passed by Both Chambers (Unofficial)

    4/20/2026

    PDF

  • As Passed by the House

    3/23/2026

    PDF

  • As Passed by the House (Unofficial)

    3/23/2026

    PDF

  • As Introduced

    2/26/2026

    PDF

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