An act relating to technical corrections for the 2026 legislative session
Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
32 provisions identified: 20 benefits, 2 costs, 10 mixed.
No extra costs for gender care
Health plans cannot charge higher copays, coinsurance, or deductibles for gender‑affirming care than for other medical or mental health care. This rule applies to plans under the State’s insurance laws. People getting gender‑affirming care pay no more out of pocket than for similar services.
More overtime pay and broader parental leave
Covered health facilities can elect an overtime plan if they pay biweekly and file with the Commissioner. Workers must get at least 1.5x pay after 8 hours in a day or over 80 hours in a two‑week period. The law also expands parental leave to pregnancy and recovery, bonding within one year after birth, and initial adoption or foster placement within one year. Effective April 30, 2026.
Unemployment checks and fund rules updated
Each year on the first day of the first calendar week in July, the maximum weekly unemployment check equals $25 plus 57% of the State annual average weekly wage. The maximum does not go up in any year when federal Title XII advances to the State Unemployment Trust Fund are still unpaid. The Commissioner also computes the fund’s “current fund ratio” each year by dividing the December 31 balance by total wages reported by March 31. That ratio helps set employer contribution rates and supports the fund’s stability. Effective April 30, 2026.
New unemployment taxes and penalties for employers
The taxable wage base adjusts each January 1 by the State average wage when the trust fund is positive and advances are repaid by June 1. If the rate schedule drops to III or I, the base is cut by $2,000 the next January 1 and then adjusted yearly. Employers face a $100 penalty for each late employment or separation report, unless waived for reasonable cause. If a business is bought mainly to get a lower rate, its experience does not transfer and the buyer gets the highest rate until a new one is set. Unpaid contributions, penalties, and interest are a State debt and can be collected in court. Effective April 30, 2026.
Simpler licensing and centralized agency support
The Office standardizes license applications and adopts uniform investigation and discipline rules across many professional boards. Units attached to an Agency must receive services from the Agency’s Administrative Services Operations Division. This makes licensing and internal support more consistent across the State.
Wider disability protections and free fishing
The law broadens what counts as a disability, listing many physical and mental conditions, including drug addiction and alcoholism. Effective April 30, 2026. A Vermont resident with developmental disabilities can get a free permanent fishing license with a statement from their treating health care provider.
More local access to victim‑services funds
The Center must set rules so local groups can apply for State funds for spouse abuse and sexual assault programs. It must set minimum eligibility standards. Any local agency or organization that meets the standards can apply for funding.
Faster union votes and privacy rules
The Board holds secret ballot elections within 23 business days after a petition, unless a listed exception applies. Employers must file the bargaining‑unit employee list within two business days. The list is kept confidential and is not open to public records requests.
Interns earn State retirement credit
If you complete the required State employment commitment, your time in the Vermont Internship Program counts toward State retirement service credit. The credit applies after you finish the commitment named in the law.
New school nurse, safety, and pay options
Schools can use endorsed school nurses, associate school nurses, or registered nurses certified and contracted to do school nurse work. Schools with athletics must have accessible, maintained AEDs at each venue, train staff in CPR/AED, run drills, and keep an athletic emergency action plan. School employees can choose to set aside a set dollar amount or percent of after‑tax pay into a district‑held account and get the money on request or at year’s end. The payroll savings option took effect April 30, 2026.
2026 retirement plan relief for employers
If an employer lacked a qualifying retirement plan for part of 2026 but adopts one for the rest of 2026, it is not treated as a covered employer for that remainder under the State program. This eases compliance for employers that put a plan in place for the rest of the year.
More help for small farms’ water fixes
During inspections, the Secretary identifies needed capital, structural, or technical fixes on small farms and ranks them each year by water‑quality benefit. The Secretary can provide financial help at any time if an urgent water issue needs immediate abatement. This applies to small farms inspected under the State’s agricultural practices.
Simpler forms for business registration
The Secretary of State can set forms, procedures, and rules for business registration. This standardizes and streamlines filings. The law does not add new fees or deadlines in this text.
Clearer state convention and voting rules
If Congress sends a U.S. amendment needing a state convention, the Governor must call an election for 14 at‑large delegates within 60 days. The election is held 3 to 12 months after the call and not within 40 days before a general or primary. A Legislative Apportionment Board is set up to draw House districts and meet deadlines, including a final plan by August 15. Voter registration forms now use a driver’s license number or last four of SSN, and the Secretary of State assigns a unique ID if an applicant has no SSN.
Clearer town meeting voting steps
If one voter immediately questions a declared vote, the moderator must divide the meeting. If seven voters ask, the vote must be by paper ballot unless another procedure is in place. At floor meetings with paper ballots, polls must stay open a reasonable time with notice. With one nominee and no objection, voters can instruct the clerk to cast one ballot for that person. A voted article cannot be reconsidered at the same meeting after moving to another article; it can be taken up at a later warned meeting. Effective April 30, 2026.
Easier voting by mail and recount rules
Town clerks may check eligibility but cannot require provisional voters to fill forms beyond the approved registration form, and boards cannot routinely require in‑person appearances. Towns and, with approvals, school districts may mail ballots to all active voters; ballots must be mailed at least 20 days before the election. Local ballots may show party labels only if allowed, and a caucus endorsement is needed to use a party name. Before a recount, the clerk explains the rules; officials recount one container at a time and finish each polling place before moving on. The Secretary of State returns nonconforming petitions within two business days; supplementary petitions are allowed within 10 days unless no petition had at least 1,000 signatures by the deadline. Effective April 30, 2026.
New climate and environmental justice bodies
An Environmental Justice Advisory Council now advises agencies and lawmakers. It studies data and talks with affected communities about how laws and rules affect outcomes. A 10‑member legislative committee also reviews carbon‑reduction matters across key House and Senate committees.
Presidential election and popular vote steps
Each major party holds a State convention in May or June of presidential years to elect national delegates. If a presidential elector seat is vacant on meeting day, the remaining electors fill it by open voice vote and attach a statement. In states in the national popular vote agreement, the chief election official makes the final national vote determination at least six days before electors meet and shares it with other member states within 24 hours. The agreement takes effect only when states with a majority of electoral votes enact it in the same form. The law defines a presidential slate as the president and vice‑president nominees or their legal successors. Effective April 30, 2026.
Town notices, appointments, and access updates
Towns must publish meeting warnings in a local newspaper at least five days before the meeting (or in the town report) and post online if the website is regularly updated. Charter proposals must be filed 10 days before the first hearing, with any revisions posted 20 days before the vote. Towns appoint water commissioners when there is a water system, may authorize selectboard‑appointed constables, and must hire a qualified assessor if listers are eliminated. Auditor terms end 45 days after voters eliminate the office or upon contracting with a public accountant; clerks must certify municipal‑acceptance votes within 10 days. Towns must take reasonable steps so elders and people with disabilities can attend meetings. Selectboards may accept and spend grants beyond the budget and must list them in the annual report. Effective April 30, 2026.
Fairness rule for land use commissioners
A District Commissioner who is a decisionmaker in a case cannot also act as a representative in that same case. This keeps Act 250 land use proceedings impartial.
Local highway safety programs can expand
Towns, cities, EMS districts, and other local units can run Governor‑approved highway safety programs as part of the State program. Approved local programs can receive State and federal funds. State and federal rules still apply.
PFAS banned in protective gear
Selling personal protective equipment that contains PFAS is banned in Vermont. Makers and sellers must keep PFAS out of PPE sold in the State. This reduces harmful chemical exposure for workers and buyers.
Minor alcohol and cannabis cases shift
Illegal alcohol or cannabis possession by minors is handled by the Judicial Bureau. The Bureau processes the case and can impose fines or other penalties.
New program fees for stewardship members
A stewardship organization may charge its members reasonable fees to organize, administer, and run required programs. The law does not set the fee amounts.
Interlock path to license for youth DUIs
If your license is suspended for impaired driving, you can drive with an ignition interlock restricted license or certificate. You must use the interlock for one year or until you turn 21, whichever is longer. The required time can be extended if you violate the rules.
Managed care allowed for mental health
Health plans may use a managed care organization for mental health treatment. The organization must follow rules the insurance regulator adopts to protect access and purpose. The regulator must consult with the Mental Health Commissioner and a task force before making rules. Reviews of policy rates and forms must consider these protections.
Stronger enforcement and fair union access
Labor groups that require membership for a job cannot discriminate based on race, color, disability, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. The Attorney General or a State’s Attorney can enforce parts of the flexible work law, and for State workers the Human Rights Commission can enforce it. They can investigate, stop violations, and recover court costs. There is no private lawsuit right for these enforcement parts. Effective April 30, 2026.
Campaign finance definitions and small filings
The law defines political parties to include committees they control; a party’s national affiliate is a separate party. Invitations, postage, and food or drink for an event are not treated as spending on a candidate when legal conditions are met. Some small political entities that do not normally file must send a report and an attestation that they did not roll over surplus or make or accept covered contributions. Effective April 30, 2026.
State review of government AI systems
The Division of Artificial Intelligence reviews AI systems used by State government. It gives the General Assembly recommendations on needed policies, laws, and rules.
Tighter land‑use enforcement with settlements
The Secretary must begin land‑use enforcement when the Land Use Review Board asks and set cooperative procedures with the Board. Agencies can also accept an “assurance of discontinuance” agreement to stop violations instead of going to court. This both strengthens enforcement and allows an alternative path to resolve cases.
Audit check before renewing privatization
Before an agency renews a privatization contract for the first time, the Auditor must confirm 10% cost savings and performance. If the target is not met, the Auditor reports to the agency and lawmakers. The agency must then review whether to renew the contract or have State employees do the work.
New rules on municipal permitting fees
Municipalities are exempt from most State permitting fees but must still pay some listed ones. They may charge user fees to recover certain costs. Towns are exempt from the listed stormwater fees if they take full legal responsibility for the system under 10 V.S.A. § 1264.
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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 April 30, 2026
5/1/2026SenateSigned by Governor on April 30, 2026
4/30/2026HouseDelivered to the Governor on April 24, 2026
4/24/2026HouseSenate Message: Passed in concurrence
4/23/2026HouseRead 3rd time & passed in concurrence
4/22/2026SenateNew Business/Third Reading
4/22/2026SenateReported favorably by Senator Clarkson for Committee on Government Operations, read 2nd time and 3rd reading ordered
4/21/2026SenateFavorable report by Committee on Government Operations
4/21/2026SenateSecond Reading
4/21/2026SenateFavorable report by Committee on Government Operations
4/17/2026SenateSecond Reading
4/17/2026SenateEntered on Notice Calendar
4/17/2026SenateRead 1st time & referred to Committee on Government Operations
3/20/2026SenateRead third time and passed
3/18/2026HouseAction Calendar: Third Reading
3/18/2026HouseThird Reading ordered
3/17/2026HouseRep. James of Manchester moved to amend the bill, which was agreed to
3/17/2026HouseRep. Coffin of Cavendish spoke for the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs
3/17/2026HouseRead second time
3/17/2026HouseAction Calendar: Committee bill for second reading
3/17/2026HouseNotice Calendar: Committee bill for second reading
3/13/2026HouseCommittee bill read the first time and placed on Notice Calendar of March 13, 2026
3/12/2026House
Bill Text
As Enacted (ACT 91)
5/8/2026
As Passed by Both Chambers
4/24/2026
As Passed by Both Chambers (Unofficial)
4/24/2026
As Passed by the House
3/20/2026
As Passed by the House (Unofficial)
3/20/2026
As Introduced
3/11/2026
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