An act relating to technical corrections for the 2026 legislative session
Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable
Signed by Governor
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
41 provisions identified: 30 benefits, 6 costs, 5 mixed.
State pension rules and intern credit
The law sets how State pensions are calculated for Groups A, C, F, and G. Group A and C get 50% of average final pay at normal retirement, prorated for fewer years. Group F members included on or after July 1, 2008 get 1.6667% per year times years of service, subject to caps. Group G early retirement is the normal amount reduced by statute. If you finish the required State employment commitment, your Vermont Internship Program time counts toward retirement. When a deceased member’s account is under $1,000, probate can direct payment, and the court may waive filing fees if the estate is opened only for that payment.
Medicaid covers intensive SUD treatment
Starting April 30, 2026, Medicaid covers medically necessary high‑intensity, medically monitored residential treatment for people with a substance use disorder and a mental health condition. The treatment must be prescribed by a health professional at a program that takes Medicaid.
Parity rules for gender and mental health care
Health plans cannot charge higher copays, coinsurance, or deductibles for gender‑affirming care than for other care. Plans may use managed care for mental health only if they follow rules that keep mental health parity. The insurance regulators review policies and consult mental health stakeholders to enforce these rules.
Lower valuation for covenant homes, clearer tax bills
Starting April 30, 2026, owner‑occupied homes with a housing subsidy covenant are appraised at 60%–70% of fair market value. This can lower property taxes on those homes. Property tax bills must also show homestead and nonhomestead rates before equalization on the front and explain the common level of appraisal on the back.
Higher cap on unemployment checks
Each July, the maximum weekly unemployment benefit is set to $25 plus 57% of the State’s average weekly wage. The cap does not rise in years when federal Title XII loans to the fund are unpaid.
Overtime pay for health facility staff
Starting April 30, 2026, covered health facility employees paid every two weeks must get at least 1.5 times their regular wage for hours over 8 in a day or over 80 in a two‑week period. The extra pay applies to each overtime hour.
More water-quality help for small farms
During small‑farm inspections under the Required Agricultural Practices, the State identifies where capital, structural, or technical help is needed to protect water. Farms are ranked each year by expected water‑quality benefit. The Secretary can give financial help at any time when immediate abatement is needed.
Child Care Fund can pay benefits
Starting April 30, 2026, the Child Care Contribution Special Fund pays for running the contribution and for child care financial help, including incentive payments. Interest stays in the Fund. The Departments of Taxes and for Children and Families can use the Fund for needed administration.
Stronger AED and CPR rules in schools
The State’s school emergency plan now covers AED use and upkeep. Staff must train in CPR and AED use and run practice drills. Schools with athletics must have a written Athletic Emergency Action Plan. AEDs at athletic venues must be easy to find and clearly marked.
Ignition‑interlock license for suspended drivers
If you are suspended for impaired driving, you may drive only with an ignition‑interlock restricted license or certificate. You must use it for one year or until you turn 21, whichever is longer. Violations can extend the time.
Stricter employer unemployment tax rules
Beginning April 30, 2026, employers pay $100 for each required employment or separation report filed late. Unpaid contributions, penalties, and interest are State debt and can be collected in court. The taxable wage base rises each January by the same percent as State average wages when the fund is healthy and loans are repaid. If a business is bought mainly to get a lower tax rate, the buyer can be assigned the highest rate. The State also sets clear year-end dates for fund ratio calculations used in rate setting.
Rules and support for parents under 21
Starting April 30, 2026, parents under 18 in Reach Up must attend school or an approved training and join a case‑managed support program, with sanctions for noncompliance. They usually must live with a parent or in a supervised setting, unless exempt, and their parents’ income may not count if they live with their parents. The State works with community groups to offer supervised living and parenting and training options. A person under 21 with a child can also qualify for a child program even if SNAP denied them only because they live with a parent, if their job meets Reach Up work rules.
Free fishing license for developmental disabilities
A Vermont resident with developmental disabilities can get a free permanent fishing license. You must send a signed statement from your treating health care provider that you meet the legal definition.
Compensation for offenders hurt in DOC programs
Starting April 30, 2026, the State creates a program to give compensation, medical care, and job services to offenders hurt while under Department of Corrections supervision. The injury must come from work or training the Department directed. Benefits are designed to be similar to workers’ compensation.
Stronger protection for court‑ordered child coverage
Starting April 30, 2026, if a court or agency orders a parent to provide dependent health coverage and the parent can get employer coverage, the employer cannot drop the child. The employer may drop only with written proof that the order ended, the child has equal coverage by the drop date, or dependent coverage ended for everyone by law.
Broader parental leave and impairment list
Beginning April 30, 2026, parental leave covers pregnancy, recovery from childbirth or miscarriage, birth, and bonding within one year. It also covers placement of a child under 18 for adoption or foster care and bonding within one year. The law also lists many conditions that count as a physical or mental impairment, such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, epilepsy, and more.
New options for school staff pay and nurses
Starting April 30, 2026, school employees can ask in writing to withhold part of after‑tax pay into a district bank account and withdraw it later. Any leftover money and interest are paid at year‑end or when you leave. The law also expands who counts as a school nurse to include certain certified registered nurses who are contracted to do school nurse duties.
Annual report on resilience grants
Beginning April 30, 2026, the Department of Public Safety must file a report by November 15 each year. It explains the Community Resilience and Disaster Mitigation Grant Program and lists grants awarded in the past year. The report goes to the House and Senate Government Operations Committees.
Ballots available and mailed earlier
Beginning April 30, 2026, ballots are available at least 20 days before an election. A town’s legislative body may vote to mail a ballot to all active registered voters. A school board may mail its annual meeting ballots only if each member town’s legislative body approves. Town clerks handle the mailing, and school districts pay the mailing costs. Ballots are mailed at least 20 days before the election or as soon as they are ready.
Clearer party and campaign spending rules
Beginning April 30, 2026, a political party includes its committees, branches, and local units as one organization for campaign finance. A party’s national affiliate is treated separately. Some event costs, like invitations, postage, food, drinks, and supplies, do not count as spending for a candidate if all legal conditions are met.
Clearer voting and ballot handling
The voter form asks for your driver’s license or nondriver ID. If you have no license, it asks for the last four of your Social Security number. If you have no Social Security number, the clerk gets you a unique ID. If you got an early ballot but did not return it, you can still vote in person on Election Day. Defective ballots are labeled with the reason and stored separately, and all ballots and tally sheets are kept for 90 days. Before a recount, officials must test each tabulator with at least 10 marked test ballots and explain the steps.
New oversight on AI and environment
The law sets the makeup of the Joint Carbon Emissions Reduction Committee. The Division of Artificial Intelligence reviews State AI systems and recommends policies. The Environmental Justice Advisory Council, with an interagency group, reviews data, consults communities, and advises on laws and impacts. The Secretary must bring Act 250 enforcement when asked by the Land Use Review Board and create joint procedures with the Board.
New rules for local town offices
Beginning April 30, 2026, if voters approve, the selectboard may appoint the first constable (and a second if needed) until voters rescind that authority. Selectboards must appoint three to five water commissioners unless voters choose to elect them or the town has no water system; commissioners can be removed for cause after notice and a hearing. If a town eliminates the auditor office, an auditor’s term ends on the earlier of 45 days after the vote or when the selectboard signs a public accountant contract. If voters eliminate the lister office, the town must notify the State within 14 days and hire a trained assessor, who need not live in town and has the same powers. When voters authorize it, the legislative body may appoint a collector of delinquent taxes until that authority is rescinded.
Presidential election timing rules
Beginning April 30, 2026, each major party holds its state convention in May or June of a presidential year to pick national delegates. If an elector seat opens on the meeting day, remaining electors fill it immediately by voice vote and attach a statement explaining it. The chief election official finalizes the national popular vote tally at least six days before electors meet and shares it with other member states within 24 hours. The interstate compact takes effect only when states with a majority of electoral votes enact the same agreement. A presidential slate includes the nominees or their legal successors, even if both names do not appear on a state ballot.
Stricter review of privatized contracts
Before the first renewal of a privatization contract, the State Auditor must review it for the required 10% cost savings and performance. If those are not met, the Auditor reports to the agency and lawmakers. The agency must then review whether to renew or bring the work back to State employees.
Updated town meeting and notice rules
Beginning April 30, 2026, a town may start its annual meeting up to three days early for non-ballot business. Floor elections must keep polls open a reasonable time, and seven voters can require a paper-ballot vote; single-nominee elections may be declared by instructing the clerk to cast one ballot if no one objects. A warned article cannot be reconsidered at the same meeting once the next article is taken up. Meeting warnings must be published in a designated newspaper at least five days before the meeting (or in the town report) and posted on the town website if it is kept current; representative-meeting resolutions must be filed at least 10 days before the vote. Charter proposals must be filed 10 days before the first hearing, with any revisions posted and finalized at least 20 days before the vote.
Stronger privacy for State-held records
Certain data from child welfare, student aid, and dental health programs is confidential. It is unlawful to share it except by court order or as the law allows. This rule takes effect April 30, 2026.
Stronger safeguards for program accounts
The State Treasurer must assess and, if needed, buy insurance to protect program assets. The Treasurer sets procedures for abandoned accounts and must act only in participants’ interests with prudent care.
Better access and process for town meetings
Starting April 30, 2026, towns must take reasonable steps, like ramps or ground‑floor rooms, so elders and people with disabilities can attend meetings, unless it is an undue hardship. Town clerks must explain recount steps before they start and count one ballot container at a time, one polling place at a time. Municipal clerks must report local acceptance votes to the Secretary of State within 10 days. Selectboards can accept and spend grants above budgeted amounts but must report them each year.
Local highway safety and police standby rules
Local towns, cities, EMS districts, and other local bodies can run Governor‑approved highway safety programs and receive funds for them. A state police leader may name an alternate to handle conference duties for up to 15 days with proper notice to the Conference.
State funding rules for victim services
The Center sets rules for how local programs apply for State funds for spouse abuse and sexual assault services. Any local agency or organization can apply. The Center sets minimum standards programs must meet to receive money.
Faster union elections and protections
Secret‑ballot elections happen within 23 business days after a valid petition shows interest. Employers have seven business days to object to a proposed bargaining unit. The Labor Board can ask courts to enforce orders or grant temporary relief. Unions that require membership for work cannot discriminate based on race, color, disability, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin.
Simpler, uniform professional licensing
The Office must standardize applications, licenses, and forms across listed professions. It must adopt uniform rules for investigations and discipline. This makes licensing and enforcement more consistent.
Stricter rules for driving instructors
The Commissioner may refuse a driver training school or instructor license if the applicant has certain convictions, including felonies or crimes of violence, dishonesty, or deceit. A license may also be denied if the applicant is not the true owner of the school. This rule takes effect April 30, 2026.
Higher truck registration fees by weight
Annual registration fees for tractors, truck‑tractors, and motor trucks now depend on total vehicle and load weight. Fees use per‑1,000‑pound rates plus flat amounts for set weight ranges, and round up to the next dollar. For example, 10,100–26,099 lb adds $42.53; 26,100–40,099 lb adds $85.03. Vehicles up to 6,099 lb pay at least the pleasure car rate. Some vehicle types are excluded, and trailers under 6,099 lb use a separate computation. Effective April 30, 2026.
Member fees for stewardship programs
A stewardship organization may charge its members reasonable fees to cover program setup, administration, and operations.
Stronger underage and DUI enforcement steps
The Judicial Bureau now hears cases of illegal alcohol and cannabis possession by people ages 12 to under 21. In DUI and drug test cases, an officer’s statement that they are certified counts as proof of certification. These rules take effect April 30, 2026.
New snowmobile training and helmet rules
Starting April 30, 2026, if you were born after July 1, 1983, you must carry a snowmobile education certificate unless you are on land you or your family owns, leases, or farms. An electronic copy is OK. Officers cannot access other files on your device. You must wear a helmet on the Statewide Snowmobile Trail System, except while grooming.
New covered-employer rules for retirement
An employer is a covered employer if it does not offer a qualifying tax‑favored retirement plan, including one from its control group. If the employer starts a qualifying plan during the year, it is not covered for the rest of that calendar year. Federal, State, county, and municipal employers are excluded. Employers in their first calendar year are also excluded.
Candidate petition and party labels
Beginning April 30, 2026, party names appear on local ballots only if the charter allows it, the town already voted for it, or the legislative body permits it. A candidate may use a party name only with a local caucus endorsement and the required filings. The Secretary of State must review candidate petitions and return nonconforming ones within two business days with written reasons. Candidates may file supplementary petitions up to 10 days after the deadline, unless no petition with at least 1,000 signatures was filed by the deadline.
New enforcement for flexible work requests
Beginning April 30, 2026, the Attorney General, State’s Attorneys, and the Human Rights Commission (for State workers) can enforce flexible work rules. They can investigate, seek court orders, and recover court costs. Employees do not have a private right to sue under this subsection.
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
Related Bills
S.163 — An act relating to the role of advanced practice providers in hospital care
H.723 — An act relating to posting of land
H.626 — An act relating to sexual extortion, voyeurism, and disclosure of sexually explicit images without consent
H.917 — An act relating to military affairs
H.237 — An act relating to prescribing by doctoral-level psychologists
H.694 — An act relating to approval of amendments to the charter of the Town of Bennington concerning the Town Manager