VermontS.2272025-2026 SessionSenate

An act relating to creating immigration protocols in Vermont schools

Sponsored By: Martine Larocque L Gulick (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Immigration guides and school contacts for families

Vermont’s attorney general must create an immigration resource guide with the education agency by August 1, 2026. It must cover civil rights, privacy, safety, advocacy groups, and standby guardianships—care arrangements for children when parents cannot care for them. The education agency must send it to school leaders by August 31, 2026; leaders must share it with staff, students, and families. Each school must name at least one on-site contact for ongoing updates and training, and connect families with support whenever possible. The guide must be reviewed at least annually, with updates sent to the education agency within 30 days of completion.

More privacy for students’ immigration information

Beginning June 8, 2026, Vermont schools, districts, and supervisory unions generally cannot request students’ or family members’ citizenship or immigration status. Collection is allowed when legally required or needed to run a state- or federally funded education program. Schools cannot put immigration status, citizenship, birthplace, nationality, or national origin in school databases or list them as directory information. They also cannot voluntarily share the listed student information with outside parties unless state or federal law requires disclosure.

Required immigration protection policies in schools

Vermont’s education agency must create a model immigration policy and recommended procedures by January 1, 2027, and review them annually. It must consult the attorney general, Vermont Independent Schools Association, and Vermont School Boards Association. Starting in the 2027–2028 school year, school boards and approved independent schools must adopt and enforce policies at least as protective. The latest model automatically applies when a board or approved independent school does not adopt a policy. School boards must also make their policies available as required by law.

Stronger immigration enforcement limits at schools

Beginning June 8, 2026, Vermont public and approved independent schools face new limits on immigration enforcement. Only the superintendent or school head—or a designated employee when that leader is absent—can approve entry into areas requiring permission. Officers must show official identification and a judge’s warrant naming a person at school and specifying the areas for entry. Without that warrant, staff cannot disclose student or staff information for immigration requests unless legally required, including requests using administrative warrants or detainers. School resource officers and school-assigned safety officers are excluded from the officer definition. Schools, districts, and supervisory unions also cannot make government agreements supporting immigration enforcement unless legally required. For agreements claimed to be legally required, school leaders must review them after consulting the attorney general, who recommends action to the governing body.

Federal law limits school privacy policies

Beginning June 8, 2026, Vermont school policies cannot conflict with the lawful requirements of two federal immigration-information laws. These are 8 U.S.C. §§ 1373 and 1644, which limit restrictions on sharing immigration-status information with government authorities. A school, district, or supervisory union policy or practice is abolished only where it conflicts with those requirements. The rest remains in place.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Martine Larocque L Gulick
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

Joseph "Joe" D Major
Democratic • Senate
Kesha K Ram Hinsdale
Democratic • Senate
Rebecca "Becca" E White
Democratic • Senate
Tanya C Vyhovsky
Democrat/Progressive • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 26 • No: 2

Senate vote • 3/12/2026

Recommendation of amendment by Committee on Education agreed to on roll call, requested by Senator Ram Hinsdale, Passed -- Needed 14 of 28 to Pass -- Yeas = 26, Nays = 2