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VermontS.2322025-2026 SessionSenateWALLET

An act relating to public libraries and the Department of Libraries

Sponsored By: Ruth E Hardy (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Free borrowing and wider library sharing

Beginning July 1, 2026, Vermont’s Department of Libraries must offer free borrowing from its general collection under State Librarian procedures. Its federal documents, state-government reference materials, and general collection may be digital or physical. The Department must maintain policy-related reference services for state government and manage and protect its collections. It must lend through interlibrary loan to libraries, schools, and individuals, and encourage sharing within Vermont and nationally. Advice remains available to all Vermont libraries; shared cataloging and related technical help may be provided where feasible. The State Librarian may keep rare or reference materials at one location.

Private libraries keep separate trustee rules

Beginning July 1, 2026, municipal trustee appointment or election rules do not apply to certain privately established public libraries. The exemption covers libraries privately established, chartered, or incorporated under Vermont’s separate private-library law. Municipalities without established library boards must have their governing bodies appoint trustees, with staggered initial terms. The law specifies no direct change to household costs or library services.

Libraries gain early education funding options

Beginning July 1, 2026, public libraries are explicitly eligible for early education funds. Funds can cover staff costs, parent and staff training, materials, equipment, and related program costs. The Secretary must seek proposals broadly from community groups, including public libraries, for programs serving young children. The law sets no funding amount.

More afterschool and summer support for families

Beginning July 1, 2026, Vermont creates a fund to sustain or expand universal afterschool and summer programs, especially in underserved areas. Cannabis sales tax receipts support the fund; the law does not change tax rates or set grant amounts. Eligible providers include public, private, and nonprofit groups, such as libraries, schools, child care programs, and volunteer mentoring programs. The Agency of Education may allocate money annually to the Department of Libraries for library grants; library groups may also apply directly. Applications and reports must be simple to reduce barriers for small community groups, including rural libraries. An advisory committee helps oversee the fund and must seek public input each year and adjust procedures accordingly.

Libraries lose the audiovisual revolving fund

Beginning July 1, 2026, Vermont repeals the law establishing the Audio-Visual Revolving Fund. This provision identifies no remaining balance, prior uses, or replacement funding, so its effect on library services is unclear.

Local library improvements can use bonds

Beginning July 1, 2026, Vermont municipalities may issue bonds to pay for public library capital improvements. Approval requires a majority of those present and voting at an annual or special meeting announced for that purpose. Eligible projects include privately owned, municipality-supported libraries located in the municipality for residents’ use. Borrowing can fund improvements but creates repayment costs when a municipality chooses to issue bonds. The law sets no bond amount; local decisions determine repayment and any tax effects.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Ruth E Hardy

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Alison Clarkson

    Democratic • Senate

  • Joseph "Joe" D Major

    Democratic • Senate

  • Martine Larocque L Gulick

    Democratic • Senate

  • Nader A Hashim

    Democratic • Senate

  • Rebecca "Becca" E White

    Democratic • Senate

  • Tanya C Vyhovsky

    Democrat/Progressive • Senate

  • Thomas I Chittenden

    Democratic • Senate

  • Virginia "Ginny" V Lyons

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. Senate Message: Signed by Governor June 8, 2026

    5/29/2026Senate

  2. Signed by Governor on June 8, 2026

    5/29/2026Senate

  3. Delivered to Governor on June 2, 2026

    5/29/2026Senate

  4. As passed by Senate and House

    5/8/2026Senate

  5. House message: House passed bill in concurrence

    5/8/2026House

  6. Read third time and passed in concurrence

    5/6/2026House

  7. Action Calendar: Third Reading

    5/6/2026House

  8. Third Reading ordered

    5/5/2026House

  9. Rep. Dickinson of St. Albans Town recommended for the Committee on Appropriations

    5/5/2026House

  10. Rep. Burkhardt of South Burlington recommended for the Committee on Ways and Means

    5/5/2026House

  11. Rep. Brown of Richmond reported for the Committee on Education

    5/5/2026House

  12. Read second time

    5/5/2026House

  13. Action Calendar: Favorable

    5/5/2026House

  14. Notice Calendar: Favorable

    5/1/2026House

  15. Referred to Committee on Appropriations per Rule 35(a)

    4/28/2026House

  16. Notice Calendar: Favorable

    4/28/2026House

  17. Referred to Committee on Ways and Means per Rule 35(a)

    4/22/2026House

  18. Notice Calendar: Favorable

    4/22/2026House

  19. Rep. Birong of Vergennes moved that the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs be relieved of the bill and that the same be committed to the Committee on Education, which was agreed to

    4/7/2026House

  20. Read first time and referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs

    3/27/2026House

  21. Read 3rd time & passed

    3/25/2026Senate

  22. New Business/Third Reading

    3/25/2026Senate

  23. 3rd reading ordered

    3/24/2026Senate

  24. Recommendation of amendment by Committee on Education, as amended, agreed to

    3/24/2026Senate

  25. Recommendation of amendment by Committee on Education amended as recommended by Committee on Appropriations

    3/24/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • As Enacted (ACT 127)Opens in a new window

    6/12/2026

    PDF

  • As Passed by Both Chambers

    5/20/2026

    PDF

  • As Passed by Both Chambers (Unofficial)

    5/20/2026

    PDF

  • As Passed by the Senate

    3/27/2026

    PDF

  • As Passed by the Senate (Unofficial)

    3/27/2026

    PDF

  • As Introduced

    1/8/2026

    PDF

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