Weekly Summary of Legislative Activities, Committee Agendas, and Calendar of Events
Legislature Updates of Bills Related to Disability Rights as compiled by Disability Rights Vermont
| House Bills |
| H.2 An act relating to increasing the minimum age for delinquency proceedings As introduced: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/H-0002/H-0002%20As%20Introduced.pdf House 1/9/2025 – Read first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary/House Committee on Judiciary |
| H.5 An act relating to a hearsay exception for a child under 16 years of age. As Introduced: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/H-0005/H-0005%20As%20Introduced.pdf House 1/9/2025 – Read first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary/House Committee on Judiciary |
| H.8 An act relating to a tax credit for home modifications for safety and livability As Introduced: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/H-0008/H-0008%20As%20Introduced.pdf House 1/9/2025 – Read first time and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means |
| H.12 An act relating to addressing barriers to blenderized tube feeding. As Introduced: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/H-0012/H-0012%20As%20Introduced.pdf House 1/9/2025 – Read first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary/House Committee on Judiciary |
| H.13 An act relating to Medicaid payment rates for home- and community-based service providers and designated and specialized service agencies. As Introduced: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/H-0013/H-0013%20As%20Introduced.pdf House 1/9/2025 – Read first time and referred to the Committee on Human Services/House Committee on Human Services |
| H.26 An act relating to guardianship proceedings. As Introduced: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/H-0026/H-0026%20As%20Introduced.pdf House 1/10/2025 – Read first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary/House Committee on Judiciary |
| H.29 An act relating to replacing statutory references to Vermont Psychiatric Survivors with MadFreedom, Inc. As Introduced: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/H-0029/H-0029%20As%20Introduced.pdf House 1/14/2025 – Read first time and referred to the Committee on Health Care |
| H.30 An act relating to the use of seclusion and restraint on children and youth in the custody of the Department for Children and Families. As Introduced: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/H-0030/H-0030%20As%20Introduced.pdf House 1/14/2025 – Read first time and referred to the Committee on Human Services |
| H.32 An act relating to treatment for opioid use disorder in correctional facilities. As Introduced: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/H-0032/H-0032%20As%20Introduced.pdf House 1/14/2025 – Read first time and referred to the Committee on Corrections and Institutions |
| H.39 An act relating to repeal of authorization of overdose prevention centers As Introduced: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/H-0039/H-0039%20As%20Introduced.pdf House 1/16/2025 – Read first time and referred to the Committee on Human Services |
| H.46 An act relating to the Rare Disease Advisory Council As Introduced: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/H-0046/H-0046%20As%20Introduced.pdf House 1/16/2025 – Read first time and referred to the Committee on Human Services |
| H.73 An act relating to the zoning requirements for group homes As Introduced : https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/H-0073/H-0073%20As%20Introduced.pdf House 1/21/2025 – Read first time and referred to the Committee on Human Services |
| H.80 An act relating to the Office of the Health Care Advocate As Introduced: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/H-0080/H-0080%20As%20Introduced.pdf House 1/24/2025 – Read first time and referred to the Committee on Health Care |
| H.82 An act relating to establishing the Division of Planning and Evaluation and strengthening the regulatory capacity of the Green Mountain Care Board As Introduced: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/H-0082/H-0082%20As%20Introduced.pdf House 1/24/2025 – Read first time and referred to the Committee on Health Care |
| H.91 An act relating to the Emergency Temporary Shelter Program As Introduced: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/H-0091/H-0091%20As%20Introduced.pdf House 1/24/2025 – Read first time and referred to the Committee on Human Services |
| H.92 An act relating to Human Services Board fair hearing proceedings As Introduced: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/H-0092/H-0092%20As%20Introduced.pdf House 1/24/2025 – Read first time and referred to the Committee on Human Services |
| H. 96 – An act relating to increasing the monetary thresholds for certificates of need https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/H-0096/H-0096%20As%20Introduced.pdf House 1/28/2025 – Read first time and referred tothe Committee on Health Care |
| H. 143 – An act relating to establishing a support service program for individuals who are DeafBlind As Introduced: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/H-0143/H-0143%20As%20Introduced.pdf House 2/5/2025 – Read first time and referred to the Committee on Human Services |
| H.158 An act relating to prohibiting municipal regulation of the use of hygienic face masks As Introduced: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/H-0158/H-0158%20As%20Introduced.pdf House 2/6/2025 – Read first time and referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs |
| H.160 An act relating to creating a right to repair for medical devices As Introduced: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/H-0160/H-0160%20As%20Introduced.pdf House 2/7/2025 – Read first time and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development |
| H. 165 An act relating to funding inclusive schools As Introduced: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/H-0165/H-0165%20As%20Introduced.pdf House 2/7/2025 House Committee on Education |
| H. 169 An act relating to amending the prohibitions against discrimination in public accommodations and housing As Introduced: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/H-0169/H-0169%20As%20Introduced.pdf House 2/7/2025 House Committee on General and Housing |
| H.192 An act relating to prohibiting solitary confinement for children As Introduced: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/H-0192/H-0192%20As%20Introduced.pdf House 2/12/2025 – Read first time and referred to the Committee on Human Services 3/12/25 Introduced to House Human Services Committee by sponsors Rep. Angela Arsenault and Rep. Barbara Rachelson |
| H.218 – An act relating to fiscal year 2026 appropriations from the Opioid Abatement Special Fund As Introduced: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/H-0218/H-0218%20As%20Introduced.pdf House 2/13/2025 – Read first time and referred to the Committee on Human Services |
| H.227 An Act relating to residential peer respite As Introduced: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/H-0227/H-0227%20As%20Introduced.pdf House 2/26/2025 – Rep. Wood of Waterbury moved that the Committee on Human Services be relieved of the bill and that the same be committed to the Committee on Health Care, which was agreed to |
| H. 251 An Act relating to Competency Restoration As Introduced: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/H-0251/H-0251%20As%20Introduced.pdf House 2/18/2025 – Read first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary |
| H. 259 An act relating to preventing workplace violence in hospitals As Introduced: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/H-0259/H-0259%20As%20Introduced.pdf Senate 3/21/2025 – Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Health and Welfare |
| H.315 An act relating to nondiscrimination concerning a parent with a disability As Introduced: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/H-0315/H-0315%20As%20Introduced.pdf House 2/25/2025 – Read first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary |
| H.374 An Act relating to repealing the Commissioner of Labor’s authority to recommend a subminimum wage for individuals with a disability . As Introduced: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/H-0374/H-0374%20As%20Introduced.pdf House 2/26/2025 – Read first time and referred to the Committee on General and Housing |
| H.456 An act relating to establishing a State-funded and community-based continuum of care for justice-involved individuals As Introduced https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/H-0456/H-0456%20As%20Introduced.pdf House 3/11/2025 – Read first time and referred to the Committee on Human Services. |
| Senate Bills |
| S.1 An act relating to providing Medicaid-equivalent coverage to all Vermonters. As Introduced: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/S-0001/S-0001%20As%20Introduced.pdf Senate 1/10/2025 – Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Health and Welfare |
| S.2 An act relating to establishing the Office of Health Equity within the Department of Health. As Introduced: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/S-0002/S-0002%20As%20Introduced.pdf Senate 1/10/2025 – Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Government Operations |
| S.5 An act relating to guardianship proceedings. As Introduced: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/S-0005/S-0005%20As%20Introduced.pdf Senate 1/10/2025 – Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Judiciary |
| S.6 An act relating to repealing the Commissioner of Labor’s authority to recommend a subminimum wage for individuals with a disability. As Introduced: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/S-0006/S-0006%20As%20Introduced.pdf Senate 1/10/2025 – Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs |
| S.10 An act relating to modifying requirements for obtaining a certificate of need. As Introduced: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/S-0010/S-0010%20As%20Introduced.pdf Senate 1/16/2025 – Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Health and Welfare |
| S.20 An act relating to increasing the monetary thresholds for certificates of need As Introduced: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/S-0020/S-0020%20As%20Introduced.pdf Senate 1/22/2025 – Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Health and Welfare |
| S.36 An act relating to Medicaid coverage of long-term residential treatment for co-occurring substance use disorder and mental health condition As Introduced: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/S-0036/S-0036%20As%20Introduced.pdf Senate 1/30/2025 – Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Health and Welfare |
| S.51 An act relating to the Vermont unpaid caregiver tax credit As Introduced: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/S-0051/S-0051%20As%20Introduced.pdf Senate 3/18/2025 – Favorable report with recommendation of amendment by Committee on Finance |
| S.63 An act relating to modifying the regulatory duties of the Green Mountain Care Board As Introduced: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/S-0063/S-0063%20As%20Introduced.pdf Senate 3/18/2025 – Favorable report with recommendation of amendment by Committee on Health and Welfare |
| S.81 An act relating to prohibiting municipal regulation of the use of hygienic face masks As Introduced: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/S-0081/S-0081%20As%20Introduced.pdf Senate 2/25/2025 – Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Government Operations |
| S.115 An act relating to requiring prior approval by a municipality to operate an overdose prevention center As Introduced: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/S-0115/S-0115%20As%20Introduced.pdf Senate 3/13/2025 – Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Government Operations |
Selection of Agenda Items that May Be Related to Disability Rights
All committee agendas are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please visit each committee agenda at legislature.vermont.gov.
Monday, April 7, 2025
No meetings of note
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
House Committees
House Committee on General and Housing
https://legislature.vermont.gov/committee/streaming/house-general-and-housing.
Room 31
2:00 PM – Federal Funding Cuts
Testimony
Nate Formalarie, Deputy Commissioner, Agency of Commerce and Community Development
Maura Collins, Executive Director, Vermont Housing Finance Agency
Gus Seelig, Executive Director, Vermont Housing & Conservation Board
Pollaidh Major, Director of Policy and Special Projects, Vermont Housing & Conservation Board
Kathleen Berk, Executive Director, Vermont State Housing Authority
House Committee on Human Services
https://legislature.vermont.gov/committee/streaming/house-human-services.
Room 46
1:00 PM – Oversight and Accountability
Syringe Services – Implementation of Act 22 of 2023
Kelly Dougherty, Deputy Commissioner, Vermont Department of Health
2:00 PM – H. 92 – An act relating to Human Services Board fair hearing proceedings
Kelli Kazmarski, Project Director, Disability Law Project, Vermont Legal Aid
Senate Committees
Senate Committee on Health and Welfare
https://legislature.vermont.gov/committee/streaming/senate-health-and-welfare.
Room 17
10:00 AM – H. 96 – An act relating to increasing the monetary thresholds for certificates of need
Mark-up and vote
Jennifer Carbee, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
10:30 AM – H. 13 – An act relating to Medicaid payment rates for home- and community-based service providers
Mark-up and vote
Jennifer Carbee, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
House Committees
House Committee on Human Services
https://legislature.vermont.gov/committee/streaming/house-human-services.
Room 46
9:00 AM – H. 92 – An act relating to Human Services Board fair hearing proceedings
Ashley Johns, Staff Attorney, Agency of Human Services
11:15 AM – S. 36 – An act relating to the Medicaid payment model for residential substance use disorder treatment services
Sec. 4
Alison Davis, MD, Vice President of Medical Staff, Rutland Regional Medical Center
Elizabeth Couto, BSN, RN, CEN, Chair, Governmental Affairs Committee, Vermont Emergency Nurse Association
After Floor – H. 92 – An act relating to Human Services Board fair hearing proceedings
Review underlying statute & begin mark-up
Katie McLinn, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
House Committee on the Judiciary
https://legislature.vermont.gov/committee/streaming/house-judiciary
Room 30
Hour After Floor – H. 331 – An act relating to a victim’s right to be heard at an appeal or postconviction remedy hearing
Walk-through and witness testimony
Michele Childs, Team Lead Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel – Invited
Jennifer Poehlmann, Executive Director, Center for Crime Victim Services – Invited
Thomas Zonay, Chief Superior Judge, Vermont Judiciary – Zoom
Kim McManus, Legislative Attorney, Vermont Department of State’s Attorneys and Sheriffs – Invited
Marshall Pahl, Deputy Defender General and Chief Juvenile Defender, Defender General’s Office – Invited
Senate Committees
Senate Committee on Health and Welfare
https://legislature.vermont.gov/committee/streaming/senate-health-and-welfare.
Room 17
9:00 AM – H. 91 – An act relating to the Vermont Homeless Emergency Assistance and Responsive Transition to Housing Program
Katie McLinn, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Witness TBD, Agency of Human Services
Jenna O’Farrell, Executive Director, Northeast Kingdom Community Action
Tom Donahue, Executive Director, BROC Community Action – Zoom
Alison Calderara, Program and Advancement Chief, Capstone Community Action – Zoom
Sarah McMullen, Co-Executive Director & Chief Operations Officer, Capstone Community Action – Zoom
Paul Dragon, Executive Director, Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO) – Zoom
Josh Davis, Executive Director, Southeastern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA) – Zoom
Sarah Robinson, Co-Executive Director, Vermont Network Against Domestic & Sexual Violence
11:45 AM – H. 259 – An act relating to preventing workplace violence in hospitals
Mark-up and vote
Katie McLinn, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Thursday, April 10, 2025
House Committees
House Committee on Human Services
https://legislature.vermont.gov/committee/streaming/house-human-services.
Room 46
9:00 AM – S. 36 – An act relating to the Medicaid payment model for residential substance use disorder treatment services
Sec. 4
Peter Hull, Chief of Police, Colchester, Vermont
Roger Marcoux, Sheriff, Lamoille County – Invited
Jason Luneau, Chief of Police, Morrisville – Invited
9:30 AM – S. 36 – An act relating to the Medicaid payment model for residential substance use disorder treatment services
Sec. 4
Al Cormier, Chief of Operations, Department of Corrections
Witnesses TBD, Department of Mental Health – Invited
10:15 AM – S. 36 – An act relating to the Medicaid payment model for residential substance use disorder treatment services
Witnesses TBD, Valley Vista – Invited
Jennifer Stratton, Executive Director, Lamoille County Mental Health Services – Invited
After Floor – H. 92 – An act relating to Human Services Board fair hearing proceedings
Mark-up
Katie McLinn, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Friday, April 11, 2025
House Committees
House Committee on Human Services
https://legislature.vermont.gov/committee/streaming/house-human-services.
Room 46
After Floor – H. 92 – An act relating to Human Services Board fair hearing proceedings
Mark-up and possible vote
Katie McLinn, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Senate Committees
Senate Committee on Health and Welfare
https://legislature.vermont.gov/committee/streaming/senate-health-and-welfare.
Room 17
9:00 AM Direct Rides Program Update
This will be a joint hearing with the Senate Committee on Transportation. It will be hosted in Room 5 and will be live-streamed on the Senate Transportation channel.
Stephanie Barrett, Chief Financial Officer, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)
Grace Johnson, Policy Analyst, Medicaid Policy Unit, Agency of Human Services
Caleb Grant, Executive Director, Rural Community Transportation – Invited
Additional Events and Information
Thursday, April 10, 2025, is Fertility Advocacy Day