credit, VT Digger, 2015
2026 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
At the beginning of each legislative session, the Board of Directors of the League of Women Voters of Vermont (LWVVT) sets its priorities. This legislative session, the League will closely monitor proposed legislation in three priority areas.
- Voting and Election Integrity Marguerite Adelman, Johnna Ferguson, and Betty Keller
- Ethics Kate Rader
- Civil Rights and Due Process Betty Keller
In addition, we will follow three other areas of interest:
- Health Care Betty Keller
- Housing/Homelessness Lila Richardson
- Education Chase Empsall and Johnna Ferguson
Members receive updates alerting them of bills making their way through the legislative process and encouraging them to contact their legislators to express support or concern about pending legislation. If you would like to work on any of the legislative issues listed below, please contact the Coordinators listed.
To track bills related to our priorities, observe agendas and written testimony for House and Senate committees, or view House and Senate sessions or Committee hearings live or recorded, visit the Vermont Legislature website.
2026 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
Voting and Election Integrity
Besides supporting the Vermont Voting Rights Act (S.298), the League will champion legislation that protects voters and election officials at the polls and in their jobs and advocate for more access for people with disabilities and others who cannot attend Town Meeting where the only option to vote is on the floor.
Ethics
The League will focus on adequate staffing for the Vermont Ethics Commission, seeking two additional members: Legal Counsel to provide state government services and Staff Attorney to offer advice and training to municipal officials. The Commission currently has a half-time Executive Director and half-time Administrative Assistant. In contrast, comparable state commissions typically have a staff of 10 to 12.
Civil Rights and Due Process
The League will lend its support to legislation that endorses due process and civil rights to immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and green card holders, as well as to protestors and U.S. citizens.
OTHER ISSUES
Health Care
The League will observe the health care bills listed below:
- H. 433 – Incremental implementation of Green Mountain Care
- H. 583 – Health care financial transactions and clinical decision-making
- H. 577 – Prescription discount card available to Vermonters
- S. 197 – Establishing a primary care payment reform program
Housing/Homelessness
LWVVT is a member of the Housing & Homelessness Alliance of Vermont (HHAV) that lobbies extensively on affordable housing and homelessness. HHAV is finalizing its 2026 legislative priorities which will be on its website. The website includes detailed and valuable information about housing issues in the state.
Education
The reorganization of Vermont’s educational system is difficult and divisive. The League will favor legislation that is fair to all Vermont children and families.
Monitoring Bills
To track bills related to our priorities, observe agendas and written testimony for House and Senate committees, or view House and Senate sessions or Committee hearings live or recorded, visit the Vermont Legislature website, and see agendas for the week of all Committee Meetings (both external links).
RESOURCES
To track bills related to our priorities, observe agendas and written testimony for House and Senate committees, or view House and Senate sessions or Committee hearings live or recorded, visit the Vermont Legislature website. You can also track bills and learn how the Legislature works at the Vermont Digger 2026 Vermont Legislative Guide.
