At the beginning of each legislative session, the legislative team of the League of Women Voters of Vermont sets priorities. Members receive weekly 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 Kate Rader.
THE 2023-2024 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
The 2023-24 Legislative biennium is now closed.
The League of Women Voters of Vermont had five priorities: Elections and Voting, Ethics, Health Care, Environment, and Basic Human Needs (Paid Family Leave).
This is a report on the status of the priorities and bills followed by our legislative team. You can find the status of bills, acts, resolutions, and constitutional proposals at Vermont General Assembly Bill, Act & Resolution Search.
ETHICS
Reported by Catherine Rader
H.875. State Ethics Commission and State Code of Ethics
League Position: Support
Status: Passed May 10, 2024. Effective January 1, 2025. Awaits Governor Scott’s signature
This bill is a combination of earlier draft bills 24-0461, creating a uniform Municipal Code of Ethics, and 24-0229, Executive; Governmental Ethics; State Ethics Commission; State Code of Ethics, which would have strengthened the Commission’s authority and added staff to implement that new authority.
The bill as passed gives the Vermont State Ethics Commission authority to investigate complaints that fall under the State Code of Ethics and make findings and recommendations; brings Vermont’s Executive Officer and candidate financial disclosures more in line with national standards; sets minimum ethics standards for municipalities; and provides advisory and training to municipalities. The Commission will be allowed to accept municipal ethics complaints and refer them back to the municipality. Funding for additional staffing was removed from the bill, leaving that fight for another day.
The League was instrumental in passing legislation establishing the Vermont State Ethics Commission in 2017 and is one of five members of the Commission
If you are interested in Ethics legislation, contact Kate Radar.
HEALTH CARE
Reported by Lila Richardson
H.721. Expanding access to Medicaid and Dr. Dynasaur
League Position: Support
Status: Passed. Signed into law by Governor Scott on May 23, 2023
Medicare Savings Program Expansion. The League is part of a Medicare Affordability Coalition that advocated for expansion of the Medicare Savings programs to provide Medicare premium assistance and cost sharing for low income Vermonters. The proposed expansion began in companion bills H.118/S.61 an act relating to Medicare Savings Program eligibility, then was incorporated into H.721 and finally passed as part of the budget bill, H.883 (Act 113), an act relating to making appropriations for the support of government.
Beginning January 1, 2026, Vermonters who move onto Medicare will no longer be devastated by the loss of financial assistance available to other age groups. Currently, the income limit for the Medicare Savings Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program is only 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), but the new law will increase the limit to 145% FPL. The law will also raise the income threshold for Qualifying Individual (QI-1) which covers the Medicare Part B premium from 135% to 195% FPL.
These changes are estimated to make an additional 12,000 Vermonters eligible for the Medicare Savings Program, with an estimated annual savings and benefits of $48.1 million for these Vermonters.
S.211. Health care reform and regulatory duties of the Green Mountain Care Board
League Position: Oppose
Status: Did Not Pass
This controversial bill would transfer certain duties from the Green Mountain Care Board to the Director of Health Care Reform in the Agency of Human Services and modify or eliminate other Board duties. On January 30, 2024, VTDigger published the Opinion, An open letter to lawmakers: Protect and strengthen the Green Mountain Care Board. Say ‘No’ to bill S.211.
For more information, contact Lila Richardson.
ENVIRONMENT
Reported by Marguerite Adelman
S.25. Regulating cosmetic and menstrual products containing certain chemicals and chemical classes and textiles and athletic turf fields containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances
League Position: Support
Status: Passed. Signed into law by the Governor 5.30.24
This legislation combines two bills – S.25 and S.197, and restricts toxic perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), so-called “forever chemicals,” in a suite of commercial goods. It bans PFAS in clothing, makeup, menstrual products, diapers and nonstick frying pans starting 2026. It also bans them in turf starting 2028. The law includes a first-in-the-nation ban on phthalates, formaldehyde and mercury in menstrual products and restricts chemicals in makeup.
Community education and engagement are a part of this law. In addition, state agencies are required to assess additional consumer products and goods that contain PFAS and report back to the legislature.
Finally, it calls on the Vermont Department of Health to study a potential limit on lead in cosmetics and period products.
S.197. Restricting perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in consumer products
League Position: Support
Status: This bill was rolled into S.25 above.
H.152. Regulating products containing certain chemicals and chemical classes
League Position: Support
Status: This bill was not taken up since it was similar to S.25.
H.187. Student application of sunscreen
League Position: Support
Status: Passed. Signed into law by the Governor on 5.6.24
Effective July 1, 2024, this law requires each public and approved independent school in the state to permit students, with written authorization of a parent or guardian, to possess and self-administer a topical, non-aerosolized sunscreen while on school property or at a school-sponsored event or activity without being required to provide a medical provider’s note or prescription or having to store the sunscreen in a specific location.
If you are interested in PFAS legislation, contact Marguerite Adelman.
BASIC HUMAN NEEDS
Reported by Sue Racanelli
H.66. Paid family and medical leave insurance
League Position: Support
Status: Passed House. Referred to Senate Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs
The League of Women Voters is a member of the Vermont Paid Leave Coalition, advocating for H.66, a strong state-operated paid family and medical leave program. Workers would receive up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave insurance with 90 percent pay and employment protection, for a variety of health conditions. It was approved by the House on March 24 and sent to the Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs. The second reading roll call vote was one vote shy of what was needed for a veto override, 99-32. Governor Scott did not support H.66.
For more information, contact Sue Racanelli.
AMEND VERMONT CONSTITUTION
PR.4 Proposition 4. Declaration of rights; government for the people; equality of rights
League Position: Support
Status: Prop. 4 was passed by both houses of the Legislature during this session. Must pass both house and senate again in next session before going to the voters in the 2026 General Election
An amendment to the Vermont Constitution prohibiting the state from denying equal treatment under the law on account of a person’s race, ethnicity, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or national origin. Unanimously approved by the Senate. House adopted in concurrence. League member Sonja Schuyler went before the Vermont House Committee on Judiciary to give testimony on May 1.
If you are interested in this legislation, contact League of Women Voters of Vermont.
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 2024 Vermont Legislative Guide.