Issue Updates from the State House
Week of April 6, 2026
A weekly snapshot of key legislative activity impacting Vermont’s business community.
- Tax Conformity: The Senate Finance Committee reviewed H.933, a bill making several targeted changes to the state’s tax code. As this bill progresses, the creation of a competitive, predictive tax environment would be ideal for Vermont’s businesses.
- Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE): The House Energy and Digital Infrastructure Committee advanced S.138, a bill that would expand Vermont’s PACE program to commercial and industrial buildings. The bill’s language now moves to the House Commerce Committee for inclusion in S.327.
- Economic Development: The House Commerce and Economic Development Committee reviewed omnibus economic development bill S.327. The committee is considering an amendment that would increase accessibility to funding available through the Rural Industrial Development Program, to help rural business relocation and expansion.
- Vocational Rehabilitation: The House Commerce and Economic Development Committee continued review of S.173, a bill proposing modifications to Vermont’s vocations rehabilitation program Maintaining effective prescreening and improving the efficiency of rehabilitation plans must remain key priorities as discussions continue.
- Housing: The House General and Housing Committee revised S.328, taking language from House and Senate housing bills and beginning the process of merging the two bills. While the bill advances key housing initiatives, provisions related to multiunit development have been separated for further consideration in the House Environment Committee and still face additional challenges.
- Nickel For Your Thoughts: The House Commerce and Economic Development Committee continued testimony on H.837, a bill allowing businesses to voluntarily round cash transactions to the nearest five cents in response to reduced penny circulation. Final details around consumer notice are still being refined by the Committee.
- Franchise Agreements: The Senate advanced H.733, a bill requiring businesses filing with the Secretary of State to indicate if the business is operating as a franchisee or franchisor. The bill now moves to the Governor’s desk.
- Career Technical Education (CTE): The House Commerce and Economic Development Committee considered a new draft of CTE bill S.313 that would require acceptance of CTE credits toward graduation and begin updating the state’s CTE system. While not a complete solution to the challenges facing CTE centers, the proposal represents a strong improvement toward aligning workforce training with industry needs.
- Event Ticketing: The Senate Economic Development, Housing, and General Affairs Committee continued to review H.512. Ongoing discussions focused on refining the resale cap structure, addressing potential loopholes, and ensuring enforceability.
- Association Health Plans: The Senate Finance Committee continued testimony on H.585, which could allow Association Health Plans beginning in 2028 and expand coverage options for businesses facing high costs. Testimony has shown strong support for AHPs, while broader discussions continue to shape the debate.
- Primary Care: The House Health Care Committee reviewed S.197 which aims to increase use of primary care to reduce strain on hospital systems.
- Sister State: The Senate Economic Development, Housing, and General Affairs Committee reviewed H.674, a bill establishing a formal process for creating additional Vermont Sister State relationships to strengthen international engagement. Discussion emphasized the importance of a centralized vetting process and prioritizing mutually beneficial partnerships.
- Wastewater: The House Environment Committee reviewed S.212, which streamlines wastewater permitting and improves coordination between municipal and state systems to reduce timelines and support development efficiency.
- Bottle Bill: The Senate Natural Resources Committee continued testimony on H.915, a bill that establishing an extended producer responsibility program that would significantly increase obligations for beverage container manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.
