2024 VT Legislative Scorecard

H363 expands the state's anti-discrimination laws on “race” to encompass hair type, texture, and hairstyles. This legislation creates a protected class and specifically protects hairstyles, ensuring individuals cannot be discriminated against in workplaces or public spaces based on their hair's natural state or cultural expressions through hair.

The Vermont House of Representatives passed H158 on January 31, 2024 by a vote of 132 to 5. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this legislation expands the size of government regulations on whom businesses are required to consider for hiring. Establishing unnecessary anti-discrimination laws further divide and pit Americans against each other. We must remain true to our commitment to equality, and resist government actions that seek to divide us.

H706 bans the use of neonicotinoid pesticides. Provisions include a ban on the sale and use of neonicotinoid-treated seeds for certain crops like soybeans and cereal grains. Additionally, it prohibits outdoor application of neonicotinoids during bloom periods for specified crops and on ornamental plant. It also mandates the Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets to develop best management practices for neonicotinoids, focusing on reducing harm to pollinators and ecosystems.

The Vermont House of Representatives passed H706 on March 21, 2024 by a vote of 112 to 29. We have assigned pluses to the nays because it expands government control over agriculture and increasing regulatory oversight on farmers. This legislation infringes on free-market principles and property rights by forcing growers to comply with government-imposed standards on their own land rather than allowing market-driven quality control. "Public health" and environmentalism are not the purpose of government.

S209, the "Vermont Ghost Guns Act," introduced regulations on unserialized firearms, frames, and receivers. It enacted new laws to prohibits the possession, transfer, or manufacture of firearms, frames, or receivers without a serial number. Additionally, it includes extending a mandatory 72-hour waiting period for firearm transfers and prohibiting firearms at polling places.

The Vermont House of Representatives passed S209 on April 18, 2024 by a vote of 110 to 31. We have assigned pluses to the nays because the fundamental right of the American people to keep and bear arms is protected by the U.S. Constitution, particularly in the 2nd, 9th, and 10th Amendments, and should not be infringed. The Constitution does not limit citizens from manufacturing a firearm.

S102 expands the definition of collective bargaining to allow outside and distinct organizations to sue employers for cause.

The Vermont House of Representatives passed S102 on May 7, 2024 by a vote of 115 to 26. We have assigned pluses to the nays because collective bargaining interferes with individual liberties, and compelling individuals to negotiate collectively infringes upon their right to freely associate or negotiate on an individual basis.

H887 creates “the Commission on the Future of Public Education in Vermont”, which is tasked with analyzing and recommending changes to ensure “equitable educational opportunities”. This legislation also raises property tax rates for 2025, and also introduces a new 3% surcharge on short-term rentals, with the revenue going into the Education Fund. Other provisions include updates to ballot language for school budgets, and the creation of an “Education Fund Advisory Committee”.

The Vermont House of Representatives passed H887 on June 17, 2024 by a vote of 103 to 42. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this legislation raises taxes and expands government involvement in education and imposes DEI ideology in schools. We encourage all parents to get their children out of the government school system and instead pursue sound alternatives such as homeschooling and patriotic private schools, where government funds are not involved.