Legislative Updates 2026

Legislative Update – Week of January 21-24

Jan 26, 20265

Brenda Steady • State Representative, Chittenden-25 House District

The Human Services Committee, which I serve on, continued work on H.545 – An act relating to issuing immunization recommendations. We heard additional testimony, voted the bill out of committee, and it was presented on the House floor for a roll‑call vote. It passed and now moves to the Senate. I voted yes.

We also continued our work on H.594 – Temporary Emergency Housing and Accountability Program; Return Home Program.

Carrie Stahler from the Vermont Foodbank, a resident of Lyndon, testified about the Foodbank’s request for a $5 million appropriation in the FY27 budget. The request includes:

• $2 million to support their network of partners

• $2 million for the Vermonters Feeding Vermonters program

• $1 million for the Ready Response program to support food access during disasters and emergencies

If I understood correctly, these funds would be directed to the Northeast Kingdom (Caledonia, Orleans, and Essex Counties). As a Chittenden County representative, I have to consider the impact of allocating this amount solely to the NEK. I asked for a breakdown of how the hours and funds would be used, but was told that information is not available at this time. This is a significant amount of taxpayer money, and I want my constituents to know that I will do my homework before voting on large appropriations. I am deeply concerned about the hardships Vermonters are facing and want to ensure funds are used efficiently.

Our committee also heard testimony from the Department of Health regarding their FY27 budget. The Governor’s recommended budget for the department is $227,741,970. The Governor sets the total amount, and then Commissioner Hildebrant and his agency determine how those funds are allocated.

Two additional bills passed on the House floor this week:

• H.84 – Telehealth appointments may be recorded with patient and provider consent. I voted yes.

• H.534 – An act relating to community action agencies. I voted yes.

The Secretary of State also introduced the newly elected Kid Governor, a 5th grader from Highgate to our committee. Her platform focuses on helping the homeless, and she shared several ideas for her community, including a Fun Run, a potluck meal, and a food and clothing drive. I look forward to seeing how her initiatives develop.

Please feel free to reach out with any feedback or concerns. I can be reached by email at bsteady@leg.state.vt.us or by phone at 802‑338‑8374.

Respectfully, Representative Steady

Legislative Update – Week of January 12-17

Jan 19, 20265

Brenda Steady • State Representative, Chittenden-25 House District

Action on the floor included passing two bills.

H.649 – This bill proposes to prohibit certain loans and investments made by a risk retention group; restructure report and statement requirements applicable to a risk retention group; and require a certification statement from each protected cell within a sponsored captive insurance company.

S.60 – This bill proposes to establish the Farm Security Special Fund to provide financial assistance to farms that experienced qualifying losses due to weather conditions.

The Human Services Committee continued hearing testimony on H.545, an act relating to issuing immunization recommendations.

The committee is also working on a new housing bill following the veto of H.91 last session. The new bill being presented is H.594, an act relating to establishing the Temporary Emergency Housing and Accountability Program and the Return Home Program in fiscal years 2027 and 2028. With this bill comes a significant cost: $60 million in 2027 and $50 million in 2028. I am personally extremely concerned about these costs, and with my ongoing focus on affordability, I am doing my best to keep an open mind as we hear testimony. I agree there is a well‑known problem with homelessness, but I have learned from experience that putting more money into an issue is not always the solution.

I urge constituents to listen to the livestreams as these bills are discussed. The agenda with the livestream link can be found by searching the State of Vermont committee page. I welcome feedback and suggestions so I can make an informed decision when a vote is taken.

The highlight of my week was welcoming the Milton Varsity Boys Soccer Team to the State House with Representatives Michael Morgan, Leland Morgan, Chris Taylor, Tony Micklus, and Senator Mattos. Governor Scott met with the team and posed for a picture with them. They sat in the balcony on the House floor when Resolution H.C.R. 159 was read in recognition of their achievement in winning the 2025 Division II Championship Title. They enjoyed a tour, and as they left the building, they met Lt. Governor Rodgers and had a picture taken with him as well.

Please feel free to view my website at SteadyforVTHouse.org. I have an open‑door policy and welcome questions or concerns. I can be reached by email at bsteady@leg.state.vt.us or by phone at 802‑338‑8374.

Respectfully, Representative Steady

Legislative Update – Week of January 6

Jan 11, 2025

Brenda Steady • State Representative, Chittenden-25 House District

The State House was buzzing on Tuesday, January 6th, as the new Legislative Session began. I continue to serve on the House Human Services Committee.

H.545 – Immunization Recommendations

Our first bill was H.545, which updates how Vermont issues and funds immunization recommendations. Dr. Rick Hildebrant, MD, the new Commissioner of Health, provided testimony.

The bill would:

• Allow the Commissioner to issue immunization recommendations for children and adults

• Enable the Department of Health to secure the lowest vaccine prices

• Require no co‑pays, coinsurance, or deductibles for recommended immunizations

• Update the membership of the Vermont Immunization Advisory Council

• Require insurers to cover recommended immunizations without cost‑sharing

• Provide liability protection for health care professionals who administer recommended immunizations, unless their actions involve gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct

Governor’s State of the State

Governor Phil Scott Delivers 2026 State of the State Address | Office of Governor Phil Scott

On Wednesday, I listened to the Governor’s State of the State address. His primary focus was Education Reform, which he described as essential for affordability, housing, workforce development, and Vermont’s long‑term future. He also spoke about childcare, infrastructure, public safety, and rising education spending that may lead to double‑digit property tax increases.

Budget Adjustment Act

Throughout the week, our committee worked on the Budget Adjustment. Many organizations requested additional funds. While some needs were understandable, others raised concerns about whether original budgets were managed effectively. A few requests stemmed from fiscal errors, which can happen. Requests for new funding were not approved, as the Budget Adjustment is not intended for new initiatives.

Supervised Visitation

We also heard testimony on Supervised Visitation. Not all counties currently have options for families who need supervised visits when ordered by the court, and this remains an area needing attention.

I welcome your feedback and questions. You can reach me at bsteady@leg.state.vt.us or 802‑338‑8374.

Respectfully Submitted, Representative Steady