Several new laws will be taking effect in Vermont on July 1, with the legislation affecting everything from school safety to what books you will see on the shelves at your local library.Here is a breakdown of the seven new laws taking effect across the state and what they mean for you.Educational grants for new AmericansA new law will allow even those who are not American citizens to be eligible for advancement grants and financial aid through state-funded colleges. That includes the University of Vermont and the Vermont State Colleges.This applies to people in Vermont who are refugees or who have been granted parole to be in the country, as well as those here on special immigrant visas.Expanded employee access to unpaid leaveA new law will allow Vermont employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for so-called “Safe Leave” for those experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking. The new rule applies to employers with more than 10 employees. They can also take unpaid leave for family members who are entering active military service.Small business food permitsThe exemptions for so-called “Cottage food operations,” or businesses that operate out of a home kitchen, are being expanded so that owners can make up to $30,000 a year.The Legislature said it decided to raise the existing licensing exemption to adjust for inflationary costs. They also said they want to allow these small businesses to help enhance Vermont’s food resiliency by increasing the supply and distribution of locally produced food products.Salary disclosureBeginning on July 1, employers with five or more employees must disclose the salary range on all job advertisements for that position. This law only applies to jobs physically located in Vermont or remote jobs where work is predominantly in Vermont. Employees and employers are still free to negotiate the final pay for that role. Selection and retention policies for books in public librariesLibraries will be required to adopt policies that comply with the First Amendment to ensure that materials selected for libraries across the state do not discriminate and that those selections represent Vermont’s diversity and history.School safetyA new law will require the implementation of several new safety measures in schools across the state. They include:The establishment of biannual, or twice yearly, school fire and safety drills for students each fall and spring. Schools will also be required to come up with an emergency operations plan.Supervisory boards will be required to lock all exterior doors during the school day and implement stricter visitor sign-in policies. The establishment of behavioral threat assessment teams to prevent targeted violence against schools and the school community Used car salesUsed vehicle dealers in Vermont will be required to retain records for all of their vehicles’ last inspections. They must also include a statement about the buyer’s right to get that vehicle inspected by an independent mechanic of their choice before the sale is completed.
Several new laws will be taking effect in Vermont on July 1, with the legislation affecting everything from school safety to what books you will see on the shelves at your local library.
Here is a breakdown of the seven new laws taking effect across the state and what they mean for you.
Educational grants for new Americans
A new law will allow even those who are not American citizens to be eligible for advancement grants and financial aid through state-funded colleges. That includes the University of Vermont and the Vermont State Colleges.
This applies to people in Vermont who are refugees or who have been granted parole to be in the country, as well as those here on special immigrant visas.
Expanded employee access to unpaid leave
A new law will allow Vermont employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for so-called “Safe Leave” for those experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking. The new rule applies to employers with more than 10 employees. They can also take unpaid leave for family members who are entering active military service.
Small business food permits
The exemptions for so-called “Cottage food operations,” or businesses that operate out of a home kitchen, are being expanded so that owners can make up to $30,000 a year.
The Legislature said it decided to raise the existing licensing exemption to adjust for inflationary costs. They also said they want to allow these small businesses to help enhance Vermont’s food resiliency by increasing the supply and distribution of locally produced food products.
Beginning on July 1, employers with five or more employees must disclose the salary range on all job advertisements for that position. This law only applies to jobs physically located in Vermont or remote jobs where work is predominantly in Vermont. Employees and employers are still free to negotiate the final pay for that role.
Selection and retention policies for books in public libraries
Libraries will be required to adopt policies that comply with the First Amendment to ensure that materials selected for libraries across the state do not discriminate and that those selections represent Vermont’s diversity and history.
School safety
A new law will require the implementation of several new safety measures in schools across the state. They include:
- The establishment of biannual, or twice yearly, school fire and safety drills for students each fall and spring. Schools will also be required to come up with an emergency operations plan.
- Supervisory boards will be required to lock all exterior doors during the school day and implement stricter visitor sign-in policies.
- The establishment of behavioral threat assessment teams to prevent targeted violence against schools and the school community
Used car sales
Used vehicle dealers in Vermont will be required to retain records for all of their vehicles’ last inspections. They must also include a statement about the buyer’s right to get that vehicle inspected by an independent mechanic of their choice before the sale is completed.
