Rep. Sibilia: Week 2 of Vermont’s 2025 Legislative Session

Good evening,

I’m very happy to report I will be serving as co-chair of the Rural Caucus again this year, alongside my fellow co-chairs: Rep. Lisa Hango (R), Rep. Monique Priestly (D), and our Clerk Rep. Lucy Boyden (D). Our first meeting brought together about 30 members, and I’m excited to see so many new faces committed to the future of rural Vermont!

This week, we’ve seen some important updates in several areas including the Clean Heat Standard. Next week, I’ll be diving into some major proposals coming on the education front. It looks to be a very big year to work to improve Vermont’s education system.

I want to highlight some upcoming events, including the Vermont House Committee on Appropriations’ Budget Adjustment Hearing on January 23, 2025. If you’re interested in participating, you can sign up to testify or watch live via video conference – more info below.

As always, I remain committed to acting with intention and working alongside my colleagues to ensure that the policies we create are grounded in facts, focused on solutions, and make a meaningful impact for Vermonters. Please stay in touch.

Vermont Clean Heat Standard Report Delivered to Legislature

The Clean Heat Standard, designed to reduce fossil fuel use in home heating, could add an estimated 8 cents per gallon in 2026 and up to 58 cents per gallon to heating fuel costs by 2035, according to the Public Utility Commission (PUC) check back report. The policy was passed in 2023 after overcoming Governor Phil Scott’s veto.

Key Points:

The PUC’s report suggests modest fuel cost impacts but does not support Governor Scott’s warning during the 2024 elections that the policy could impact fuel prices by as much as $4 per gallon.
Benefits of the program, such as $1.5 billion in savings from renewable energy use and reduced carbon emissions, are projected to outweigh its $955 million cost over the next 10 years.
The PUC voiced concerns about the program’s administrative complexity, recommending simpler alternatives, like a fuel tax or efficiency surcharge to support existing energy programs.

A Personal Perspective on the Clean Heat Standard and Energy Transition

As a working Vermonter – who partially heats my home with fossil fuels – I can appreciate the financial pressures other Vermont families like mine are facing. I’m also worried about the cost for working Vermonters to participate in the ongoing energy transition. This is one of the reasons why I helped lead efforts to develop the Clean Heat Standard, a potential market-based approach to help reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

The Clean Heat Standard discussions included reports circulated warning of up to a $4-per-gallon increase. Fueled by misleading and, in some cases, fossil fuel-funded messaging, these claims created fear among Vermonters. The violent imagery—suggesting that the legislature was driving a Mack truck toward the people—was especially inappropriate. That type of rhetoric, without complete cost analysis, served to increase fear. Elected officials have a responsibility to ensure that both the communication and the policy decisions we make are grounded in facts and reflect reality.

We now have the final report which estimates an 8-cent impact on costs in the first year up to 58 cents per gallon to heating fuel costs by 2035. Still, this report highlights the need for further work before implementation of a Clean Heat Standard can be considered. I am committed to work across government and with stakeholders to find or create balanced solutions for all Vermonters to participate in the energy transition and to keep costs affordable.

I encourage you to read the full report and stay informed about upcoming hearings. You can read more about the hearing this week from this Vermont Public Report.

New Online Campaign Finance and Lobbyist Disclosure Systems

Montpelier, VT – Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas announced major upgrades to the state’s Online Campaign Finance System and Lobbying Information System. These systems improve transparency by making it easier for the public to access campaign finance reports and lobbyist disclosures.

The Campaign Finance System has processed over 14,000 reports since 2014 and is now more user-friendly for candidates and the public. The Lobbying Information System, used by 727 lobbyists and 563 employers in the last biennium, offers streamlined access to financial activity and disclosure records.

Visit the new Campaign Finance System at https://campaignfinance.vermont.gov/ and the Lobbying Information System at https://lobbying.vermont.gov/.

Vermont Secretary of State Releases First Civic Health Index

The Vermont Secretary of State’s Office has published Vermont’s first Civic Health Index, a detailed report measuring civic engagement across six domains: Volunteerism, Political Engagement, Community Context, Cultural Access, Media Trust, and Government Trust. This comprehensive analysis offers a roadmap for strengthening civic life in Vermont. The report was launched with a community conversation at Brooks Memorial Library in Brattleboro. Read the full report and register for events: Civic Health Index

Budget Adjustment Hearing

The Vermont House Committee on Appropriations will hold a public hearing on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. via in person or video conference.

The Committee will take testimony on the Governor’s recommended budget adjustments at the above date and time. Anyone interested in testifying should sign up in advance of the hearing through the following online form not later than 10:00 a.m. on January 22, 2025. Instructions on how to access and participate in the hearing will be sent once you have signed up for the hearing.

The hearing will be available to watch live on House Appropriations’ YouTube channel.

For more information about the format of these events, contact Erin Pedley at epedley@leg.state.vt.us. Written testimony is encouraged and can be submitted electronically through email at testimony2025@leg.state.vt.us or mailed to the House Committee on Appropriations, c/o Erin Pedley, 115 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05633.

Vermont 250

Governor Phil Scott signed an executive order establishing the 250th Anniversary Commission to plan events commemorating Vermont’s role in the American Revolution, including key battles like Ticonderoga, Hubbardton, and Bennington. The commission will coordinate activities leading up to 2026, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and Vermont’s 1777 founding. For more information, email Vermont250@vermont.gov.

State Auditor’s 2024 Updates & Reports

Disabilities Department: Adopted nearly all 2023 audit recommendations, including annual inspections for residential care homes.
Jay Peak EB-5 Audit: Highlighted oversight failures and risky agency structures to prevent future fraud.
Hazard Mitigation Plan: Found gaps in planning and action for disaster readiness.
TIF Audits: Reviewed Burlington and Milton districts; Burlington owes $100,000 to the Education Fund.
COVID Grant Programs: Found weak oversight and documentation in awarding $50M..
UVM Housing: Exposed flaws in data affecting student housing agreements and regional markets.
Health Care Costs: Promoted reference-based pricing to save millions in public employee health expenses.
Sheriff Audits: Ensured accountability in county law enforcement spending.

2025 Winter Clean Water Webinars

Join the DEC’s Clean Water Initiative Program for free monthly webinars highlighting efforts to improve Vermont’s water quality.

Upcoming Topics:

Jan 23: 2024 Clean Water Performance Report
Feb 13: Lake Associations & State Collaboration
Mar 27: Watersheds & Community Stewardship
Apr 10: Forest Practices & Clean Water

Register or learn more: Email ANR.CleanWaterVT@Vermont.gov. Watch past talks on the CWIP YouTube channel.Stay updated by subscribing to the email list or watch past talks on the CWIP YouTube channel.

Vermont Public Why your electric panel may be the key to using less fossil fuels

Attorney General’s Office Warns of New Email Extortion Scam

Scammers now send emails with a photo of your home, threatening to share compromising photos or videos unless you pay via Bitcoin through a QR code. They often use online information and mapping tools like Google Street View to gather details.

Key Actions to Protect Yourself:

Do not send money, click links, or scan QR codes from unknown senders.
Avoid sharing compromising images of yourself with anyone.
Be cautious with email attachments or links, as they may install malware to access your private data or devices.
Turn off devices and cameras in your home when not in use.

If Threatened by Extortion Emails:

For assistance, call the Attorney General’s CAP at 1-800-649-2424
Cease all communication with the scammer
Contact law enforcement
Report incidents to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov

Bills I’ve sponsored

H.1	An act relating to accepting and referring complaints by the State Ethics Commission

New Proposed Rules for Handling Ethics Complaints

This change in the law would updates how the State Ethics Commission manages complaints about unethical behavior. Here’s what it does:

Review and Referral:
- The Ethics Commission’s Executive Director will review all complaints. Depending on the issue, complaints may be sent to the right organization or to the Ethics Commission itself.
- Complaints about local government ethics violations will be sent to the ethics contact in the town or city involved.
- If a complaint doesn’t fit any of these categories, it will be closed.
Getting Advice on Ethics:
- Before deciding on a complaint, most organizations must check with the Ethics Commission to make sure they’re following the State Code of Ethics. This has to happen within 60 days.
Keeping Complaints Private:
- Complaints and related documents will stay private and won’t be available to the public, except in specific cases allowed by law.

The law takes effect immediately, but the new complaint rules start on September 1, 2025.

H.11	An act relating to consumer protections applicable to broadband and VoIP services

The proposed bill outlines the Vermont Attorney General’s role in regulating broadband providers to ensure fair practices, competition, and consumer protections:

Market Monitoring: The Attorney General evaluates factors like provider numbers, market share, and industry trends. Providers must submit annual reports detailing broadband plans, pricing, speeds, and availability. Reports must be accurate and verified under oath.
Transparency: Providers must disclose network management, security, and privacy policies. This information will be published online for public access.
Emergency Protections: During state emergencies, broadband providers cannot impose data limits, charge excessive prices, or disconnect services.
Enforcement: The Attorney General can investigate unfair practices and enforce penalties for violations. Costs for oversight may be assessed on providers.
Consumer Reports: An annual report to the legislature will summarize market data, complaints, enforcement actions, and recommendations to improve broadband conditions.
Confidentiality & Compliance: Providers’ sensitive information remains confidential, and rules align with federal standards. The bill emphasizes state authority and includes severability for invalid provisions.

This framework aims to enhance broadband service quality and protect consumers across Vermont.

H.43	An act relating to exempting military retirement and survivor benefit income from Vermont income tax

This proposal Exempts U.S. military retirement and survivor benefits from Vermont income tax.

Key Points:

Applies retroactively starting January 1, 2026.
Taxpayers may claim only one income exclusion (e.g., Social Security or military retirement) per year.

During the 2025 legislative session from January through May I will continue to meet on the 1st Saturday of the month at the Dover Free Library from 11-noon and at your group’s invitation as schedules allow.

Monitor my votes and the bills I am sponsoring at: https://legislature.vermont.gov/people/single/2026/24023

As always, if you have suggestions, concerns or critiques please be in touch so we can schedule one on one time to discuss. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need assistance navigating government services at (802) 384-0233 or lsibilia@leg.state.vt.us. Follow my regular posts online at http://www.laurasibiliavt.com

Rep. Laura Sibilia – Dover, Jamaica, Somerset, Stratton, Wardsboro