Vermont H 493: An act relating to prohibiting Vermont agencies from assisting the federal government in the collection of private electronic communications data

Bill Text

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VT LEG #383907 v.1
No. 27. An act relating to making appropriations for the support of the
government.
(H.493)
It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont:
* * * Purpose, Definitions, Legend * * *
Sec. A.100 SHORT TITLE
(a) This bill may be referred to as the “BIG BILL – Fiscal Year 2026
Appropriations Act.”
Sec. A.101 PURPOSE; LEGISLATIVE INTENT
(a) The purpose of this act is to provide appropriations for the operations of
State government and for capital appropriations not funded with bond proceeds
during fiscal year 2026. It is the express intent of the General Assembly that
activities of the various agencies, departments, divisions, boards, offices, and
commissions be limited to those that can be supported by funds appropriated in
this act or other acts passed prior to June 30, 2025. Agency and department
heads are directed to implement staffing and service levels at the beginning of
fiscal year 2026 so as to meet this condition unless otherwise directed by
specific language in this act or other acts of the General Assembly.
(b) It is the intent of the General Assembly that any interim budget and
appropriation adjustments made in accordance with 32 V.S.A. §§ 133 and 704
prioritize supporting the health, safety, and well-being of Vermonters; a robust
education system; and a strong economy.

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Sec. A.102 APPROPRIATIONS
(a) It is the intent of the General Assembly that this act serves as the
primary source and reference for appropriations for the operations of State
government and for capital appropriations not funded with bond proceeds in
fiscal year 2026.
(b) The sums herein stated are appropriated for the purposes specified in
the following sections of this act. When no time is expressly stated during
which any of the operating appropriations are to continue, the appropriations
are single-year appropriations and only for the purpose indicated and shall be
paid from funds shown as the source of funds. Capital appropriations funded
from the Capital Infrastructure Subaccount in the Cash Fund for Capital and
Essential Investments Special Fund shall be subject to the provisions of 32
V.S.A. § 1001b(e). If in this act there is an error in either addition or
subtraction, the totals shall be adjusted accordingly. Apparent errors in
referring to section numbers of statutory titles within this act may be
disregarded by the Commissioner of Finance and Management.
(c) Unless codified or otherwise specified, all narrative portions of this act
apply only to the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2026.
Sec. A.103 DEFINITIONS
(a) As used in this act:
(1) “Encumbrances” means a portion of spending authority reserved for
the subsequent payment of existing travel authorizations, purchase orders,

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grants, or contracts. The Commissioner of Finance and Management shall
make final decisions on the appropriateness of encumbrances.
(2) “Grants” means subsidies, aid, or payments to local governments, to
community and quasi-public agencies for providing local services, and to
persons who are not wards of the State for services or supplies and means cash
or other direct assistance, including pension contributions.
(3) “Operating expenses” means property management; repair and
maintenance; rental expenses; insurance; postage; travel; energy and utilities;
office and other supplies; equipment, including motor vehicles, highway
materials, and construction; expenditures for the purchase of land and
construction of new buildings and permanent improvements; and similar items.
(4) “Personal services” means wages and salaries, fringe benefits, per
diems, contracted third-party services, and similar items.
(5) “Capital appropriation” means an appropriation for tangible capital
investments or expenses that are eligible to be funded from general obligation
debt financing and are allowed under federal laws governing the use of State
bond proceeds as described in 32 V.S.A. § 309.
Sec. A.104 RELATIONSHIP TO EXISTING LAWS
(a) Except as specifically provided, this act shall not be construed in any
way to negate or impair the full force and effect of existing laws.

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Sec. A.105 OFFSETTING APPROPRIATIONS
(a) In the absence of specific provisions to the contrary in this act, when
total appropriations are offset by estimated receipts, the State appropriations
shall control, notwithstanding receipts being greater or less than anticipated.
Sec. A.106 FEDERAL FUNDS
(a) In fiscal year 2026, the Governor, with the approval of the General
Assembly or the Joint Fiscal Committee if the General Assembly is not in
session, may accept federal funds available to the State of Vermont, including
block grants in lieu of, or in addition to, funds herein designated as federal.
The Governor, with the approval of the General Assembly or the Joint Fiscal
Committee if the General Assembly is