Vermont Advocacy Update- February 17, 2026

Suddenly and without warning legislative leaders and advocates realized that “crossover” is less than a month away causing a quick uptick in the pace in the state house. At the same time, tension amongst legislators and advocates rose at the same pace. If bills do not cross over from the House to the Senate and vice versa before March 13^th give or take a day or two the bills will die for the biennium. Add that we are in an election year, and we see that intensity build fast.

For the most part, new bills have ceased to be introduced. Leaders in either chamber can choose to suspend rules to introduce new bills such as municipality charter changes and other priority issues but the reasons are limited. Instead, committees have ended ceremonial introductions and non-impactful updates from their daily agendas and have moved on to impactful and essential legislation.

The Transportation committees are moving quickly through their bills. House Transportation is responsible for the “T Fund” bill which allocates funding to projects at the state and municipal levels. Senate Transportation creates the “DMV” bill which changes things like motor vehicle law, and fees for various licenses and registrations. These bills are generally non-controversial but towns and VTRANS (VT Agency of Transportation) are keenly watching to ensure their budgets and policy goals are reached. The biggest challenge the committees are facing today is a $35 million shortfall in state funding due to shrinking gas tax revenues. That shortfall will result in the loss of $100+/- million match funds from the Federal government next year. ABC NH/VT and several other associations are working hard to help Governor Scott negotiate with the legislature on how and where to identify the short money. In a tight year that is focused on healthcare and education will make identifying the funds challenging but necessary.

The House Commerce committee is focusing on the broader 2027 state budget hearing testimony from both state and organizations seeking to remain funded in the coming years. Those budget items range from workforce development, tourism, housing, regional development and regional economic organizations. Again, being fairly non controversial these negotiations are almost done and will head to the floor for vote cleanly before crossover.

Your association will remain at the forefront of advocacy for the construction profession. If you have any questions about Vermont advocacy or the legislature please contact Matt Musgrave matt@abcnhvt.org.