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H 689

An act relating to financial aid exceptions for individuals with a disability

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Elizabeth Burrows and 5 co-sponsors

H.689 would create disability-related exceptions in Vermont financial aid calculations to better reflect need and reduce barriers for disabled students and families.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Human Services
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 689

Bill Summary: H.689 (2025-2026) – Vermont

Purpose and intent

H.689 seeks to adjust Vermont’s financial aid framework to provide targeted exceptions or adjustments for individuals with a disability. The bill is designed to ensure that financial aid programs more accurately reflect the needs and circumstances of disabled individuals, potentially reducing barriers to access that arise from standard calculation methods or eligibility criteria.

Key provisions and changes (provisions as described by bill’s title and typical structure)

While the exact text of H.689 is not provided here, the bill’s title—“An act relating to financial aid exceptions for individuals with a disability”—indicates the following likely areas of focus:

  • Exceptions or adjustments to eligibility criteria: The bill may modify how disability status is treated in determining eligibility for state financial aid programs (e.g., grants, scholarships, or need-based aid). This could involve exemptions from certain asset or income thresholds, or alternative calculations of need.
  • Adjustments to financial need calculations: The act could authorize the use of disability-related deductions, increased allowances for living costs, or special consideration for medical expenses when assessing a student’s financial need.
  • Administrative procedures: Provisions may outline how students or applicants submit disability documentation, how exemptions are approved, and which state agencies administer the exceptions.
  • Protection and nondiscrimination: The bill could include language ensuring that individuals with disabilities are not advantaged or disadvantaged in ways unrelated to need, preserving fairness across applicants while removing unintended penalties.

Who/what would be affected

  • Individuals with disabilities seeking state financial aid: Students and families applying for Vermont financial aid programs would be the primary beneficiaries if the bill creates exceptions that better reflect their circumstances.
  • State financial aid programs and administrators: Agencies responsible for calculating need, determining eligibility, and distributing aid would implement new rules and processes.
  • Educational institutions and recipients: Colleges, universities, and other postsecondary aid recipients may see changes in how aid is calculated or awarded under Vermont’s state programs.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: The bill was introduced and referred to the Committee on Human Services on January 15, 2026.
  • Next steps in process: As commonly with Vermont legislation, the committee would conduct hearings, possibly amend the bill, and report it back to the House. If advanced, it would proceed through further readings, potential floor votes, and reconciliation with the Senate (if applicable) and the governor’s assent.
  • Sponsors: The bill has multiple co-sponsors, signaling support across several members. Co-sponsors include Will Greer, Mary Howard, Saudia Lamont, Jubilee McGill, Ela Chapin, and Elizabeth Burrows.

Potential impact (high-level)

  • By enabling disability-related exceptions, H.689 could reduce financial barriers for disabled students or families, improve equity in aid distribution, and align aid eligibility with real-world costs associated with disability.
  • Implementation would require administrative adjustments, including documentation standards and decision-making workflows, to ensure consistency and compliance with existing laws and program goals.

Note: This summary is based on the bill’s title and available action history. For a precise understanding of all provisions, exact text, and financial impact, the bill’s full draft and any fiscal notes should be consulted once available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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