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Bill

S 159

An act relating to removing the sunset on 30 V.S.A. § 248a

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ann Cummings

Eliminating the sunset makes the authority under 30 V.S.A. § 248a continue indefinitely, preserving its regulatory and programmatic effects without a set expiration.

Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Finance
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 159

Overview

S.159, introduced in the Vermont Senate for the 2025-2026 session, seeks to remove the sunset provision tied to 30 V.S.A. § 248a. The bill is sponsored by Sen. Ann Cummings and referred to the Senate Committee on Finance. The first-reading action occurred on January 6, 2026, with a committee hearing held January 23, 2026.

Purpose and Intent

  • The main purpose of S.159 is to eliminate the expiration (sunset) of the statutory authority provided by 30 V.S.A. § 248a.
  • By removing the sunset, the provision would remain in effect indefinitely, subject to future legislative actions to repeal or modify it.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Decoupling from Sunset: The bill would strike or amend the sunset mechanism currently applicable to 30 V.S.A. § 248a, ensuring continuous operation beyond any pre-set end date.
  • Continuation of Existing Authority: Preserves whatever regulatory, fiscal, or programmatic authorities, exemptions, or requirements are currently enabled under 30 V.S.A. § 248a, but without a scheduled termination.
  • Potential for Future Amendments: As a vehicle to maintain ongoing effect, the bill may implicitly allow future adjustments to how 30 V.S.A. § 248a operates without the need to reauthorize the program on a sunset basis.

Note: The precise text of § 248a and the existing sunset that would be removed are not provided in the summary request. The bill’s effect hinges on removing a scheduled expiration date, thereby extending the provision’s applicability indefinitely.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • State Agencies: Agencies administering programs or authorities under 30 V.S.A. § 248a would continue to operate without the constraint of a sunset date.
  • General Public/Beneficiaries: Any individuals or entities benefiting from or regulated under the authority of § 248a would experience ongoing program access and regulatory coverage without a predefined expiration.
  • Fiscal/Policy Implications: Removing a sunset could influence long-term budgeting, program planning, and policy certainty. It may reduce legislative timing risk (avoiding a future need for expedited reauthorization) but could shift oversight dynamics toward ongoing review rather than periodic sunset renewals.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduction: S.159 introduced in the Senate; sponsor is Sen. Ann Cummings.
  • First Reading: January 6, 2026.
  • Committee Assignment: Referred to the Senate Committee on Finance.
  • Public/Committee Hearing: Noted for January 23, 2026, with committee meeting listed (Finance) to discuss “Introduction and walk-through.”
  • Status: As of the latest action, the bill is in committee for consideration and potential amendments before advancing to the Senate floor.

Practical Considerations

  • Legislative Intent Signals: By removing the sunset, the bill signals a preference for ongoing stability and permanence of the statutory framework associated with § 248a.
  • Oversight: Even with a removed sunset, the bill does not eliminate future legislative review. Vermont law typically allows for amendments, repeal, or replacement by statute at any time.

If you’d like, I can provide a more detailed analysis if the text of 30 V.S.A. § 248a and the specific sunset provision are available.

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

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