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Bill

H 215

An act relating to the compensation of members of the General Assembly and the Governor

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kate Nugent

The bill sets new specified compensation levels and adjustment rules for Vermont’s Governor and General Assembly members.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 215

Overview

House Bill H.215 (2025-2026, Vermont) proposes changes to the compensation for members of the Vermont General Assembly and the Governor. The bill has been read a first time and referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs. It lists Kate Nugent as a co-sponsor.

Purpose and intent

  • To adjust and specify the compensation levels for Vermont’s elected officials, including members of the General Assembly and the Governor.
  • Aims to establish or modify salary-related provisions to reflect current policy goals, fiscal considerations, and compensation standards for state leadership and legislators.

Key provisions and changes (as introduced in the bill)

  • Compensation framework: The bill delineates how much legislators and the Governor would be paid, including base salaries and any allowances or stipends associated with office.
  • Frequency and method of payment: Likely addresses how often compensation is disbursed (e.g., monthly or biweekly) and through what mechanisms.
  • Adjustment mechanisms: May establish triggers or schedules for future increases (e.g., automatic annual adjustments, temporary freezes, or biennial reviews) and criteria used to determine adjustments (such as inflation or cost-of-living metrics).
  • Eligibility and terms: Clarifies which individuals qualify for compensation under the bill (e.g., active members, term limits, or exceptions).
  • Related benefits: Could reference or modify linked benefits, allowances, or per diems associated with holding office.

Note: The available information confirms the bill’s focus on compensation for the Governor and General Assembly members but does not provide the exact numeric salary figures or detailed provisos. The substantive provisions will become clearer as the bill moves through committee and any amendments are published.

Who would be affected

  • Members of the Vermont General Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives): changes to their salaries and any associated allowances or benefits.
  • The Governor of Vermont: changes to the Governor’s compensation, including base pay and connected compensation Elements.
  • Possible ancillary effects on state budgeting and fiscal planning due to updated compensation costs.

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • Current status: Read first time and referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs (as of 2025-02-13).
  • Next steps: The committee would analyze the bill, potentially hold hearings, and propose amendments. If approved by the committee, the bill would advance to the full House for debate and a vote, followed by Senate consideration and potential reconciliation.
  • Fiscal impact: Not specified in the available summary; the bill would need to include or be accompanied by a fiscal note detailing the cost to the state and any budgetary implications.

Potential implications

  • Fiscal: Depending on the final salary figures and adjustment mechanism, the bill could impact the state budget and annual appropriations for compensation.
  • Governance and morale: Adjusted compensation could affect recruitment, retention, and satisfaction of state officials.
  • Compliance and transparency: The bill may align compensation with statutory or constitutional processes, potentially including performance-related or periodic review elements.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize particular sections once the bill’s full text or fiscal note is available, or compare it to prior compensation statutes and related proposals.

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

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