WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 93

An act relating to the creation and maintenance of a database of veterans in Vermont

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sarita Austin and 25 co-sponsors

H 93 would create and maintain a Vermont-wide database of veterans to improve outreach, benefits coordination, and program planning through centralized veteran data.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 93

Bill Overview

  • Jurisdiction: Vermont
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Bill: H 93
  • Title: An act relating to the creation and maintenance of a database of veterans in Vermont
  • Action to date: Read first time and referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs (2025-01-24)
  • Primary sponsors: A broad slate of co-sponsors including Woody Page, Will Greer, Kate McCann, Mary Morrissey, Mary Howard, Mike Mrowicki, Conor Casey, and many others.

Purpose and Intent

The bill proposes the creation and ongoing maintenance of a statewide database of veterans who reside in Vermont. The primary aim appears to be to formally identify and catalog individuals who have served in the U.S. armed forces to facilitate targeted outreach, services, benefits coordination, and data-driven planning for veteran programs. The act would establish a framework for collecting, storing, and updating veteran status information and ensuring its accuracy over time.

Key Provisions (as implied by the title and standard practice for such measures)

  • Establishment of a Vermont veterans database: A centralized repository containing identifying information about individuals with veteran status.
  • Data collection parameters: Specification of what veteran-related data would be collected (e.g., service branch, years of service, discharge status, current residence, contact information). The bill would define data fields and acceptable sources.
  • Maintenance and updates: Procedures for keeping the database current, including periodic verification and methods for updating records when veterans relocate or change status.
  • Access and use: Rules governing who can access the database (state agencies, authorized program administrators, and potentially service providers) and for what purposes (benefits coordination, program outreach, eligibility determinations).
  • Privacy and security: Provisions to protect personally identifiable information (PII), including data security standards, consent requirements where applicable, breach notification processes, and restrictions on third-party sharing.
  • Compliance and governance: Establishment of responsibilities for state departments (likely a veterans affairs or government operations unit) to administer the database, along with oversight mechanisms, audits, and reporting requirements.
  • Interoperability: Potential integration with existing state systems (e.g., public benefits, healthcare, education, and housing programs) to streamline veteran service delivery.

Who is Affected

  • Vermont veterans: Primary beneficiaries who may gain improved access to targeted services, benefits coordination, and outreach.
  • State government and agencies: Departments responsible for veterans’ affairs, health, housing, education, and social services would implement and utilize the database.
  • Service providers: Nonprofit and community organizations that work with veterans could gain data-driven access to eligible populations (subject to privacy constraints).
  • Data security and privacy officers: Responsible for safeguarding PII and ensuring compliance with state and federal privacy laws.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and first reading: January 24, 2025.
  • Next steps in the legislative process typically include committee consideration (Government Operations and Military Affairs), possible amendments, and hearings, followed by potential floor votes in the House and, if applicable, consideration by the Senate.
  • The bill would likely specify deadlines for implementing the database, phased roll-out if applicable, and reporting milestones to the legislature.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Benefits: Improved ability for the state to identify veterans, coordinate benefits, tailor programs, and connect veterans with resources (healthcare, housing, education, employment).
  • Privacy and consent concerns: The database raises questions about data collection scope, consent (whether veterans’ data are voluntary or mandated), storage security, and limits on data sharing.
  • Implementation costs: Needs for IT infrastructure, ongoing maintenance, staff, and security measures; funding provisions would be critical to assessing feasibility.
  • Data accuracy and eligibility: Ensuring up-to-date data and preventing misclassification or duplicate records will be essential for effective service delivery.
  • Interagency coordination: Success hinges on collaboration among agencies and alignment with existing veterans’ services and privacy laws.

Summary

H 93 proposes creating a Vermont-wide veterans database to identify and maintain current information on Vermont’s veteran population, enabling enhanced service delivery, benefits coordination, and program planning. It would establish data collection standards, governance, privacy safeguards, and interagency use to improve outreach and access to veteran-specific resources, while addressing privacy, security, and cost considerations through procedural requirements and oversight.

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

Sign in to ask a question.