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Bill

H 195

An act relating to universal basic income payments for homeless and runaway youth

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jubilee McGill

The bill would create a state-administered universal basic income program that provides regular cash payments to homeless and runaway youth to improve housing stability and access

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Human Services
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 195

Bill Overview

  • Bill: H 195
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Jurisdiction: Vermont
  • Title: An act relating to universal basic income payments for homeless and runaway youth
  • Status: Read first time and referred to the Committee on Human Services (as of 2025-02-12)
  • Sponsor: Co-sponsor Jubilee McGill

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill proposes establishing universal basic income (UBI) payments specifically for homeless and runaway youth in Vermont.
  • The core aim is to provide a stable, predictable source of financial support to a highly vulnerable population, with the goal of improving safety, health, and opportunities for housing stability.
  • By offering unconditional or standardized income support, the measure seeks to reduce barriers to basic needs and empower youth to make safer, longer-term life choices.

Key Provisions (anticipated, based on title and context)

  • Program Scope: Creation of a state-administered UBI program targeted at homeless and runaway youth. This could include eligibility criteria (likely age range and residency), and criteria relating to housing insecurity and status as homeless or runaway.
  • Payment Structure: Establishment of regular (e.g., monthly) cash payments to eligible youths. Amounts, frequency, and adjustments (e.g., cost-of-living adjustments) would be defined in the bill.
  • Administration and Delivery: Details on how payments would be issued (direct deposit, debit card, or cash), and which state department would administer the program (likely the Department for Children and Families or a related human services agency).
  • Funding and Fiscal Notes: This section would outline funding sources (state general funds, federal aid, or program earmarks) and potential budget impacts, including ongoing annual costs and any phase-in schedules.
  • Supplemental Services: Potential linking of UBI with supportive services such as housing assistance, case management, health care, education, employment services, and safety planning.
  • Oversight and Evaluation: Provisions for program evaluation, reporting requirements to the Legislature, and mechanisms to monitor outcomes and ensure program integrity.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Direct Beneficiaries: Homeless and runaway youth who meet the bill’s eligibility criteria and receive UBI payments.
  • Families and Caregivers: Indirectly affected through potential changes in youth housing stability and access to services.
  • State Agencies: Agencies involved in human services, housing, education, health, and revenue/finances would administer, fund, or oversee the program.
  • Service Providers: Youth shelters, outreach organizations, and nonprofits may experience coordination needs with the state program.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Current Status: As of the first reading, the bill has been referred to the Committee on Human Services for consideration, debate, and potential amendments.
  • Next Steps: Committee hearings, potential amendments, and eventual committee vote; if advanced, the bill would proceed to floor debate in the House and then to the Senate, per Vermont’s legislative process.
  • Implementation Timeline (typical): If enacted, the bill would likely establish an effective date for program enrollment, with possible partial-year funding, rollout phases, and deadlines for establishing administrative rules and partner networks.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Economic: Ongoing cost to the state budget; potential interactions with federal funding or matching programs.
  • Social: Aims to reduce poverty-related hardship among homeless youth, potentially improving health, safety, schooling, and long-term housing outcomes.
  • Policy Trade-offs: Balancing universality versus targeted aid, ensuring program integrity, preventing misuse, and coordinating with existing youth homelessness services.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to focus on fiscal implications, program design specifics, or compare it to similar UBI or youth homelessness initiatives in other states.

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

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