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2026 Legislative Session Report

Laura McDonough,

AARP Vermont

Published June 12, 2026

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Every year the AARP Vermont team tracks and engages on dozens of bills throughout the legislative session. The 2026 Vermont legislative session was yet another long one, with the legislature adjourning sine die on May 29, and Governor Scott's signing of bills continuing well into June.

The Vermont legislature passed several bills that benefit Vermonters aged 50 and older, including numerous new protections for victims of fraud and financial exploitation, lowering the price of prescription drugs, and investments in long-term care services and HomeShare. We are pleased to share the highlights of some of these bills with you.

We have more work to do in 2027 and beyond to ensure that every Vermonter can choose how to live as they age. We invite you to join us in this work by signing up to be an e-Activist at the AARP Vermont Advocacy Hub.

Lowering the Price of Prescription Drugs

H.577 - An act relating to establishing the Vermont Prescription Drug Discount Card Program.

Passed the legislature, pending Governor’s signature

Vermont will join 5 states in the ArrayRx Prescription Discount Card Program, a collaborative to negotiate lower drug prices. Any Vermonters will have access to this discount card at no cost. This program will be especially beneficial to uninsured and underinsured Vermonters, including those impacted by the recent cuts to ACA marketplace subsidies. The card will offer a lower cost for medications not covered by insurance or a Medicare plan and can be used anytime it offers a better price than an individual's existing coverage. Using the card could save up to 80% on generics and 20% on brand-name medications.

AARP Vermont will partner with the State Treasurers office to raise awareness about the program as it rolls out later this year. Stay tuned for more information on how to get your free card!

Increasing Housing Choice and Affordability for Aging in Community

SFY27 Budget – Passed the legislature, pending Governor's signature

The state’s FY27 budget includes an additional $235,000 grant to HomeShare Vermont, allowing the program to continue its expansion to Orleans, Essex, Caledonia, and Windham Counties, and the remaining towns in Windsor County. Funding this expansion is an efficient and affordable way to tackle both the housing crisis and ensure that older Vermonters have more choices in living an independent and vibrant life.

Protecting Vermonters from Elder Financial Exploitation and Fraud

H.385 (Act 106) - An act relating to remedies and protections for victims of coerced debt

Signed by the Governor

Coerced debt is a form of economic abuse experienced by older adults, survivors of domestic violence, and people with disabilities. It occurs when an abuser uses fraud, duress, intimidation, force, coercion, or identity theft to accumulate debt in the name of another person. Coerced debt and identity theft have been the most common types of fraud reported to AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.

The new law prohibits creditors and debt collectors from holding a person responsible for coerced debt. It also specifies that coerced debt is subject to the remedies and protections under Vermont’s Consumer Protection Act and establishes a clear process for a victim of coerced debt to seek remedies and protections.

Suspicious Transaction Holds

Act 106 also permits banks and credit unions to place a temporary hold on suspicious transactions if they believe the customer may be the victim of financial exploitation. Vermont joins 26 other states in permitting these time-limited holds. allow for rapid intervention – stopping funds before they leave a victim’s account. The holds are short and structured with an initial hold of no more than 15 days initially.

A Ban on Crypto Kiosks

H.648 - An act relating to banking, insurance, and securities

Passed the legislature, pending Governor’s signature

The omnibus financial regulations bill includes an outright ban on cryptocurrency kiosks in Vermont, effective July 1. Vermont is set to become the 4^th state to ban kiosks and the first in New England. Refund protections for victims of fraud prior to the ban will remain in effect.

Crypto kiosk related fraud has increased dramatically in recent years. Attorneys general, law enforcement, and regulators across the country are reporting the same pattern: cryptocurrency kiosks are overwhelmingly being used as a payment method for fraud. According to the FBI Americans 60+ reported losing $250m last year alone. A ban on these machines is the most effective way to ensure Vermonters are protected.

Investing in Vermont’s Long-Term Care System

SFY27 Budget – Signed into law

The state's FY27 budget will include funding for rate increases for long-term care rates, specifically for home-based Choices for Care and enhanced residential care. Chronic underfunding and workforce shortages have compromised Vermonters’ access to these essential services, and increased investment is critical to their stability.

AARP worked in partnership with members of the Long Term Care Crisis Coalition to advocate for these wins.