2026 Legislative Session Report

S. 127 – Passed a Residential Universal Design Study Committee to explore implementation of statewide universal design standards for all residential buildings. “Universal design” refers broadly to design practices that make built environments usable by people of different ages, abilities, and physical or cognitive characteristics without additional customization.  This report would review opportunities and challenges for the residential building industry to meet universal design standards, the costs and benefits of adopting universal design standards for residential buildings, existing best practices and standards for home accessibility and adaptability, and related topics. AARP was named in statute to serve on the committee. 

Bill S.127 - Vermont Rental Housing Improvement Program (VHIP) VHIP will provide 5-year grants or loans and 10-year forgivable loans to rehabilitate existing vacant units or structural elements affecting multiple units, build accessory dwelling units (ADUs), build new residential units in an existing or new structure, and complete repairs necessary for code compliance. Under the current program, property owners are eligible to receive $30,000 per unit for rehabilitation of 0-2 bedroom units, and $50,000 per unit for 3+ bedroom units or creation of new units.

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

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 4th 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 includes $XXX 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. 

Expanding Affordable and Accessible Transportation for People of All Ages

The Transportation omnibus bill, H.944, passed in the final days of the session. We are disappointed that greater progress was not made toward identifying and enacting long-term, sustainable revenue sources to support mobility needs. New transportation funding is essential not only for maintaining our roads and bridges, but also for building safe and accessible sidewalks, and maintaining critical transit services that Vermonters increasingly need and deserve.    

Cuts to Public Transit:

The Older Adults & People with a Disability Transit program only received 92% of requested funds creating a $600,000 shortfall for this crucial lifeline for older adults. 

Prioritizing Walking and Biking: 

• The T-bill realigns funds in the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Grant to prioritize biking and walking.
• Opportunities for State & Local Municipalities to Pay for Important Projects and Programs:
  •     Authorized the State Treasurer's Office to bond more in the Transportation Infrastructure Bond (TIB) Fund for long-term projects; 
  •     Allocated $300,000 for transit volunteer drivers and mobility management