Bill > H0366

This bill establishes comprehensive neurological rights for individuals in Vermont, creating robust protections around neural data and neurotechnology. The legislation defines key terms like brain-computer interfaces, neural data, and neurotechnology, and establishes six fundamental neurological rights: mental and neural data privacy, freedom of thought, cognitive liberty, the ability to change decisions about neurotechnology, protection from unauthorized neurotechnological interventions, and protection from unauthorized alterations of critical mental functions. The bill requires explicit written informed consent for collecting, recording, or sharing neural data gathered from brain-computer interfaces, and mandates that individuals can revoke such consent at any time, requiring the immediate destruction of their data and cessation of data sharing. Additionally, the bill prohibits "consciousness bypass" - using neurotechnology to manipulate brain activity without an individual's conscious awareness - and requires specific, granular consent for each category of brain-computer interface action. Violations of these provisions are treated as unfair or deceptive commercial practices, with potential civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, and enforcement authority granted to the Attorney General. The law is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, providing time for stakeholders to understand and prepare for its implementation.

Business and Industry

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.366