Bill > H0414

This bill establishes the Vermont Commission on Aging within the Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living to advance and monitor policies impacting older Vermonters. The Commission will consist of 17 members, including state commissioners, legislative representatives, public service providers, and aging Vermonters from diverse backgrounds, who will serve three-year staggered terms. The Commission's key duties include reviewing and recommending policies affecting aging populations, coordinating efforts across state agencies and organizations, identifying ways to support local aging initiatives, promoting the contributions of older adults, and implementing Vermont's State Plan on Aging. The bill also creates a Director of Aging position, who will be appointed by the Governor from three candidates recommended by the Commission, serving a four-year term. The Director will be supported by an Associate Director and will be responsible for submitting an annual report to the General Assembly and Governor detailing the Commission's work, findings, and recommendations, with data disaggregated by various demographic categories. The bill includes an appropriation of $155,000 in fiscal year 2026 to fund the Director and Associate Director positions, with the Commission and its leadership set to begin work on January 1, 2026, and the act taking effect on July 1, 2025.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.414