Bill > H0472

This bill makes several modifications to regulations and fees related to professions overseen by Vermont's Office of Professional Regulation (OPR). The bill increases various professional licensing fees, such as raising the verification of license fee from $20 to $30, adding new fees like a $50 apprenticeship application fee and a $250 disciplinary action surcharge, and specifically increasing the biennial renewal fee for peer support providers from $50 to $75 (effective in 2027). It also authorizes the Secretary of State to collect and deposit revenues from optional data sales into the Secretary of State Services Fund, with a requirement to submit a detailed report about these revenues by December 1, 2025. The bill repeals regulations around funeral service escrow agents and motor vehicle racing, removes them from OPR oversight, and creates a new full-time Executive Officer position for Mental Health Professions with an appropriation of $170,000. Additionally, the bill mandates that cosmetology schools provide training on textured hair care, including cultural competency and historical education, and establishes new requirements for nursing assistants seeking to renew expired licenses. The bill also modifies rules about the accessibility and confidentiality of disciplinary records, removing the complainant's name from public records and making other administrative adjustments. Most provisions will take effect on July 1, 2025, with the peer support provider fee increase delayed until July 1, 2027.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

Government Operations and Military Affairs (H)

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.472