Bill > S0291

This bill requires members of the Vermont General Assembly and elected statewide executive officers, along with their deputies and staff, to file disclosures detailing the costs and associated information for any travel undertaken in their official capacity or due to their position, if that travel is paid for by any source other than the State or themselves. These disclosures must include the purpose and itinerary of the travel, all expenses and reimbursements received (unless fully paid by the individual, the State, or the federal government), the date of any payment or reimbursement, and the source of any partial funding. The bill also mandates that disclosures include information for any staff or immediate family members accompanying the official, and requires a supplemental disclosure if a matter involving the travel payer comes before the official within six months of the travel. Exceptions exist for travel fully paid by the individual, the State, or the federal government, or for travel of minor value (under $50 per source, with an aggregate limit of $150 per source annually). Additionally, the bill clarifies definitions for "staff" and makes minor amendments to the State Ethics Commission's membership and meeting procedures, with the new travel disclosure requirements taking effect on July 1, 2026.