Bill > H0793

This bill, effective January 1, 2027, aims to prevent Vermont corporations and other artificial legal entities, such as limited liability companies and partnerships, from spending money on political activities by defining "ballot-issue activity" (spending to support or oppose ballot questions) and "election activity" (spending to support or oppose candidates, parties, or political committees) and explicitly revoking any existing corporate powers that could be interpreted to allow such spending. The bill clarifies that these entities are granted only "artificial-person powers," which are defined as powers necessary for lawful business or organizational purposes but specifically exclude any authority to engage in election or ballot-issue activities, with exceptions for bona fide news reporting. Any such political spending by these entities is declared void and ultra vires, meaning it is beyond their legal power, and may result in financial penalties or forfeiture of corporate privileges, while preserving existing contracts and obligations entered into before December 31, 2026.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.793