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VT H0813

VT H0813
An act relating to ensuring the same accountability, transparency, and education standards for all schools receiving public funding

summary

Introduced
01/29/2026
In Committee
01/29/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Session

Bill Summary

This bill proposes to require approved independent schools to (1) comply with the education quality standards under 16 V.S.A. § 165; (2) maintain an open enrollment policy for publicly tuitioned students; (3) hold meetings of their governing bodies in accordance with Vermont’s Open Meeting Law; (4) agree to comply with access to public records under 1 V.S.A. chapter 5, subchapter 3; (5) establish and maintain an accounting system that meets criteria established by the State H.813 Board; (6) prepare and distribute an annual budget to the Agency of Education and sending school districts; (7) keep school buildings and grounds safe and in good repair; (8) regulate or prohibit firearms or other weapons on school premises; (9) adopt a truancy policy; (10) employ or contract with licensed special educators to meet the needs of enrolled students; (11) employ or contract with a school nurse consistent with the requirements contained in State Board of Education rules; (12) agree not to charge publicly tuitioned students fees or additional tuition above the amount received pursuant to 16 V.S.A. chapter 21 from sending school districts; and (13) recognize and bargain in good faith with teachers’ and administrators’ organizations by complying with the provisions of 16 V.S.A. chapter 57.

AI Summary

This bill aims to ensure that all schools receiving public funding, including approved independent schools, are held to the same standards of accountability, transparency, and education. Specifically, it requires these independent schools to comply with existing education quality standards, maintain an open enrollment policy for publicly funded students, and adhere to Vermont's Open Meeting Law and public records access laws. Furthermore, they must establish a proper accounting system, distribute annual budgets to the Agency of Education and local school districts, ensure their buildings are safe and well-maintained, and regulate weapons on school grounds. The bill also mandates the adoption of a truancy policy, the employment of licensed special educators and school nurses, and prohibits charging publicly funded students additional fees beyond what is paid by their sending school districts. Finally, approved independent schools will be required to recognize and bargain in good faith with teacher and administrator organizations, mirroring requirements for public schools.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (21)

Last Action

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Education (on 01/29/2026)

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