Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session Status: Passed House 2 D cosponsors

H 244 — An act relating to State contracting standards for advertising

Last action — Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Government Operations

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed House
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has passed the House. Introduced February 18, 2025. It now moves to the second chamber.

Next likely step: consideration and a floor vote in the Senate.

Prognosis

Stalled 30% · moderate confidence

Where this bill stands today.

Odds of enactment

Moderate

How often bills like it became law.

  • Passed House

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 2 sponsors

    2 primary, 0 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Single-party support

    Sponsorship is currently within one party (2 D).

Prognosis reads this bill's own signals — stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes and cross-state momentum. Odds come from a model trained on which bills have become law.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

180 added · 89 removed

Plain-language change summary

The amended version of Bill H.244 now includes new provisions that allow the Commissioner to contract for print or digital advertising services for the State. This addition aims to provide more clarity and structure for how state advertising is handled, ensuring a consistent approach across various departments. By outlining specific procedures for advertising contracts, the bill seeks to enhance transparency and accountability in state spending.

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AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.244 Page 1 of 4 H.244 An act relating to State contracting standards for advertising It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont:
BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.244 Page 1 of 9 H.244 Introduced by Representatives Rachelson of Burlington and Waters Evans of Charlotte Referred to Committee on Date:
Subject:
Public property and supplies;
Department of Buildings and General Services;
contracting;
advertising;
media;
news organizations;
radio;
television Statement of purpose of bill as introduced:
This bill proposes to require that the State expend a minimum of 80 percent of the total annual value of its contracting for print, digital, radio, and television advertising services on local organizations.
An act relating to State contracting standards for advertising It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont:
§ 902(a) is amended to read:
§ 902(a) is amended to read:
However, he or she the Commissioner may delegate authority to those governmental agencies to purchase directly individually approved types and classes of items when the interests of the State are best served thereby, provided that any such delegated authority shall be subject to the same limitations set forth in subsections 910(a)–(c) of this subchapter as apply to the Commissioner.
However, he or she the Commissioner may delegate authority to BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.244 Page 2 of 9 those governmental agencies to purchase directly individually approved types and classes of items when the interests of the State are best served thereby, provided that any such delegated authority shall be subject to the same limitations set forth in subsections 910(a)–(c) of this subchapter as apply to the Commissioner.
He or she The Commissioner may also cooperate with and advise officials of any political subdivision of the State or any institution of higher education chartered in Vermont and accredited or holding a certificate of approval from the State Board of Education in their purchase of any of the VT LEG #382245 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.244 Page 2 of 4 supplies, materials, and equipment needed by the political subdivision or institution of higher education, and may act as the agent of the political subdivision at the request of the authorized officials or agent thereof in the purchase of supplies, materials, and equipment.
He or she The Commissioner may also cooperate with and advise officials of any political subdivision of the State or any institution of higher education chartered in Vermont and accredited or holding a certificate of approval from the State Board of Education in their purchase of any of the supplies, materials, and equipment needed by the political subdivision or institution of higher education, and may act as the agent of the political subdivision at the request of the authorized officials or agent thereof in the purchase of supplies, materials, and equipment.
§ 910 is added to read:
§ 910 is added to read:
§ 910.
§ 910.
STATE CONTRACTS FOR ADVERTISING (a) When contracting for print or digital advertising services for the State or its agencies, departments, instrumentalities, or institutions, the BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.244 Page 3 of 9 Commissioner of Buildings and General Services shall contract with local news organizations for not less than 80 percent of the total annual value of the print or digital advertising services.
(b) When contracting for radio or television advertising services for the State or its agencies, departments, instrumentalities, or institutions, the Commissioner of Buildings and General Services shall contract with local broadcast organizations for not less than 80 percent of the total annual value of the radio or television advertising services.
(c) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b) of this section, the Commissioner of Buildings and General Services may exclude from the total annual value of advertising services any advertisement focused on tourism.
(d) The Commissioner of Buildings and General Services shall maintain a list of local news organizations and local broadcast organizations.
(e) As used in this section:
(1) “Local broadcast organization” means an organization licensed to broadcast in the State by the Federal Communications Commission.
(2) “Local news organization” means an organization that:
(A) engages professionals to create, edit, produce, and distribute original content concerning matters of public interest through reporting activities;
BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.244 Page 4 of 9 (B) employs a full-time employee who dedicates at least 30 hours a week to providing coverage of an area of the State for dissemination to the local or State community and lives within 50 miles of the coverage area;
(C)(i) has published at least one print publication per month over the previous 12 months and either holds a valid U.
S.
Postal Service periodical permit or dedicates at least 25 percent of its content to local news;
or (ii) on average over the previous 12 months, has published online at least one piece per week about the local or State community and has at least 33 percent of its online audience in Vermont;
(D) has disclosed in its print publication or on its website its beneficial ownership or, in the case of a nonprofit entity, its board of directors;
(E) in the case of an organization that is exempt from taxation under 26 U.S.C.
§ 501(c)(3), declares as its stated mission in its filings with the Internal Revenue Service the coverage of local or State news;
and (F) over the previous calendar year did not receive more than 50 percent of its gross receipts from political action committees, other entities described in 26 U.S.C.
§ 527, or from organizations exempt from taxation under 26 U.S.C.
§ 501(c)(4), (c)(5), or (c)(6).
BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.244 Page 5 of 9 Sec.
3.
29 V.S.A.
§ 911 is added to read:
Show all 72 changed rows (32 more)
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§ 911.
CONTRACTS FOR ADVERTISING;
REPORTING Annually, on or before June 30, the Commissioner of Buildings and General Services shall submit to the General Assembly a report summarizing any advertising services purchased by the State and its agencies, departments, instrumentalities, or institutions during the preceding fiscal year, including a summary of the amounts spent by entity on advertising services and where those funds were spent.
Sec.
4.
EFFECTIVE DATE This act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.
Sec.
1.
29 V.S.A.
§ 902(a) is amended to read:
(a) The Commissioner of Buildings and General Services shall contract for and make all purchases, including all fuel, supplies, materials, and equipment, for all departments, offices, institutions, and other agencies of the State and counties.
However, he or she the Commissioner may delegate authority to those governmental agencies to purchase directly individually approved types and classes of items when the interests of the State are best served thereby, provided that any such delegated authority shall be subject to the same limitations set forth in subsections 910(a)–(c) of this subchapter as apply to the Commissioner.
He or she The Commissioner shall also contract for and purchase materials for the repair and for the construction and equipment of BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.244 Page 6 of 9 new buildings to be erected by the State, unless otherwise provided.
He or she The Commissioner may purchase such supplies, materials, and equipment as are requisitioned by the supervisors of the natural resources conservation districts.
He or she The Commissioner may also cooperate with and advise officials of any political subdivision of the State or any institution of higher education chartered in Vermont and accredited or holding a certificate of approval from the State Board of Education in their purchase of any of the supplies, materials, and equipment needed by the political subdivision or institution of higher education, and may act as the agent of the political subdivision at the request of the authorized officials or agent thereof in the purchase of supplies, materials, and equipment.
Sec.
2.
29 V.S.A.
§ 910 is added to read:
§ 910.
(b) When contracting for radio or television advertising services for the State or its agencies, departments, instrumentalities, or institutions, the Commissioner of Buildings and General Services shall contract with local broadcast organizations for not less than 70 percent of the total annual value of the radio or television advertising services.
(b) When contracting for radio or television advertising services for the State or its agencies, departments, instrumentalities, or institutions, the Commissioner of Buildings and General Services shall contract with local BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.244 Page 7 of 9 broadcast organizations for not less than 70 percent of the total annual value of the radio or television advertising services.
VT LEG #382245 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.244 Page 3 of 4 (d) The Commissioner of Buildings and General Services shall maintain a list of local news organizations and local broadcast organizations.
(d) The Commissioner of Buildings and General Services shall maintain a list of local news organizations and local broadcast organizations.
or (ii) on average over the previous 12 months, has published online at least one piece per week about the local or State community and has at least 33 percent of its online audience in Vermont;
or BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.244 Page 8 of 9 (ii) on average over the previous 12 months, has published online at least one piece per week about the local or State community and has at least percent of its online audience in Vermont;
VT LEG #382245 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.244 Page 4 of 4 (E) in the case of an organization that is exempt from taxation under 26 U.S.C.
(E) in the case of an organization that is exempt from taxation under 26 U.S.C.
§ 501(c)(3), declares as its stated mission in its filings with the Internal Revenue Service the coverage of local or State news;
§ 501(c)(3), declares as its stated mission in its filings with the Internal Revenue Service the coverage of local or State news;
and (F) over the previous calendar year did not receive more than 50 percent of its gross receipts from political action committees, other entities described in 26 U.S.C.
and (F) over the previous calendar year did not receive more than 50 percent of its gross receipts from political action committees, other entities described in 26 U.S.C.
§ 527, or from organizations exempt from taxation under 26 U.S.C.
§ 527, or from organizations exempt from taxation under 26 U.S.C.
§ 501(c)(4), (c)(5), or (c)(6).
§ 501(c)(4), (c)(5), or (c)(6).
§ 911 is added to read:
§ 911 is added to read:
§ 911.
§ 911.
EFFECTIVE DATE This act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.
EFFECTIVE DATE BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.244 Page 9 of 9 This act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.
VT LEG #382245 v.1
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How this bill changes current law

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AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

The bill requires the Commissioner of Buildings and General Services to allocate a specified percentage of state advertising contracts to local news and broadcast organizations and mandates annual reporting on advertising expenditures.

  • 29 V.S.A. § 902(a)

    he or she → the Commissioner

    Clarifies the reference to the Commissioner by removing gender-specific language.

  • 29 V.S.A. § 910

    § 910. STATE CONTRACTS FOR ADVERTISING (a) When contracting for print or digital advertising services for the State or its agencies, departments, instrumentalities, or institutions, the Commissioner of Buildings and General Services shall contract with local news organizations for not less than 70 percent of the total annual value of the print or digital advertising services.

    Establishes a requirement for contracting a minimum percentage of advertising services with local news organizations.

  • 29 V.S.A. § 910

    (b) When contracting for radio or television advertising services for the State or its agencies, departments, instrumentalities, or institutions, the Commissioner of Buildings and General Services shall contract with local broadcast organizations for not less than 70 percent of the total annual value of the radio or television advertising services.

    Establishes a requirement for contracting a minimum percentage of radio or television advertising services with local broadcast organizations.

  • 29 V.S.A. § 910

    (c) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b) of this section, the Commissioner of Buildings and General Services may exclude from the total annual value of advertising services any advertisement focused on tourism and any employment search or job posting.

    Allows for certain advertisements to be excluded from the calculation of the total annual value of advertising services.

  • 29 V.S.A. § 910

    (d) The Commissioner of Buildings and General Services shall maintain a list of local news organizations and local broadcast organizations.

    Mandates the maintenance of a list of qualified local news and broadcast organizations.

  • 29 V.S.A. § 911

    § 911. CONTRACTS FOR ADVERTISING; REPORTING Annually, on or before June 30, the Commissioner of Buildings and General Services shall submit to the General Assembly a report summarizing any advertising services purchased by the State and its agencies, departments, instrumentalities, or institutions during the preceding fiscal year, including a summary of the amounts spent by entity on advertising services and where those funds were spent.

    Requires the Commissioner to report annually on advertising services purchased by the State.

Action History

  1. Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Government Operations

  2. Read third time and passed

  3. Rep. Galfetti of Barre Town asked and was granted leave to withdraw amendment

  4. Rep. Galfetti of Barre Town moved to amend the bill

  5. Action Calendar: Third Reading

  6. Third Reading ordered

  7. Report of Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs agreed to

  8. Rep. Waters Evans of Charlotte reported for the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs

  9. Read second time

  10. Action Calendar: Action postponed until 3/26/2025

  11. Action Calendar: Action postponed until 3/26/2025

  12. Action Calendar: Action postponed until 3/26/2025

  13. Rep. Birong of Vergennes moved to postpone action until 3/26/2025, which was agreed to

  14. Action Calendar: Action postponed until 3/20/2025

  15. Rep. Birong of Vergennes moved to postpone action until 3/20/2025, which was agreed to

  16. Action Calendar: Favorable with Amendment

  17. Notice Calendar: Favorable with Amendment

  18. Read first time and referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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2 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 188 not signed on

Sponsors (2)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (188)

188 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 188 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

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Subjects

public-safety technology
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Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors H 244?
H 244 is sponsored by Chea Waters Evans (Democrat) and Barbara Rachelson (Democrat).
What is the current status of H 244?
This bill has passed the House. Introduced February 18, 2025. It now moves to the second chamber.
Where can I track H 244?
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