Vermont legislation · 2025-2026 Session
Vermont S232: An act relating to public libraries and the Department of Libraries
Status: Signed into law, May 29, 2026
What the bill says
An act relating to public libraries and the Department of Libraries. (S.232) It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont: * * * Findings * * *.
From the chaptered text, June 8, 2026:
An act relating to public libraries and the Department of Libraries. (S.232) It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont: * * * Findings * * * Sec. 1. FINDINGS The General Assembly finds: (1) The State of Vermont and its communities depend on libraries as centers for learning, social connection, technological access, disaster preparedness and response, support of health care and social services, and numerous other vital services. (2) As places of public accommodation, public libraries are obligated to ensure that their services, facilities, and resources are inclusive and accessible to all. However, many of Vermont's existing library facilities require improvements in order to fulfill this obligation and meet programming needs. (3) Early literacy is integral to student preparedness and success. Vermont's Department of Libraries and statewide network of public libraries are uniquely suited to play a critical role in improving the literacy skills of students throughout the State. (4) It is essential that the State raise awareness about public libraries and their offerings in order to ensure their continued beneficial impact and continued accessibility for all Vermont residents. VT LEG #390171 v.1 No. 127 Page 2 of 7 (5) For more than 125 years, public libraries have provided diverse afterschool and summer programs and literacy opportunities to all children free of charge. These …
Sponsors
- Ruth Hardy (D, Addison District) · primary sponsor
- Thomas Chittenden (D, Chittenden-Southeast District)
- Alison Clarkson (D, Windsor District)
- Martine Gulick (D, Chittenden-Central District)
- Nader Hashim (D, Windham District)
- Virginia Lyons (D, Chittenden-Southeast District)
- Joseph Major (D, Windsor District)
- Tanya Vyhovsky (D, Chittenden-Central District)
- Rebecca White (D, Windsor District)
Latest actions
- : Senate Message: Signed by Governor [June 8, 2026]
- : Signed by Governor on [June 8, 2026]
- : Delivered to Governor on [June 2, 2026]
- : As passed by Senate and House
- : House message: House passed bill in concurrence
- : Read third time and passed in concurrence
- : Action Calendar: Third Reading
- : Third Reading ordered
- : Rep. [Dickinson of St. Albans Town] recommended for the Committee on [Appropriations]
- : Rep. [Burkhardt of South Burlington] recommended for the Committee on [Ways and Means]
Common questions
- What is S232?
- S232 is a bill in the Vermont Legislature (2025-2026 Session): An act relating to public libraries and the Department of Libraries.
- What does S232 do?
- In its own words: An act relating to public libraries and the Department of Libraries. (S.232) It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont: * * * Findings * * *.
- What is the status of S232?
- Signed into law as of May 29, 2026. Latest action: Senate Message: Signed by Governor [June 8, 2026] (May 29, 2026).
- Who sponsored S232?
- Ruth Hardy (D, Addison District), with 8 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for S232?
- On the Vermont Legislature website: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.232
Source: official Vermont record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.