The BIG BILL Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations Act is designed to allocate necessary funding for the operations of the State government and capital appropriations for the fiscal year 2026. It emphasizes that state agencies and departments will only engage in activities that can be supported by the appropriated funds or other acts passed before June 30, 2025. The bill includes significant appropriations for various departments, such as $15 million for the Retired State Employees Pension, and establishes that the total number of authorized state positions will not increase during fiscal year 2026, except for those specifically authorized by the General Assembly. The Governor is also granted the authority to accept and allocate federal funds with the approval of the General Assembly or the Joint Fiscal Committee.

The bill outlines various funding allocations across multiple sectors, including health, education, public safety, and housing, with a total budget projected to exceed $883 million. Notable insertions include funding for the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, the Vermont Council on the Arts, and various health and social services programs. Additionally, it introduces provisions for emergency housing assistance for vulnerable populations and modifies existing laws to enhance the state's efforts in addressing racial equity and health disparities. The bill reflects a comprehensive approach to state funding, aiming to address critical needs while ensuring the sustainability of essential services and support for vulnerable communities.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 32-5824, 32-7402, 32-5861(c), 32-5861, 32-704, 32-133, 32-308c, 3-18, 29-61, 32-1001, 3-523, 32-3709, 3-3097, 3-5003, 18-252, 32-7909, 18-9374(h), 18-9374, 16-4011, 19-11a
As Passed By the House -- Official: 32-5824, 32-7402, 32-5861(c), 32-5861, 32-704, 32-133, 32-308c, 3-18, 29-61, 32-1001, 3-523, 32-3709, 3-3097, 3-5003, 18-252, 32-7909, 18-9374(h), 18-9374, 16-4011, 19-11a
As Passed By the House -- Unofficial: 32-5824, 32-7402, 32-5861(c), 32-5861, 32-704, 32-133, 32-308c, 3-18, 29-61, 32-1001, 3-523, 32-3709, 3-3097, 3-5003, 18-252, 32-7909, 18-9374(h), 18-9374, 16-4011, 19-11a
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Official: 32-5824, 32-7402, 32-5861(c), 32-5861, 32-704, 32-133, 32-308c, 3-18, 29-61, 32-1001, 3-523, 32-3709, 3-3097, 3-5003, 18-252, 32-7909, 18-9374(h), 18-9374, 16-4011, 19-11a, 9-2473, 18-4632, 33-1811, 33-1902, 33-4922, 33-3505, 16-4011(f), 32-8521, 32-8522, 3-3306, 10-543, 18-9502, 32-706, 32-902, 32-951a, 32-954, 32-308b
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Unofficial: 32-5824, 32-7402, 32-5861(c), 32-5861, 32-704, 32-308c, 3-18, 29-61, 32-1001, 32-3709, 9-2473, 18-4632, 33-1811, 33-1902, 3-3097, 3-5003, 18-252, 32-7909, 33-4922, 33-3505, 18-9374(h), 18-9374, 16-4011(f), 16-4011, 19-11a, 32-8521, 32-8522, 3-3306, 10-543, 18-9502, 32-706, 32-902, 32-951a, 32-954, 32-308b
As Enacted: 32-5824, 32-7402, 32-5861(c), 32-5861, 32-704, 32-308c, 3-18, 29-61, 32-1001, 32-3709, 9-2473, 18-4632, 33-1811, 33-1902, 3-3097, 3-5003, 18-252, 32-7909, 33-4922, 33-3505, 18-9374(h), 18-9374, 16-4011(f), 16-4011, 19-11a, 32-8521, 32-8522, 3-3306, 10-543, 18-9502, 32-706, 32-902, 32-951a, 32-954, 32-308b