The BIG BILL Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations Act is designed to allocate funding for the operations of the State government and capital appropriations for the fiscal year 2026. It emphasizes that state agencies and departments will operate within the limits of the appropriated funds and outlines that interim budget adjustments should prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of Vermonters, education, and economic stability. 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 unless specifically authorized by the General Assembly. Notably, the bill allows the Governor to accept and allocate federal funds with the approval of the General Assembly or the Joint Fiscal Committee.

The bill also introduces several amendments and funding adjustments, including an increase in funding for the Vermont Household Health Insurance Survey and community grants related to health equity. It modifies existing laws to enhance the state's efforts in addressing racial equity and health disparities, establishing the Office of Health Equity within the Department of Health. Additionally, it includes provisions for General Assistance Emergency Housing for vulnerable households and outlines funding for various educational programs. The bill reflects a comprehensive approach to managing state resources, addressing public health, education, and community development needs while ensuring fiscal responsibility.

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