The bill S.291 introduces new requirements for travel disclosures by members of the General Assembly and certain executive officers in Vermont. It amends existing definitions to include "staff" as individuals who support legislators or executive officers in their official capacities. The bill mandates that these officials file disclosures with the State Ethics Commission detailing travel costs and associated information for any travel undertaken in their official capacity, with specific exemptions for travel fully paid by the individual or the government, or of minimal value. The disclosures must include the purpose of travel, itinerary, expenses, and reimbursements, and must be filed within 30 days of travel completion.

Additionally, the bill establishes that executive officers under the Governor may be exempt from disclosing travel expenses if their travel is already covered by existing rules or bulletins that align with the new requirements. It also updates the annual disclosure requirements for executive officers, changing references from "candidates" to "officers" and clarifying the information that must be disclosed regarding personal income, investments, and loans. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
As Passed By the Senate -- Official: 3-1201, 3-1211, 3-1221
As Passed By the Senate -- Unofficial: 3-1201, 3-1211, 3-1221