House passes Senate Bill 126 on health care payment and delivery reform, 99-38

The Vermont House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 126, an act relating to health care payment and delivery system reform, by a roll-call vote of 99-38 on May 21, 2025. After the vote the House suspended its rules and instructed the clerk to message the action to the Senate forthwith.

Supporters said the bill charts a path to a more sustainable health-care system while opponents, including some local hospital leaders, urged a no vote. "Our health care system is ailing. S 1 26 represents a strong and clear path forward to a sustainable system," the Member from Bristol said during debate. The Member from Fairfield said, "our local hospital leadership has asked our delegation to vote no due to concerns about negative impacts they believe will be detrimental to their ability to serve our community. I stand with our local hospital leaders." The Member from Essex Junction said, "health care costs impact everything we do in Vermont... I vote yes on s 1 26 for the health of Vermonters and Vermont."

The House clerk announced the final tally: "Those voting yes, 99. Those voting no, 38. The ayes have it and you have passed the bill in concurrence with proposal of amendment." Following the vote, the Member from Pulte moved to suspend the rules in order to message the House's action on S.126 to the Senate forthwith; the motion carried by voice vote and the House directed the clerk accordingly.

There was no roll-call breakdown of how each member voted included in the transcript beyond the final tally. Debate included requests for a roll call (the Member from Essex requested the roll), a statement in support from the Member from Bristol, an expression of concern reflecting hospital leadership from the Member from Fairfield, and a floor statement in favor from the Member from Essex Junction.

The House then adopted a motion to adjourn until Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 1 p.m.