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Legislation filed today in the Vermont Senate would require municipalities that have never formally voted on allowing marijuana retailers to do so during the 2026 general election, mirroring a House proposal introduced earlier this session.
The measure, Senate Bill 276, was introduced by State Senator Rebecca White (D) and State Senator Tanya Vyhovsky (D) and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Government Operations. The bill serves as a companion to House Bill 633, which was filed today by State Representative Edward Waszazak (D) and advanced to a similar committee in the House.
Under SB 276, any city, town, or incorporated village that, as of July 1, 2026, has not held a local vote on whether to allow licensed marijuana retailers would be required to place the question on the ballot at the 2026 general election. The vote would be binding and conducted by Australian ballot.
The ballot language outlined in the legislation would ask voters a straightforward yes-or-no question on whether licensed marijuana retailers should be authorized to operate within the municipality. Communities that have already taken an affirmative or negative vote would not be affected by the proposal.
Vermont law currently allows municipalities to opt in or opt out of allowing marijuana retailers, but many jurisdictions have never formally addressed the issue since legalization, leaving local rules unsettled. Supporters of the legislation argue that requiring a vote would eliminate that uncertainty and ensure voters in every community have a clear say.
Like the House version, SB 276 clarifies that municipalities would retain the ability to reverse a decision later using the existing repeal process under state law. If enacted, the bill would take effect upon passage, setting the stage for a statewide round of local votes during the 2026 election cycle.
