StateVermont

S 189: An act relating to establishing a process for the elimination of certain hospital services

Ginny LyonsEnacted

S 189 status: Enacted — Senate Message: Signed by Governor June 16, 2026 (updated May 29, 2026).

1

What this bill does

Overall score

Score75/100 civic fit
RiskModerate risk
ImpactModerate impact 65/100

Bill summary

Official

This bill creates a clear, official process that hospitals must follow if they want to shut down specific departments or types of care (like a maternity ward or a clinic). It is currently being debated in the Senate.

Key analysis

Constitutionality90%
Bipartisan70%
Public opinion80%
2

Impact analysis

Environment

Mixed / Neutral
50%

Benefits

  • no material direct effect

Risks

  • no material direct effect

Economy

Mixed / Neutral
45%

Benefits

  • standardizes hospital planning processes

Risks

  • increases administrative compliance costs for hospitals

Society

Positive Outlook
75%

Benefits

  • protects patient access to essential services
  • increases transparency for local communities

Risks

  • may complicate or delay necessary operational restructuring
3

How trustworthy & consequential it is

Source

OpenStates

Confidence

low

low

Analysis status

OpenStates summary

Warning

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Limitation

Analysis based on legislative abstract only

4

Where it stands

Senate Message: Signed by Governor June 16, 2026

Introduced

Complete

Committee

Complete

Floor

Complete

Governor

Complete

Enacted

Complete
5

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6

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