VT H0793

Removes the power of all Vermont business entities—including corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, cooperatives, nonprofits, and mutual benefit enterprises—to pay, contribute, or expend money on election activity or ballot-issue activity

Defines "election activity" as spending to support or oppose candidates, political parties, or political committees, and "ballot-issue activity" as spending to support or oppose referendums, constitutional amendments, or other ballot questions

Declares any corporate political spending ultra vires and void, with violating entities required to forfeit charter privileges and remit amounts equal to unlawful expenditures to the State Treasurer before reinstatement

Exempts bona fide news organizations not owned by political parties, committees, or candidates, and preserves the rights of natural persons and lawful political committees/parties to engage in political activity

Takes effect January 1, 2027, with provisions protecting contracts and legal obligations entered into before December 31, 2026