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S.64 (Act 171)

An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Sen. Rebecca White , , Sen. Philip Baruth , Sen. Scott Beck , Sen. Patrick Brennan , Sen. Randolph Brock , Sen. Thomas Chittenden , Sen. Alison Clarkson , Sen. Brian Collamore , Sen. Samuel Douglass , Sen. Ruth Hardy , Sen. Wendy Harrison , Sen. Larry Hart , Sen. Joseph Major , Sen. Christopher Mattos , Sen. Robert Norris , Sen. Robert Plunkett , Sen. Tanya Vyhovsky , Sen. David Weeks , Sen. Terry Williams ,
5/29/2026 - Senate Message: Signed by Governor June 18, 2026
Sponsor(s)
Last Recorded Action
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Bill/Resolution Text

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An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Detailed Status

Regular Session 2025-2026
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An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Roll Call History

Regular Session 2025-2026
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Although procedurally bills and resolutions are assigned to only one committee at a time, other committees may review the bill or resolution. This page contains results from both the assigned committee as well as other committees.

An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Committee Meetings

Regular Session 2025-2026
Meeting Date Committee Actions

An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Meeting Full List

Regular Session 2025-2026
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Thursday, February 20, 2025
Committee(s):
Senate Committee on Government Operations,
3:00 PM

S.64 - An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Jennifer Carbee, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Sen. Rebecca "Becca" White, Sponsor
Dean Barcelow, President, Vermont Optometric Association
Lauren Hibbert, Deputy Secretary of State, Secretary of State's Office
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Committee(s):
Senate Committee on Government Operations,
1:30 PM

S.64 - An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Tim Petito, Doctor of Optometry, Accreditation Council on Optometric Education
Nate Lighthizer, Doctor of Optometry, Oklahoma College of Optometry at Northeastern State University
Emma Shouldice, Lobbyist, Vermont Optometric Association
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Committee(s):
Senate Committee on Government Operations,
1:30 PM

S.64 - An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Rick Hildebrant, Chair, Board of Medical Practice
Charlie Sheffield, American Board of Medical Specialties
Melissa Davidson, Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education, Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont
Daniel Phillips, Doctor of Optometry
Dorothy Hitchmoth, Doctor of Optometry
3:00 PM

S.64 - An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Vote

Friday, March 14, 2025
Committee(s):
Senate Committee on Health and Welfare,
10:55 AM

S.64 - An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Introduction and walk-through

Sen. Brian Collamore, Reporter
Sen. Rebecca "Becca" White, Sponsor
11:15 AM

S.64 - An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Rick Hildebrant, Chair, Board of Medical Practice
Jen Colin, General Counsel, Office of Professional Regulation, Secretary of State's Office
Friday, January 30, 2026
Committee(s):
Senate Committee on Health and Welfare,
9:00 AM

S.64 - An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Walkthrough

Jennifer Carbee, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Jen Colin, Director, Office of Professional Regulation, Secretary of State's Office
Emily Carr, General Counsel, Office of Professional Regulation
Dean Barcelow, President, Vermont Optometric Association
Nate Lighthizer, Doctor of Optometry, Oklahoma College of Optometry at Northeastern State University
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Committee(s):
Senate Committee on Health and Welfare,
9:45 AM

S.64 - An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Jessica McNally, President, Vermont Opthalmological Society
Matthew Greenberg, Chair, Vermont Board of Medical Practice
Jeff Young, Comprehensive Opthalmologist
Divy Mehra, Opthalmology Resident, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Committee(s):
Senate Committee on Health and Welfare,
9:00 AM

S.64 - An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Christopher Brady, Ophthalmologist, University of Vermont Medical Center
Libby Houle, Ophthalmologist, University of Vermont Health Network
Alicia Feis, Fellow, American Academy of Optometry
Amy Puerto, Fellow, American Academy of Optometry
Daniel Phillips, Vice President, Vermont Optometric Association
Tina Keshava, President, Vermont Optometric Association
Thursday, March 12, 2026
Committee(s):
Senate Committee on Health and Welfare,
10:50 AM

S.64 - An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Mark-Up

Jennifer Carbee, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Heather Shouldice, President, Capital Complex Committee
Dean Barcelow, President, Vermont Optometric Association
Friday, March 13, 2026
Committee(s):
Senate Committee on Health and Welfare,
8:30 AM

S.64 - An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Vote

Jennifer Carbee, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Committee(s):
Senate Committee on Finance,
-

S.64 - An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Vote

Jen Colin, Director, Office of Professional Regulation, Secretary of State's Office
Ted Barnett, Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Friday, March 20, 2026
Committee(s):
Senate Committee on Appropriations,
1:05 PM

S.64 - An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Vote

Jennifer Carbee, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Ted Barnett, Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Committee(s):
House Committee on Health Care,
10:00 AM

S.64 - An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Introduction and walk-through

Jennifer Carbee, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Sen. Rebecca "Becca" White, Sponsor
10:30 AM

S.64 - An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Lauren Hibbert, Deputy Secretary of State, Secretary of State's Office
Jen Colin, Director, Office of Professional Regulation, Secretary of State's Office
11:00 AM

S.64 - An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Brittany Rhoads, Patient
2:15 PM

S.64 - An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Matthew Greenberg, Chair, Vermont Board of Medical Practice
Tina Keshava, President, Vermont Optometric Association
Jessica McNally, President, Vermont Opthalmological Society
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Committee(s):
House Committee on Health Care,
1:00 PM

S.64 - An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Libby Houle, Ophthalmologist
Nate Lighthizer, Doctor of Optometry, Oklahoma College of Optometry at Northeastern State University
Ashley Berliner, Director of Medicaid Policy, Agency of Human Services
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Committee(s):
House Committee on Health Care,
4:15 PM

S.64 - An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Committee discussion and mark-up

Jennifer Carbee, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Committee(s):
House Committee on Health Care,
9:00 AM

S.64 - An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Vote

Jennifer Carbee, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Committee(s):
House Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs,
9:30 AM

S.64 - An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Introduction, walk-through, and testimony

Jennifer Carbee, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Sen. John Morley, Reporter, Senate Committee on Health and Welfare
Lauren Hibbert, Deputy Secretary of State, Secretary of State's Office
Emily Carr, General Counsel, Office of Professional Regulation
Nate Lighthizer, Doctor of Optometry, Oklahoma College of Optometry at Northeastern State University
Delany Curran, Opthalmology Resident and Future Vermont Opthalmologist
Alicia Feis, Fellow, American Academy of Optometry
Amy Puerto, Fellow, American Academy of Optometry
Jeff Young, Comprehensive Opthalmologist
Jessica McNally, President, Vermont Opthalmological Society
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Committee(s):
House Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs,
10:15 AM

S.64 - An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Witness testimony

Kelsie George, Senior Policy Specialist, Health Program, National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL)
Tina Keshava, President, Vermont Optometric Association
Lauren Hibbert, Deputy Secretary of State, Secretary of State's Office
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Committee(s):
House Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs,
9:35 AM

S.64 - An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Witness testimony

Rich Castillo, Founding President, American Society of Optometric Surgeons
David Hall, Associate Professor, Southern College of Optometry
Rep. David Yacovone, Resident, Morrisville
10:50 AM

S.64 - An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Witness testimony

David Hall, Associate Professor, Southern College of Optometry
Matthew Greenberg, Chair, Vermont Board of Medical Practice
Jennifer Lindsey, Associate Chief for Education, Massachusetts Eye and Ear; Director of Residency Training Program, Harvard Opthalmology
Dean Barcelow, Past President, Vermont Optometric Association
Daniel Phillips, Vice President, Vermont Optometric Association
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Committee(s):
House Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs,
1:15 PM

S.64 - An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Rep. Stone amendment walk-through and testimony

Jennifer Carbee, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Rep. Mary-Katherine Stone, Sponsor
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Committee(s):
House Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs,
10:50 AM

S.64 - An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Rep. Stone amendment testimony

Tina Keshava, President, Vermont Optometric Association
Jessica McNally, President, Vermont Opthalmological Society
David Herlihy, Executive Director, Vermont Board of Medical Practice
Jen Colin, Director, Office of Professional Regulation, Secretary of State's Office
Lauren Hibbert, Deputy Secretary of State, Secretary of State's Office
1:05 PM

S.64 - An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Rep. Stone amendment committee discussion and possible straw poll

Jennifer Carbee, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Nolan Langweil, Principal Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
1:50 PM

S.64 - An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Rep. Stone Medicaid amendment walk-through

Jennifer Carbee, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
1:55 PM

S.64 - An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Rep. Stone Board of Medical of Practice walk-through

Jennifer Carbee, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
2:50 PM

S.64 - An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Rep. Stone Medicaid amendment committee discussion and straw poll

Jennifer Carbee, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
2:55 PM

S.64 - An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Rep. Stone Board of Medical Practice amendment committee discussion and straw poll

Jennifer Carbee, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
3:00 PM

S.64 - An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Committee discussion and vote

Jennifer Carbee, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Friday, May 22, 2026
Committee(s):
House Committee on Ways and Means,
2:40 PM

S.64 - An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Jennifer Carbee, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Ted Barnett, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
4:45 PM

S.64 - An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Vote

Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Committee(s):
House Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs,
11:30 AM

S.64 - An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Rep. Nugent amendment walk-through and straw poll

Jennifer Carbee, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Jen Colin, Director, Office of Professional Regulation, Secretary of State's Office
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Committee(s):
House Committee on Appropriations,
2:30 PM

S.64 - An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Walk through and vote

Jennifer Carbee, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Nolan Langweil, Principal Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Ted Barnett, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Jen Colin, Director, Office of Professional Regulation, Secretary of State's Office

An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Witnesses Who Testified

Regular Session 2025-2026
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House Committee on Appropriations
  • Ted Barnett, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
  • Jennifer Carbee, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Jen Colin, Director, Office of Professional Regulation, Secretary of State's Office
  • Nolan Langweil, Principal Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
House Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs
  • Dean Barcelow, Past President, Vermont Optometric Association
  • Jennifer Carbee, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Emily Carr, General Counsel, Office of Professional Regulation
  • Rich Castillo, Founding President, American Society of Optometric Surgeons
  • Jen Colin, Director, Office of Professional Regulation, Secretary of State's Office
  • Delany Curran, Opthalmology Resident and Future Vermont Opthalmologist
  • Alicia Feis, Fellow, American Academy of Optometry
  • Kelsie George, Senior Policy Specialist, Health Program, National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL)
  • Matthew Greenberg, Chair, Vermont Board of Medical Practice
  • David Hall, Associate Professor, Southern College of Optometry
  • David Herlihy, Executive Director, Vermont Board of Medical Practice
  • Lauren Hibbert, Deputy Secretary of State, Secretary of State's Office
  • Tina Keshava, President, Vermont Optometric Association
  • Nolan Langweil, Principal Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
  • Nate Lighthizer, Doctor of Optometry, Oklahoma College of Optometry at Northeastern State University
  • Jennifer Lindsey, Associate Chief for Education, Massachusetts Eye and Ear; Director of Residency Training Program, Harvard Opthalmology
  • Jessica McNally, President, Vermont Opthalmological Society
  • Sen. John Morley, Reporter, Senate Committee on Health and Welfare
  • Daniel Phillips, Vice President, Vermont Optometric Association
  • Amy Puerto, Fellow, American Academy of Optometry
  • Rep. Mary-Katherine Stone, Sponsor
  • Rep. David Yacovone, Resident, Morrisville
  • Jeff Young, Comprehensive Opthalmologist
House Committee on Health Care
  • Ashley Berliner, Director of Medicaid Policy, Agency of Human Services
  • Jennifer Carbee, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Jen Colin, Director, Office of Professional Regulation, Secretary of State's Office
  • Matthew Greenberg, Chair, Vermont Board of Medical Practice
  • Lauren Hibbert, Deputy Secretary of State, Secretary of State's Office
  • Libby Houle, Ophthalmologist
  • Tina Keshava, President, Vermont Optometric Association
  • Nate Lighthizer, Doctor of Optometry, Oklahoma College of Optometry at Northeastern State University
  • Jessica McNally, President, Vermont Opthalmological Society
  • Brittany Rhoads, Patient
  • Sen. Rebecca "Becca" White, Sponsor
House Committee on Ways and Means
  • Ted Barnett, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
  • Jennifer Carbee, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Senate Committee on Appropriations
  • Ted Barnett, Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
  • Jennifer Carbee, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Senate Committee on Finance
  • Ted Barnett, Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
  • Jen Colin, Director, Office of Professional Regulation, Secretary of State's Office
Senate Committee on Government Operations
  • Dean Barcelow, President, Vermont Optometric Association
  • Jennifer Carbee, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Melissa Davidson, Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education, Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont
  • Lauren Hibbert, Deputy Secretary of State, Secretary of State's Office
  • Rick Hildebrant, Chair, Board of Medical Practice
  • Dorothy Hitchmoth, Doctor of Optometry
  • Nate Lighthizer, Doctor of Optometry, Oklahoma College of Optometry at Northeastern State University
  • Tim Petito, Doctor of Optometry, Accreditation Council on Optometric Education
  • Daniel Phillips, Doctor of Optometry
  • Charlie Sheffield, American Board of Medical Specialties
  • Emma Shouldice, Lobbyist, Vermont Optometric Association
  • Sen. Rebecca "Becca" White, Sponsor
Senate Committee on Health and Welfare
  • Dean Barcelow, President, Vermont Optometric Association
  • Christopher Brady, Ophthalmologist, University of Vermont Medical Center
  • Jennifer Carbee, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Emily Carr, General Counsel, Office of Professional Regulation
  • Jen Colin, Director, Office of Professional Regulation, Secretary of State's Office
  • Jen Colin, General Counsel, Office of Professional Regulation, Secretary of State's Office
  • Sen. Brian Collamore, Reporter
  • Alicia Feis, Fellow, American Academy of Optometry
  • Matthew Greenberg, Chair, Vermont Board of Medical Practice
  • Rick Hildebrant, Chair, Board of Medical Practice
  • Libby Houle, Ophthalmologist, University of Vermont Health Network
  • Tina Keshava, President, Vermont Optometric Association
  • Nate Lighthizer, Doctor of Optometry, Oklahoma College of Optometry at Northeastern State University
  • Jessica McNally, President, Vermont Opthalmological Society
  • Divy Mehra, Opthalmology Resident, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
  • Daniel Phillips, Vice President, Vermont Optometric Association
  • Amy Puerto, Fellow, American Academy of Optometry
  • Heather Shouldice, President, Capital Complex Committee
  • Sen. Rebecca "Becca" White, Sponsor
  • Jeff Young, Comprehensive Opthalmologist

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Fiscal notes and materials available on this web page are provided for informational purposes only, and may not comprise all materials received by the Vermont Legislature or the final fiscal information related to a specific bill.  The Legislature is not responsible for the accuracy of any information in these materials, and their posting does not constitute approval or endorsement by the Legislature.

Fiscal Information

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Fiscal Notes and Related Documents

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No committee of conference members found for S.64 in the Regular Session 2025-2026.

An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Committee of Conference Meetings

Regular Session 2025-2026
Meeting Date Committee Time Actions

An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Committee of Conference Meeting Full List

Regular Session 2025-2026
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No committee of conference meeting history found for S.64 in the Regular Session 2025-2026.
No committee of conference report found for S.64 in the Regular Session 2025-2026.

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Act


An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

Statutes Affected

Regular Session 2025-2026

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Staff & Other Information

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Jennifer Carbee, Deputy Chief Counsel

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