Janette Shaffer

The House held a memorial service for deceased former members and honored departing Pages. Ceremonial readings included concurrent resolutions recognizing National Tennis Month in Vermont and congratulating the Brattleboro Union High School mock trial team. The House received messages from the Senate regarding various bills, including acts relating to portable solar energy, health equity data, and youthful offender proceedings. Legislative actions included concurring with Senate amendments on bills related to genetic data privacy, establishing committees of conference for legislation regarding artificial intelligence in mental health services and opioid abatement appropriations, and postponing action on several transportation-related bills.

The Senate received multiple messages from the House regarding various legislative bills, joint resolutions, and concurrent resolutions. The session included the appointment of Committees of Conference for disagreeing votes on several tax-related bills, as well as the referral of various bills to the Committees on Finance and Appropriations. The Senate passed multiple bills related to criminal procedures involving firearms, artificial intelligence in mental health services, alcoholic beverages, and chronic absenteeism. Additionally, the Senate discussed and advanced legislation regarding fiscal year 2027 transportation investments, transportation infrastructure bonds, and the implementation of a mileage-based user fee for electric vehicles.

The House of Representatives reviewed various bills referred to committees, including legislation related to tobacco regulation, agricultural subjects, and motor vehicle laws. The body adopted a resolution supporting the preservation of the Julian Scott birthplace and passed several concurrent resolutions congratulating schools and community members for achievements in sports, academic competition, and public service. Additionally, the House passed legislation concerning civil arrest in sensitive locations, advanced a bill establishing a process for hospital service eliminations, and received various messages from the Senate regarding the status of legislative business.

The meeting focused on the proposed amendment to the bylaws regarding the meeting schedule and cadence. Key discussion topics included changing the regular meeting frequency to the second Tuesday of the second month of each quarter, the pros and cons of keeping the meeting schedule within the bylaws versus a separate guidance document, and interest in potentially holding meetings at various library locations around the state to gain better insight into community operations.

This five-year plan outlines the Vermont Department of Libraries' strategy for fulfilling the requirements of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Grants to States program for FFY 2023-2027. The plan aims to support Vermont libraries in becoming hubs of lifelong learning, enhancing quality of life, and strengthening communities. It is structured around three core goals: Strengthening Libraries, Enhancing Access to Information, and Fostering Learning and Building Community. Key objectives include improving library services, expanding access to resources for all Vermonters, promoting literacy, and supporting community development.