Jason DeForge

The House discussed and acted upon several legislative items, including a moratorium on the approval of new independent schools, the establishment of the Interstate Compact for Education, and new criminal record check requirements for Agency of Education employees. The body also addressed membership and duties of the Intercollegiate Sexual Harm Prevention Council and the Advisory Council on Harassment, Hazing, and Bullying Prevention. Additional business included overriding a Governor's veto, consumer data privacy and online surveillance legislation, and next steps in transforming the state's education system including school district mergers and tuition regulations.

The Senate meeting included the appointment of committees of conference regarding House bills on electricity generating facilities and law enforcement identification. The Senate concurred in House proposals of amendment for bills involving the Green Mountain Care Board, reference-based pricing, and miscellaneous agricultural subjects. Legislative discussions covered the transition of hemp processor oversight to the Cannabis Control Board, the establishment of the Vermont Agricultural Credit Program, and the creation of a working group for the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation permit program.

The Senate session covered various legislative actions, including the receipt of messages from the Governor regarding signed bills and from the House regarding youthful offender proceedings. The Senate appointed members to a Committee of Conference and referred a bill to the Committee on Appropriations. Several bills were passed in concurrence with amendments, and others were advanced to third reading after committee reports on judiciary, institutions, and government operations. Specific topics addressed included the establishment of a Division of Animal Welfare, amendments to forestry regulation under Act 250, and the creation of the Vermont Homelessness Response Continuum, which defines services for homelessness prevention, emergency shelter, and housing stability.

The House convened to address several legislative matters, including receipt of a message from the Governor regarding signed bills and the referral of a Senate bill to the Committee on Ways and Means. Members voted on a motion to relieve the Committee on Environment of further consideration of a bill regarding land inventory, which was decided in the negative. The session also included action on various Senate bills, including the passage of legislation concerning hospital service processes and the concurrence on Senate proposals of amendment regarding event ticketing regulations and the Parole Board. Additionally, the House received a message from the Senate regarding the passage of several House bills and a joint resolution before adjourning.

The session included devotional exercises and the Pledge of Allegiance. A Senate bill concerning the distribution of funds to the Vermont Language Justice Project was referred to the Committee on Appropriations. The House adopted a concurrent resolution congratulating a high school basketball team and another honoring a former representative. Legislative action was taken on bills related to water quality studies, the establishment of a wetlands professional certification program, and regulations for plug-in photovoltaic devices. The House also received messages from the Senate regarding survivor benefits, tax law changes, and weekend adjournment.