The Vermont Senate Institutions Committee on March 28 heard introductory remarks from Wanda Manoli, the commissioner of Buildings and General Services, after her October 2024 appointment by Governor Phil Scott and noted that H.458, an act relating to the Agency of Digital Services, is currently before the committee. Committee members also flagged a recent field trip to the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility for further discussion with Department of Corrections staff.

Commissioner Wanda Manoli said she has more than 38 years of experience in state government and invited committee members to coordinate site visits. “Any field trips that you're going on, if you ever — I used to love going on those ... hearing your perspective ... can make a difference,” Manoli said. She added, “I was appointed in October 2024 by Governor Scott to become the commissioner of Buildings and General Services. I have over 38 years of experience in state government.”

The committee chair explained that governor-appointed commissioners are confirmed on the chamber floor and that the committee would hear Manoli’s background to inform members, particularly newer legislators. The chair also said the committee will invite the commissioner to field trips. “We will invite you to all of our field trips,” the chair added.

Committee members noted that a subset of members toured the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility the day before. The chair said a fuller conversation about that visit will occur when Department of Corrections staff are present, because policy and operations for correctional facilities fall under the DOC’s purview rather than Buildings and General Services.

The committee also listed H.458 — described in the meeting as “an act relating to the Agency of Digital Services” — as an item on the committee’s agenda for further consideration. The transcript did not include debate on H.458 or any formal motions or votes during the excerpt provided.

No formal actions, votes, or committee directives were recorded in the provided transcript segment. The meeting segment focused on introducing Commissioner Manoli, her offer to coordinate with committee field trips, and scheduling follow-up discussion on the correctional facility visit and H.458 when relevant agency staff are present.