House Education reviews proposed changes to H.480 covering secretary search, device limits and school safety

The House Education Committee on May 20 reviewed a package of proposed changes to H.480, touching on the timetable to begin a search for a new secretary of education, a model policy limiting student cellphone and social-media use, cardiac emergency-response requirements for athletic events, and other technical provisions.

Committee members said the measure now specifies that, within 30 days, the governor must send a letter to the state board requesting that the board initiate the secretary search process, rather than the search simply “start within 30 days.” Members debated the practical difference between a one-month and a three-month start, and discussed a subsequent 60-day step in the timeline for the search process. The committee noted that the precise point at which a search is considered to have begun had been a subject of earlier concern.

The bill’s new chapter on student devices and social media — described in committee as a “phone and social media” policy — was revised to clarify which grades and settings the supplemental literacy provisions cover and to change wording from “Bluetooth” to the broader term “wireless capabilities.” The draft requires the secretary to develop a required model policy and to consult, in addition to the Vermont School Boards Association (VSBA), with the Independent School Association and a representative of the Vermont Coalition for Phone and Social Media Free Schools when creating that model.

Committee members discussed several exceptions and refinements added to the device language. The draft preserves exceptions for students covered by Section 504 plans and individualized health plans and adds allowances for academic, athletic or co‑curricular reasons. Members also added an exception tied to the McKinney‑Vento Homeless Assistance Act to allow schools to use social media or other digital means when it is the only viable way to communicate with a homeless student. Committee members said that language came after testimony from those working with homeless students who reported circumstances where digital contact was required to maintain required communications.

On cardiac emergency response, the draft adds required staff training in CPR and AED use and practice drills; committee discussion clarified that the training and drills in the current language are intended to relate to athletic events and staff who supervise them (for example, coaches), not necessarily every school employee.

Other amendments under review included: - Foundation for literacy: committee members said language was negotiated among multiple parties to clarify which grades the supplemental literacy provisions affect. - National Guard tuition benefit: testimony from the guard indicated the program can be handled within existing Guard budget authority and would not require additional spending, according to committee discussion. - Energy performance contracting: the draft would allow a longer payback period (committee discussion referenced 20 years compared with a previously referenced 10‑year ceiling); the treasurer’s office sent a note expressing reservations about making that change. - School library material selection policy and independent schools: committee members said VSBA testimony helped clarify who handles procedures versus policy; the draft also contains a temporary moratorium on approval of new independent schools that drew comment from speakers representing independent-school interests.

Committee members also discussed a pending amendment related to career and technical education (CTE) programs that may be introduced on the floor; testimony on that amendment was ongoing. Members observed a general strategy to avoid including items that might make the bill “controversial” and thereby derail passage of other provisions they want to move forward.

No formal roll-call votes were recorded during the discussion on May 20. Committee members said they expected to decide on remaining amendments quickly and to notify colleagues of the committee’s position once that work is complete.