During markup of draft H.454, the Senate Education Committee discussed how a proposed task force should be staffed and supported, whether to hire independent contractors for facilitation or mapping, and whether the bill’s current $50,000 appropriation is adequate.

Committee members debated whether the task force should include multiple legislators and whether that membership would duplicate other legislative work; some members said six legislators would institutionalize the process and aid scheduling, while others worried about map‑making during session when legislative capacity is limited. Staff cautioned that contractors are useful only when the committee is clear about the contractor's scope: facilitation and mediation differ from project management or technical GIS mapping.

Julia Richter of the Joint Fiscal Office advised that the dollar amount required depends on the consultant’s tasks. Committee members noted an existing $50,000 appropriation in the draft (page 22) but did not adopt a formal change. Staff said the Joint Fiscal Office could hold an appropriation but the bill should specify the purpose of any contracting dollars to help appropriators and to set expectations about timing; one lawmaker observed that an RFP and procurement process could delay hiring until September.

The committee also considered whether the Vermont Center for Geographic Information (VCGI) or Agency of Education staff could provide mapping services; counsel and JFO said it is not clear those agencies are able to supply all needed services and that hiring outside mapping expertise may be necessary. Members discussed whether to use the terms "facilitation and mediation" or "project management" in the statute; staff described the facilitator role as including agenda planning and stakeholder mediation, which is more than typical committee assistance.

No formal appropriation vote was taken. Committee staff were directed to clarify the intended contractor scope, membership of the task force and the appropriation language ahead of the next draft.