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Senate Government Operations schedules county governance briefing, takes testimony on ballot and S.23
Summary
On Jan. 28 the Senate Government Operations Committee scheduled a presentation from the county and regional government study committee and state auditor, and said it will take testimony on H.78 (Australian ballot) and S.23, which has drawn constitutional concerns. Judicial appointments were placed on the five‑day notice calendar.
The Senate Government Operations Committee on Jan. 28 scheduled a presentation from the county and regional government study committee and from State Auditor Doug Hoffer and said it will take testimony on two legislative measures: H.78, about the Australian ballot system, and S.23, which several witnesses and members described as raising constitutional questions.
Committee members agreed to invite representatives of the county and regional government study committee to brief the panel on their progress and barriers, and to invite State Auditor Doug Hoffer to discuss findings from a recent audit that committee members said raised disciplinary and process questions. The committee also confirmed that witnesses Beth, Tom Waldman and Nikki Fuller are slated to appear next Wednesday, Feb. 5.
The panel said it will take testimony on H.78, described in the meeting as an Australian ballot proposal; members indicated they expect to accept testimony promptly once the bill reaches the committee. The committee also said it will hear testimony on S.23; the transcript records that John Coleman — described by a member as a national lobbyist based in Washington, D.C. — was listed as an opponent who may testify on constitutional grounds, and that Rick Siegel had also raised constitutional concerns in earlier conversations. Committee members discussed the desirability of local witnesses and asked staff to publish posted testimony so members and the public could review lengthy submissions in advance.
Committee business on the notice calendar included judicial appointments: four judges and two magistrates were listed and, under the rules cited by members, such judicial nominees must sit for five legislative days before final action. Members also noted upcoming hearings this week for the Vermont Youth Council and the Criminal Justice Council.
No formal votes or final actions on bills were recorded in the excerpt of the meeting provided. Committee members spent most of the recorded time on scheduling and witness logistics, including whether to invite the county study committee in person or by remote participation.
The committee did not adopt or reject any measure during the portion of the meeting in the transcript. Members set follow-up dates and asked staff to circulate testimony and scheduling details before the next meeting.
