Vermont House gives first readings to two bills, adopts joint resolution to receive governor’s budget

The Vermont House of Representatives on Jan. 14, 2025 gave first readings to two bills, received an executive order from the governor and adopted a joint resolution scheduling a joint assembly to receive the governor’s budget message.

House Bill H.38, “an act relating to adding new positions to the Human Rights Commission,” received its first reading and was referred to the Committee on General and Housing. The clerk read the bill as "H 38, an act relating to adding new positions to the Human Rights Commission." Representative Christie of Hartford was listed as the bill’s introducer.

House Bill H.39, “an act relating to repeal of authorization of overdose prevention centers,” also received its first reading and was referred to the Committee on Human Services. The clerk read the bill as "H 39, an act relating to repeal of authorization of overdose prevention centers." Representative Maguire of Rutland City was listed as the bill’s introducer.

The House received Executive Order No. 01-25 from the governor’s office, which "would create the Agency of Public Safety." The order was referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs; no committee action was taken on the floor.

The House considered and adopted Joint Resolution JRS 7 by voice vote, scheduling a joint assembly with the Senate to receive the governor’s budget message. The resolution, read on the floor, resolves "that the 2 houses meet in joint assembly on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 1 o'clock in the afternoon to receive the budget message of the governor." The House’s concurrence on the resolution was recorded by voice vote: "The ayes do have it," and the resolution was adopted in concurrence.

Members were also notified that, pursuant to statute, the House must elect its members of the judicial nominating board within the first month of the session; the speaker announced the election will be held the following day. The House then approved a motion to adjourn until Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.; the motion passed by voice vote.

No floor debate on the substance of H.38 or H.39 is recorded in the transcript; both bills were placed with committee referral for further action. Committees will determine any hearings, amendments and subsequent floor consideration.

Looking ahead, the House will participate in the joint assembly on Jan. 28, 2025, at 1 p.m. to receive the governor’s budget message and will hold the internal election for judicial nominating board members the next day.