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House approves study committee to explore an Office of New Americans; adds Vermont State College nominee
Summary
The House concurred with the Senate bill to create a study committee to evaluate establishing an Office of New Americans, adopted a floor amendment adding a Vermont State College nominee, and ordered third reading.
The House voted to concur with Senate Bill 56 and adopted a House amendment that expands the study committee that will evaluate a potential Vermont Office of New Americans.
Rep. Stone, the member from Burlington speaking for the Government Operations and Military Affairs Committee, described S.56 as establishing a 13‑member study committee to evaluate barriers to immigrant integration, review models from other states and recommend structure, mission and resourcing if an office were created. "The bill does not create the office itself, but it lays the groundwork for a future decision based on research and stakeholder input," Rep. Stone said.
Committee testimony cited experience from other states and the role of existing state refugee and integration services. The bill as reported requires the committee to submit findings by Sept. 1, 2026, begin meeting by Sept. 1, 2025, and cease to exist once the report is submitted or by Sept. 1, 2026. The sponsor and committee described a mix of state agency officials and community representatives on the panel and authorized reimbursement and per‑diem under current law.
The Appropriations Committee also reported favorably. During floor consideration, the member from St. Albans Town offered an amendment to increase the count of governor‑appointed community members from five to six and to add "1 member nominated by the Vermont State College system." A member explained that Community College of Vermont and Vermont State Colleges have long experience enrolling and serving many new Americans and that the college system's nomination would provide relevant expertise.
The House adopted the amendment by voice vote, the Speaker announced the ayes had it, and third reading was ordered. The House message will be sent to the Senate to convey the House amendment and concurrence.
The bill and adopted amendment create a study committee intended to gather demographic, economic and service‑delivery data, consult community organizations and recommend whether a dedicated office should be established and how it should be structured.
