House introduces bills, refers appropriations items and adopts memorial for youth mental‑health leader

The House opened with brief remarks, a moment of silence and recognition of legislative pages serving in the 2024 session. The presiding officer named and invited forward the pages: Ada Allen (Krassberg), Catherine Carvey (Middlesex), Bridal Dussaud (Saint Johnsbury), Avery Howe (Williston), Gideon Cass (Montpelier), Stuart Lemnos, and Margaret Plater (New Haven) to receive pins for their service.

Members introduced guests in the chamber: the family and friends of Margaret Atkins Riley Ganaway were welcomed following the reading of HCR 134, a House Concurrent Resolution honoring Ganaway’s 35‑year career in children’s mental health and extending the General Assembly’s condolences. The resolution notes Ganaway’s work with multiple organizations and references a memorial service held at Camp Tecumpta in South Hero.

The Member from Bennington introduced directors from the community justice network — 17 centers statewide that provide restorative justice panels and reentry services — and asked members to welcome them from the gallery. The Member from Stannard introduced Sue Russell, a reentry coordinator at the Justice Center in St. Johnsbury, and a guest named Patrick visiting the chamber for the first time.

Procedurally, the House recorded the first reading of a bill described in the record as transitioning education financing to a new pupil funding system and referred it to the Committee on Appropriations. The House also placed House Bill 780, described in the record as relating to judicial nominations and appointments and carrying an appropriation, on the notice calendar and referred it to the Committee on Appropriations.

The House then moved to its action calendar (see separate article on H.849) and later adjourned until Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.