Vermont House rejects effort to advance HB70, voting 86–48 to keep it in committee

The Vermont House on Feb. 5 defeated a motion to relieve the Committee on Environment of House Bill 70 and place the bill on the notice calendar, with the nays prevailing 86 to 48.

The motion was moved under House Rule 51 by the member from Barrington, who asked that the committee be relieved so the bill could be placed on the calendar for the next legislative day. Member from Newberry demanded a roll-call vote, triggering a full tally. Members who spoke against the motion cited the need for committee review: "I vote no because the use value appraisal program is different than permanent land conservation and because the committee process would be critical to adequately considering the impact of this bill," said the member from East Montpelier.

The member from Manchester also opposed the motion on process grounds, saying the body relies on committees "to do the careful legwork and to bring thoughtful, informed recommendations to the floor." Supporters argued the House should break perceived bottlenecks in committee and move legislation the public expects; the member from Barre Town said yes votes would "fulfill my duty to my constituents and to all Vermonters."

After the roll call concluded, the presiding officer announced the result: "Those voting yes, 48; those voting no, 86," and declared the motion defeated. As a result, House Bill 70 remains with the Committee on Environment for further consideration.

The chamber's vote followed brief but pointed debate narrowly focused on whether it was appropriate to bypass further committee consideration. No amendment or substitute motion was adopted during the roll call. The bill was not advanced to the notice calendar and will proceed according to the committee's schedule.