Vermont Legislative Update

April 26, 2024

We’re headed into the final stretch of the session despite it feeling as if there is no way we could be. There is a tentative date for adjournment of May 10th, and a quick survey of those around the building, and especially of those who have made their way to the House Clerk’s Office to participate in the betting pool, indicates that adjournment will be on schedule or very close to on schedule. 

• However, the fall of the gavel for adjournment will certainly not be the final this year, as everyone knows they will be back for a veto session in the third week of June. 
• In the meantime, the Senate has passed their version of the budget, which is the must-pass legislation that, when completed, signals the end of the session. 
• As we close the session, much of the work of the legislature is done by Committees of Conference, consisting of three members of each body appointed to work out the differences between the House and Senate versions of bills.

 In this week’s update: 

• Senate passes budget without over $100 million in taxes House sent
• House greenlights property taxes increases averaging 15% for homeowners, 18% for others
• Substantial changes to privacy bill on their way to conference committee
• House and Senate Honing Final Versions of Public Safety Bills
• The Laundry List