House of Representatives reads H.864 and H.865 for first time; both referred to committees

The House of Representatives read two bills on first reading and referred them to standing committees for further consideration.

Speaker 2 performed the formal first reading of H.864 as “H 864, an act relating to pilot projects, expanding democratic practices and state and local government,” after Speaker 1 introduced the measure and identified its sponsors, Representative Chiena of Burlington and Skakowitz of Randolph. Speaker 1 then announced that H.864 would be referred to the committee on government operations and military affairs for review.

Speaker 1 introduced a second measure, H.865, describing it as “an act relating to an income tax surcharge and tax policies relating to housing,” noting Representative Chiena of Burlington and others as sponsors. Speaker 2 read the bill title for H.865, and Speaker 1 said the bill was referred to the committee on Ways and Means.

The chamber briefly stood at ease after the readings when the presiding officer said the feed had been lost. Both bills were entered on first reading and sent to the named committees; the transcript records no votes, amendments, or further debate on either measure during this segment.

Next steps: each bill will proceed to committee consideration according to the House’s regular procedures.