House passes extension and adopts gender‑equality resolution; several procedural items advanced

The Vermont House completed multiple procedural and substantive actions during the session.

Passage: House bill H 5 27 (third reading) — Madam Speaker called H 5 27 for third reading, described as "an act relating to extending the sunset of 30 VSA section 248A," and the bill passed after a voice vote.

Adoption: JRS 37 — The House adopted, in concurrence with the Senate, Joint Resolution 37 supporting gender equality in Nordic combined Olympic competition and urging that the International Olympic Committee introduce only sports that practice gender equality.

Committee relief and referral: The Member from Cornwall moved to relieve the House Education Committee of House bill H 750 ("an act relating to school districts pursuing construction projects during the moratorium on state aid") and to commit it to the Committee on Ways and Means; the motion was agreed to by voice vote.

Introduction and referral: House bill H 900 ("an act relating to the exemption of Social Security benefits from the Vermont income tax"), introduced by Representative Coffin of Cavendish and others, received its first reading and was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Other: HCR 164, a concurrent resolution congratulating the Saint Albans Town Fire Department on 50 years of service, was read; guests from the fire department were recognized in the gallery. The House also agreed to a motion to adjourn until Tuesday, 02/17/2026 at 10:00 AM.

Ending: The session concluded after the adjournment motion carried by voice vote; several items (including H 8 98) were advanced to later consideration.