House introduces several bills, appoints conference committee and honors YMCA

The Vermont House convened on Feb. 17 and introduced a slate of bills for first reading and referral to committees, appointed members to a committee of conference, and read a concurrent resolution honoring the YMCA.

Clerk announcements listed four newly introduced house bills: H.901 (inclusion of disability expertise in emergency management) referred to Government Operations and Military Affairs; H.902 (approval of amendments to the charter of the city of Barre) referred to Government Operations and Military Affairs; H.903 (information collected by providers during certification) referred to Human Services; and H.904 (establishing an automated DNA tracking system) referred to Judiciary. The House also read Senate Bill S.208 (standards for law enforcement identification) and referred it to Judiciary. Two bills on the notice calendar, H.578 (animal cruelty penalties with revenue impact) and H.660 (FY2027 opioid abatement appropriations), were referred to Ways and Means and Appropriations, respectively, under House Rule 35(a). The Ways and Means Committee reported favorably with amendment on H.577 (Vermont Prescription Drug Discount Card Program) and referred it to Appropriations.

The House announced that the Senate refused to concur in the House amendment to H.50 (identified underutilized state buildings and land) and requested a committee of conference. The speaker appointed Representatives Gregoire (Fairfield), Casey (Montpelier), and Sweeney (Shelburne) as the House members on that conference committee.

Members also read House Concurrent Resolution HCR 197, congratulating the YMCA on its anniversary and directing the secretary of state to send copies to the YMCA of Greater Burlington and the Meeting Waters YMCA. The member from Burlington praised the YMCA's local programs and described relying on its childcare and swim lessons for family needs, saying in part, "My family's experiences are not unique. So many children gain new skills and confidence through the Y." The House recognized YMCA staff and volunteers in the gallery.

Other floor items included a motion relocating House Bill H.817 (mental health support and substance use disorder prevention in schools) from the Committee on Education to the Committee on Health Care, which the House approved by voice vote, and several member announcements about caucus meetings and upcoming briefings.