Appropriations panel hears H.674 to create sister-state committee; members flag 'diplomatic' language and oversight gaps

The House Appropriations Committee on Feb. 27 heard H.674, a bill to establish a Vermont sister‑state program within the Agency of Commerce and Community Development and to create a nine‑member committee to review and recommend international partnership agreements.

Rich Sable of the Office of Legislative Council told the committee the measure would formalize a process that now exists informally, set minimum eligibility and a fixed scoring system for applications, and require a memorandum of understanding signed by Vermont and an approved partner. "This bill is the culmination" of a working group's work, Sable said, describing the committee makeup and two‑year staggered terms for members.

Committee members focused on oversight and limits. Several lawmakers urged adding a statutory "escape clause" or periodic review so the state could rescind or revisit an agreement if circumstances change. One member asked why the bill used the word "diplomatic," warning that term could suggest actions beyond typical trade or cultural exchanges. Sable responded with a legal view that the measure was not intended to interfere with federal foreign‑policy prerogatives but said the committee could consider revising the language if members were concerned.

The bill also contemplates a confidential internal agency review for sensitive political, legal or strategic issues before a matter goes to the committee; if the committee recommends approval the governor has final authority to approve or disapprove and must provide written notice of the decision. Sable said the bill's reporting provisions would require an annual report to the legislature documenting committee activity, metrics and a financial overview.

An amendment circulated by other legislators would preserve the Vermont Ireland Trade Commission while imposing additional bookkeeping and public‑reporting requirements and narrowing what the commission may spend funds on, Sable said. That amendment had not been vetted by the Appropriations Committee when H.674 was presented; the chair indicated the committee would not vote on the bill that day and would seek a straw poll on the amendment.

A fiscal presenter for the Joint Fiscal Office told members the per‑diem cost if all meetings occur would be modest — roughly $9,500 — and noted the bill currently directs payments from ACCD; members discussed whether the legislative branch should absorb the two legislators' per‑diem costs to shift, but not reduce, overall spending.

The committee did not take action on H.674 during the hearing. Members asked staff to draft language addressing removal or review of approved sister‑state agreements and to consider alternatives to the word "diplomatic" before bringing the bill back for further consideration.

The committee recessed to continue other business; any future vote would be recorded in committee records.