Meetings
Transcript: Select text below to play or share a clip
[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Will the house please come to order and members kindly take their seats? Good afternoon. Good afternoon. The devotional today will be led by representative Thomas Stevens of Waterbury.
[Representative Thomas Stevens]: Good afternoon. I was not a bible reader growing up. My faiths my family's faith tradition seemed to me when I was a child to be one of attendance. When any of us might ask, why do we have to go to church? The answer was always because you have to. And while there was likely more going on, at least for the adults, I was always more entertained by the sermon in spring that described and reduced the great battle between good and evil to the annual troubles of the Red Sox and their inability to win a world series until 2004. But actual bible verses or stories or teachings, I didn't hear them because I may not have been paying attention. In the nineteen sixties and seventies, the image of Jesus of Nazareth was borrowed and his core teachings appropriated by what was considered the counterculture. I wasn't much interested, in much of what the Nazarene's teachings said. I certainly hadn't read the gospels. But then, as an adult, I heard a recording of a concert held in Carnegie Hall by Sweet Honey and the Rock, an acapella group made up of black women gospel and folk singers. And the first track was a musical rendition of the Beatitudes. It struck me to my core. It put me it put into words perhaps the subliminal learning I did when I was younger, and it made me stop, and it made me listen. And what I learned and knew was this, in the words of Lindsay Paris Lopez of the magazine Sojourner. She said, the Sermon on the Mount is a call to resistance. It has always been subversive and countercultural. It uproots and overturns a conventional order built on and maintained by violence. Before the powers of exclusion, greed, and coercion sweep us along in their destructive path, we are called to repent, to turn around, and resist the tide that threatens to drown us all. Miss Perez Lopez writes further, suffering far outlasts any administration, and our commitment to the needs of those suffering must transcend partisanship. One problem with connecting advocacy to partisan political outrage is that often the needs of the people get lost in the desire to win. His vision of healing a world in pain begins with blessing, not blame, so that we may keep our focus on those in need of comfort. These are those teachings shared in the Sermon on the Mount. Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those that mourn for they shall be comforted. Blessed
[House Reading Clerk]: are
[Representative Thomas Stevens]: the gentle for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad for your reward in heaven is great for in the
[Representative Michael Marcotte]: same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
[Representative Thomas Stevens]: Thank you.
[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Members, will the house please stand at ease for a moment and can I see, member from Pulteney at the podium? Thank you. Will the house please come to order and members kindly take their seats? Member, it's earlier today, the committee on commerce and economic development reported favorable with an amendment on senate bill three thirteen which is an act relating to transforming Vermont's career and technical education system. With that, member from Coventry, will you please offer us a motion to suspend our rules to take up senate bill three thirteen for immediate consideration pending its entry on the notice calendar and commit the same to the committee on education?
[Representative Michael Marcotte]: Madam speaker, I move that we suspend rules to take up senate bill three one three for immediate consideration pending its entry on the notice calendar and commit the same to the committee on education.
[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: The member from Coventry moves that we suspend our rules to take up for immediate consideration pending its entry on the notice calendar senate bill three thirteen, which is an act relating to transforming Vermont's career technical education system and commit the same to the committee on education. Are you ready for the question? If so, all those in favor please say aye. Aye. All those opposed please say nay. The ayes appear to have it. The ayes do have it. And you have suspended our rules to commit senate bill three thirteen to the committee on education pending its entry on the notice calendar. Members, we received a request to read a house concurrent resolution that the house and senate adopted pursuant to the consent calendar. HCR two forty one is a house concurrent resolution congratulating University of Vermont distinguished professor and Vermont climatologist doctor Leslie Ann Dupenny drew on winning the many L. Bowman Award for public education with science in public engagement with science. Please listen to the reading of the resolution.
[House Reading Clerk]: Whereas one of the truly remarkable faculty members of the University of Vermont is distinguished professor of geography and geosciences and Vermont state climatologist doctor Leslie Anne B. And whereas a graduate of the University of Toronto, she holds degree graduate degrees from the Gill University in Montreal, including a doctorate in climatology and geographic information systems. And her research interests encompass hydroclimatic natural hazards and climate lizard literacy, climate services, and geospatial climate and land surface processes. And whereas doctor is a leading expert on floods, droughts, and severe weather and the ways in which the affected landscapes and peoples of Vermont and Northern Northeastern United States. And whereas her teaching portfolio examines climatology, physical geography, and remote sensing. And beyond The U UVM campus, she has worked extensively with k through 12 teachers and students incorporating satellite usage into precollege climatology curriculums. And whereas she's a fellow of the American Meteorological Society, currently serves on three National Academy of Science panels, and is a past president of the American Association of State Climatologists. As a researcher and applied climatologist, professor has contributed to all five national climate assessments, including serving as the lead author for the Northeast chapter of the the rendition and has held leadership positions from on Vermont and Federal Climate Associated Initiatives. And whereas recently, the American Association for the Advancement of Science bestowed on her one of its premier tributes, the money l. Bluemlek Award for Public Engagement with Science, recognizing the demonstrated excellence of her contribution to public engagement with science. And her extraordinary career as an admirer scholar and public official uniquely qualified her for this distinct honor. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the senate and house of representatives that the general assembly congratulates University of Vermont distinguished professor and Vermont climatologist, doctor Leslie Anne Dupiny Guru on winning the many l comic award for public engagement with science. And be it further resolved that the secretary of state be directed to send a copy of this resolution to UVM professor and Vermont state climatologist, doctor Leslie Ann Dupinny Giroux.
[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Are there any announcements? Member from Colchester.
[Representative Sandra "Sandy" Pinsonault]: I
[Representative Sarah "Sarita" Austin]: have known Doctor. Leslie Ann Dupeny Giroux since I was appoint to the Colchester Planning Commission in 2018. I contacted Doctor. To ask her about the impact of climate change in Vermont and how the data should be included in Colchester's town plan that the commission had just begun drafting. Over the years, I have encountered doctor at state conferences where she was presenting on research findings on the impact of climate change on Vermont's landscape, working lands, economy, and weather. I was incredibly proud to learn that she had been awarded the Mani Balmlek Award. This award is extremely competitive nationally and internationally. This award was Mani Blanik was an Indian American physicist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Beyond science, he became known for his philanthropy, especially in education. And promote before promoting a blend of science and spirituality in his writings. While the exact criteria can vary from organization, the meaning behind a Mani Blanik named award generally reflects his lifetime themes. Excellence in science or innovation. Honoring imp impactful research or technological advancement, bridging disciplines, especially science with broader human values, ethics, philosophy, or cultural. Service and philanthropy, contributions that benefit society, not just academics. And global perspective, recognizing individuals who connect culture much like did between India and The US. In short, the award is meant to symbolize scientific achievement combined with humanistic impact, not just discovery, but using knowledge to improve the lives of people. It is my great honor to introduce doctor Leslie Anne Bupigny Giraud to the floor.
[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Will the guest of the member from Colchester please rise and be recognized? Member from Chester.
[Representative Thomas "Tom" Charlton]: Madam speaker, along with the member from Fairhaven, I'm delighted to, introduce to you some very special guests today. My cousin, Carrie Charlton Lafonde, is here with her children, Julian, Naya, and McKenna. They're also joined by Guy Charlton who has three claims to fame. One, he has been a selectman in the town of Benson, Vermont for fifty continuous years. This is the secret of his youth. Secondly, he is he has the unofficial record holder of being the most frequently photographed town meeting speaker in Rutland Herald history. And also, he is my uncle. And I would love it if you would help me welcome them to the people's house.
[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Will the family of the member from Chester please rise and be recognized? Are there any further announcements? Member from Bradford.
[Representative Monique Priestley]: Madam speaker, I've had the opportunity to work with another UVM, intern this session. Isaac Archer is a junior and is majoring in in sociology and political science. And would you please help me welcome him him to the people's house? He's in
[Representative Phil Pouech]: the balcony.
[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Will the guest of the member from Bradford please rise and be recognized? Member from Weston.
[Representative Kelly Pajala]: Madam speaker, there is a cross agency task force working to make permitting across state government streamlined, rationalized, and transparent. The caucus for Vermont's economy will be hearing about this permitting modernization effort tomorrow at noon in Room 10. We'll be hearing from secretary Kerley of the agency of commerce and community development and Stacy Andre from the Agency of Transportation. Please join us.
[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Are there any further announcements? Member from Williston.
[Representative Erin Brady]: Thank you, madam speaker. I would like to welcome, my sons to the State House today, though they are not thrilled about this introduction. They put up with a lot of texting via parenting and, parenting via text and parenting via lists during the legislative session, And I appreciate the sacrifice they make because I think it's important we have working parents here in the state house.
[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Will the family of the member from Williston please rise and be recognized? Are there any further announcements? Seeing none, quarters of the day. Members we will begin with Senate Bill 157 which is an act relating to recovery residency, resident certification. Please listen to the third reading of the bill.
[House Reading Clerk]: S one fifty seven, an accolating to recovery residence certification.
[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: The question is shall the bill pass in concurrence with proposal of amendment? Are you ready for the question? If so, all those in favor, please say aye. Aye. All those opposed, please say nay. The ayes appear to have it. The ayes do have it and you have passed the bill in concurrence with proposal of amendment. Next is Senate Bill two thirty nine which is an act relating to the child abuse and neglect reporting working group. Please listen to the third reading of the bill.
[House Reading Clerk]: S two thirty nine, not relating to the child abuse and neglect reporting working group.
[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: The question is shall the bill pass in concurrence with proposal of amendment? Member from Putney.
[Representative Michael Mrowicki]: Thank you, madam speaker. Yesterday, in my appropriations floor report for this bill, I described our committee's review of the minimal fiscal impact this bill's working group would have on our vote in supporting this. Today, I just wanted to provide a further rationale for our committee's amendment that the house agreed to regarding the stakeholders that the working group would consult with, which was a technical correction describing Vermont School Counselor Association as a stakeholder and adding the agency of education as a stakeholder that the working group would consult with. I wanna thank the Human Services Committee again for their work on this bill and look forward to the recommendations this working group will make in consultation with all of its stakeholders in this important issue of protecting Vermont's children. And I again urge the body to support this bill. Thank you.
[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: The question is shall the bill pass in concurrence with proposal of amendment? Are you ready for the question? If so, all those in favor please say aye. Aye. All those opposed please say nay. The ayes appear to have it. The ayes do have it and you have passed the bill in concurrence with proposal of amendment. And the final bill on our action calendar today is house bill four ten which is an act relating to the calculation of recidivism and other related criminology measures. The bill passed the senate in concurrence with a proposal of amendment that is printed in today's calendar. The pending question is shall the house concur in the senate proposal of amendment member from Essex Junction.
[Representative Karen Dolan]: Madam speaker, your house judiciary committee concurs with the senate proposal of amendment. As a brief refresher, h four ten improves consistency in how Vermont measures recidivism and provides Vermont with clear comprehensive data on trends in our criminal justice system. The senate proposal of amendment makes one change to the bill. As we saw it before in this body. It essentially a language a language clarification change. In subsection eighty one twenty one, the senate proposal of amendment replaces the phrase clock for calculating with the word calculation. A small change, but the house committee agrees that it offers additional clarity and therefore supports the amendment. In a straw poll of eight zero three, the house judiciary committee supports the amendment, and I would ask the body to do the same.
[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: So the question is, shall the house concur in the senate proposal of amendment? Are you ready for the question? If so, all those in favor, please say aye. Aye. All those opposed, please say nay. The ayes appear to have it. The ayes do have it and you have concurred in the senate proposal of amendment. Members, that completes the orders of the day. Are there any announcements? Member from Heinzburg.
[Representative Phil Pouech]: Yes. Hi. Invite the house of Vermont Railways is here in Mount Peelier. And this afternoon I think starting at 04:30 there's a social on the train and if you haven't seen the train I encourage you all to go take a look.
[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Members, the chair has one announcementreminder tomorrow Friday at 4PM is the deadline to submit to Michael Chernick in the office of legislative council any final draft request for concurrent resolutions along with significant with information to proceed to drafting. So tomorrow 4PM request to Michael. Are there any further announcements? Seeing none. Member from Pulte, can you please offer us a motion to adjourn until Friday, April 24 at 09:30AM?
[Representative Sandra "Sandy" Pinsonault]: Madam speaker, I make a motion this body stand in adjournment until Friday, 04/24/2026 at 09:30AM.
[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: You have heard the motion. Are you ready for the question? If so, all those in favor please say aye. Aye. All those opposed please say nay.
[Representative Thomas "Tom" Charlton]: Aye. The
[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: ayes appear to have it, the ayes do have it and this body stands in adjournment until tomorrow at 09:30AM.