Vermont House of Representatives

From Ballotpedia
Jump to: navigation, search

Vermont House of
Representatives
SLP-Infobox Image-Color.png
General Information
Party control:   Democrat
Session start:   January 3, 2024
Session end:   May 9, 2024
Term length:   2 years
Term limits:   None
Redistricting:  Legislature-dominant
Salary:   $811.68/week during session + per diem
Members
Total:  150
Democrats:  106
Republicans:  37
Other:  1 (Libertarian)
3 (Vermont Progressive)
3 (independent)
Vacancies:  
Leadership
Speaker:   Jill Krowinski (D)
Maj. Leader:   Emily Long (D)
Min. Leader:   Patricia McCoy (R)
Elections
Last election:  November 8, 2022
Next election:  November 5, 2024

The Vermont House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the Vermont State Legislature. Alongside the Vermont State Senate, it forms the legislative branch of the Vermont state government and works alongside the governor of Vermont to create laws and establish a state budget. Legislative authority and responsibilities of the Vermont House of Representatives include passing bills on public policy matters, setting levels for state spending, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes.

The Vermont House of Representatives meets in the State House in Montpelier, Vermont.

  • All 150 seats in the Vermont House of Representatives were up for election in 2022. The chamber's Democratic majority increased from 93-46 (with five minor party legislators, five independents, and one vacancy) to 106-38 (with three minor party legislators and three independents).
  • All 150 House seats were up for election in 2020. The chamber's Democratic majority decreased from 95-43 (with 7 minor party legislators and 5 independents) to 92-46 (with 7 minor party legislators and 5 independents).
  • Vermont has a divided government where neither party holds a trifecta. The Republican Party controls the office of governor, while the Democratic Party controls both chambers of the state legislature.

  • This page contains the following information on the Vermont House of Representatives.

    Party control

    Current partisan control

    The table below shows the partisan breakdown of the Vermont House of Representatives as of January 2024:

    Party As of January 2024
         Democratic Party 106
         Republican Party 37
         Vermont Progressive Party 3
         Libertarian Party 1
         Independent 3
         Vacancies
    Total 150

    Members

    Leadership

    The speaker of the House is the presiding officer of the body.[1]

    Leadership and members


    Office Name Party Date assumed office
    Vermont House of Representatives Addison 1 District Robin Scheu Democratic 2017
    Vermont House of Representatives Addison 1 District Amy Sheldon Democratic January 7, 2015
    Vermont House of Representatives Addison 2 District Peter Conlon Democratic 2017
    Vermont House of Representatives Addison 3 District Matt Birong Democratic January 9, 2019
    Vermont House of Representatives Addison 3 District Diane Lanpher Democratic 2009
    Vermont House of Representatives Addison 4 District Mari Cordes Democratic January 9, 2019
    Vermont House of Representatives Addison 4 District Caleb Elder Democratic January 9, 2019
    Vermont House of Representatives Addison 5 District Jubilee McGill Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Addison Rutland 1 District Joseph Andriano Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Bennington 1 District Nelson Brownell Democratic January 9, 2019
    Vermont House of Representatives Bennington 2 District Timothy Corcoran II Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Bennington 2 District Dane Whitman Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Bennington 3 District David Durfee Democratic January 9, 2019
    Vermont House of Representatives Bennington 4 District Seth Bongartz Democratic January 6, 2021
    Vermont House of Representatives Bennington 4 District Kathleen James Democratic January 9, 2019
    Vermont House of Representatives Bennington 5 District Jim Carroll Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Bennington 5 District Mary Morrissey Republican January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Bennington Rutland District Mike Rice Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Caledonia-Essex District Scott Beck Republican January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Caledonia-Essex District Scott Campbell Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Caledonia-Washington District Henry Pearl Democratic January 6, 2021
    Vermont House of Representatives Caledonia 1 District Bobby Farlice-Rubio Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Caledonia 2 District Joseph Troiano Democratic January 7, 2015
    Vermont House of Representatives Caledonia 3 District Dennis Labounty Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Caledonia 3 District Charles Wilson Republican January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Chittenden-Franklin District Chris Mattos Republican January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Chittenden-Franklin District Chris Taylor Republican January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Chittenden 1 District Jana Brown Democratic January 6, 2021
    Vermont House of Representatives Chittenden 2 District Angela Arsenault Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Chittenden 2 District Erin Brady Democratic January 6, 2021
    Vermont House of Representatives Chittenden 3 District Edye Graning Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Chittenden 3 District Trevor Squirrell Democratic 2017
    Vermont House of Representatives Chittenden 4 District Phil Pouech Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Chittenden 5 District Chea Waters Evans Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Chittenden 6 District Kate Lalley Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Chittenden 7 District Jessica Brumsted Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Chittenden 8 District Noah Hyman Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Chittenden 9 District Emilie Krasnow Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Chittenden 10 District Kate Nugent Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Chittenden 11 District Brian Minier Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Chittenden 12 District Martin LaLonde Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Chittenden 13 District Tiff Bluemle Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Chittenden 13 District Gabrielle Stebbins Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Chittenden 14 District Barbara Rachelson Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Chittenden 14 District Mary-Katherine Stone Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Chittenden 15 District Brian Cina Vermont Progressive January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Chittenden 15 District Troy Headrick Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Chittenden 16 District Jill Krowinski Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Chittenden 16 District Kate Logan Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Chittenden 17 District Emma Mulvaney-Stanak Vermont Progressive January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Chittenden 18 District Robert Hooper Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Chittenden 18 District Carol Ode Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Chittenden 19 District Sarita Austin Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Chittenden 19 District Patrick Brennan Republican January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Chittenden 20 District Seth Chase Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Chittenden 20 District Curt Taylor Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Chittenden 21 District Daisy Berbeco Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Chittenden 21 District Taylor Small Vermont Progressive January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Chittenden 22 District Karen Dolan Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Chittenden 22 District Lori Houghton Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Chittenden 23 District Leonora Dodge Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Chittenden 23 District Golrang Garofano Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Chittenden 24 District Alyssa Black Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Chittenden 25 District Julia Andrews Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Essex-Caledonia District Terri Williams Republican January 6, 2021
    Vermont House of Representatives Essex-Orleans District Larry Labor Republican January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Franklin 1 District Ashley Bartley Republican January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Franklin 1 District Carolyn Whitney Branagan Republican January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Franklin 2 District Eileen Dickinson Republican January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Franklin 3 District Mike McCarthy Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Franklin 4 District Thomas Oliver Republican January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Franklin 4 District Matthew Walker Republican February 2, 2022
    Vermont House of Representatives Franklin 5 District Lisa Hango Republican February 14, 2019
    Vermont House of Representatives Franklin 5 District Wayne Laroche Republican February 15, 2022
    Vermont House of Representatives Franklin 6 District James Gregoire Republican January 9, 2019
    Vermont House of Representatives Franklin 7 District Allen Demar Republican January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Franklin 8 District Casey Toof Republican January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Grand Isle-Chittenden District Josie Leavitt Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Grand Isle-Chittenden District Michael Morgan Republican January 6, 2021
    Vermont House of Representatives Lamoille-Washington District Saudia Lamont Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Lamoille-Washington District Avram Patt Democratic January 9, 2019
    Vermont House of Representatives Lamoille 1 District Jed Lipsky Independent January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Lamoille 2 District Melanie Carpenter Democratic March 21, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Lamoille 2 District Daniel Noyes Democratic 2017
    Vermont House of Representatives Lamoille 3 District Lucy Boyden Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Orange-Caledonia District Joseph Parsons Republican January 6, 2021
    Vermont House of Representatives Orange-Washington-Addison District Jay Hooper Democratic 2017
    Vermont House of Representatives Orange-Washington-Addison District Larry Satcowitz Democratic January 6, 2021
    Vermont House of Representatives Orange 1 District Carl Demrow Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Orange 2 District Monique Priestley Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Orange 3 District Rodney Graham Republican January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Orleans-Lamoille District Mark Higley Republican 2009
    Vermont House of Representatives Orleans-Lamoille District Michael Marcotte Republican January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Orleans 1 District Brian Smith Republican 2017
    Vermont House of Representatives Orleans 2 District Woodman Page Republican January 9, 2019
    Vermont House of Representatives Orleans 3 District David Templeman Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Orleans 4 District Katherine Sims Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Rutland-Bennington District Robin Chesnut-Tangerman Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Rutland-Windsor District Logan Nicoll Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Rutland 1 District Patricia McCoy Republican January 7, 2015
    Vermont House of Representatives Rutland 2 District Tom Burditt Republican 2011
    Vermont House of Representatives Rutland 2 District Arthur Peterson Republican January 6, 2021
    Vermont House of Representatives Rutland 3 District Jarrod Sammis Libertarian January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Rutland 4 District Paul Clifford Republican January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Rutland 5 District Eric Maguire Republican January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Rutland 6 District Mary Howard Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Rutland 7 District William Notte Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Rutland 8 District Charles Shaw Republican January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Rutland 9 District Stephanie Jerome Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Rutland 10 District William Canfield Republican January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Rutland 11 District Jim Harrison Republican January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Washington-Orange District Gina Galfetti Republican January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Washington-Orange District Francis McFaun Republican January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Washington 1 District Anne Donahue Republican 2003
    Vermont House of Representatives Washington 1 District Kenneth Goslant Republican January 9, 2019
    Vermont House of Representatives Washington 2 District Kari Dolan Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Washington 2 District Dara Torre Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Washington 3 District Peter Anthony Democratic January 9, 2019
    Vermont House of Representatives Washington 3 District Jonathan Williams Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Washington 4 District Conor Casey Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Washington 4 District Kate McCann Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Washington 5 District Elanor Chapin Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Washington 6 District Marc Mihaly Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Washington Chittenden District Tom Stevens Democratic 2009
    Vermont House of Representatives Washington Chittenden District Theresa Wood Democratic 2015
    Vermont House of Representatives Windham-Windsor-Bennington District Kelly Pajala Independent January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Windham 1 District Sara Coffey Democratic January 9, 2019
    Vermont House of Representatives Windham 2 District Laura Sibilia Independent January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Windham 3 District Michelle Bos-Lun Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Windham 3 District Leslie Goldman Democratic January 6, 2021
    Vermont House of Representatives Windham 4 District Mike Mrowicki Democratic 2009
    Vermont House of Representatives Windham 5 District Emily Long Democratic January 7, 2015
    Vermont House of Representatives Windham 6 District Tristan Roberts Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Windham 7 District Emilie Kornheiser Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Windham 8 District Mollie Burke Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Windham 9 District Tristan Toleno Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Windsor-Addison District Kirk White Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Windsor-Orange 1 District John O'Brien Democratic January 9, 2019
    Vermont House of Representatives Windsor-Orange 2 District Rebecca Holcombe Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Windsor-Orange 2 District James Masland Democratic 1999
    Vermont House of Representatives Windsor-Windham District Heather Chase Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Windsor 1 District John Bartholomew Democratic 2011
    Vermont House of Representatives Windsor 1 District Elizabeth Burrows Democratic January 6, 2021
    Vermont House of Representatives Windsor 2 District John Arrison Democratic January 6, 2021
    Vermont House of Representatives Windsor 3 District Alice Emmons Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Windsor 3 District Kristi Morris Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Windsor 4 District Heather Surprenant Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Windsor 5 District Tesha Buss Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Windsor 6 District Kevin Christie Democratic January 4, 2023
    Vermont House of Representatives Windsor 6 District Esme Cole Democratic January 4, 2023


    Salaries

    See also: Comparison of state legislative salaries
    State legislative salaries, 2023
    SalaryPer diem
    $811.68/week during session$134/night for lodging and $69/day for meals

    Swearing in dates

    See also: When state legislators assume office after a general election

    Vermont legislators assume office the first Wednesday after the first Monday in January.[2]

    Membership qualifications

    See also: State legislature candidate requirements by state

    The Vermont Constitution states, "No person shall be elected a Representative or a Senator until the person has resided in this State two years, the last year of which shall be in the legislative district for which the person is elected."[3]

    Historical party control

    Democrats won control of the Vermont House of Representatives in 2004. In 2022, they won a 109-38-3 majority.

    The table below shows the partisan history of the Vermont House following every general election from 1992 to 2022. All data from 2006 or earlier comes from Michael Dubin's Party Affiliations in the State Legislatures (McFarland Press, 2007). Data after 2006 was compiled by Ballotpedia staff.

    Vermont House of Representatives election results: 1992-2022

    Year '92 '94 '96 '98 '00 '02 '04 '06 '08 '10 '12 '14 '16 '18 '20 '22
    Democrats 87 86 88 77 62 70 83 93 95 94 98 85 83 95 92 109
    Republicans 57 61 58 66 83 73 60 49 48 48 43 53 53 43 46 38
    Other 6 3 4 7 5 7 7 8 7 8 9 12 14 12 12 3

    Trifecta history

    A state government trifecta is a term that describes single-party government, when one political party holds the governor's office and has majorities in both chambers of the legislature in a state government. Between 1992 and 2023, Vermont was under the following types of trifecta control:

    • Democratic trifecta: 1997-2000, 2011-2016
    • Republican trifecta: None
    • Divided government: 1992-1996, 2001-2010, 2017-2023

    Vermont Party Control: 1992-2024
    Ten years of Democratic trifectas  •  No Republican trifectas
    Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

    Year 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
    Governor D D D D D D D D D D D R R R R R R R R D D D D D D R R R R R R R R
    Senate D R R R R D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D
    House R D D D D D D D D R R R R D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D

    Elections

    Elections by year

    Vermont state representatives serve two-year terms, with all seats up for election every two years. Vermont holds elections for its legislature in even years.

    2024

    See also: Vermont House of Representatives elections, 2024

    Elections for the Vermont House of Representatives will take place in 2024. The general election is on November 5, 2024. A primary is August 13, 2024. The filing deadline is May 30, 2024.

    2022

    See also: Vermont House of Representatives elections, 2022

    Elections for the Vermont House of Representatives took place in 2022. The general election was on November 8, 2022. A primary was scheduled for August 9, 2022. The filing deadline was May 26, 2022.

    In the 2022 elections, Democrats increased their majority in the Vermont House of Representatives from 93 Democrats, 46 Republicans, five Vermont Progressives, five independents, and one vacancy to 106 Democrats, 38 Republicans, three Vermont Progressives, and three independents.

    Vermont House of Representatives
    Party As of November 8, 2022 After November 9, 2022
         Democratic Party 93 106
         Republican Party 46 38
         Vermont Progressive Party 5 3
         Independent 5 3
         Vacancy 1 0
    Total 150 150

    2020

    See also: Vermont House of Representatives elections, 2020

    Elections for the office of Vermont House of Representatives took place in 2020. The general election was held on November 3, 2020. A primary was scheduled for August 11, 2020. The filing deadline was May 28, 2020.

    Heading into the election, Democrats held a 95-43 majority with seven progressive members and five independent members. Democrats lost three seats in the election, giving them a 92-46 majority with seven progressive members and five independent members.

    Vermont House of Representatives
    Party As of November 3, 2020 After November 4, 2020
         Democratic Party 95 92
         Republican Party 43 46
         Vermont Progressive Party 7 7
         Independent 5 5
    Total 150 150

    2018

    See also: Vermont House of Representatives elections, 2018

    Elections for the Vermont House of Representatives took place in 2018. An open primary election took place on August 14, 2018.[4] The general election was held on November 6, 2018. The candidate filing deadline was May 31, 2018.[5]

    In the 2018 elections, Democrats increased their majority in the Vermont House of Representatives from 80-53 to 95-43.

    Vermont House of Representatives
    Party As of November 6, 2018 After November 7, 2018
         Democratic Party 80 95
         Republican Party 53 43
         Independent 14 12
         Vacancy 3 0
    Total 150 150

    2016

    See also: Vermont House of Representatives elections, 2016

    Elections for the Vermont House of Representatives took place in 2016. The primary election took place on August 9, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was May 26, 2016. All 150 seats in the Vermont House of Representatives were up for election in 2016.

    Heading into the election, Democrats held a 85-53 majority with six progressive members and six independent members. Democrats lost two seats in the election, giving them a 83-53 majority with seven progressive members and seven independent members.

    Vermont House of Representatives
    Party As of November 7, 2016 After November 8, 2016
         Democratic Party 85 83
         Republican Party 53 53
         Vermont Progressive Party 6 7
         Independent 6 7
    Total 150 150

    Vacancies

    See also: How vacancies are filled in state legislatures

    If there is a vacancy in the Vermont General Assembly, the governor must select a replacement to fill the vacant seat.

    The governor must select a replacement that will serve for the remainder of the unexpired term. There are no deadlines set by statute on when a vacancy has to be filled.[12][13]

    DocumentIcon.jpg See sources: Vermont Const. Chap. 2, Art. 45, Vermont Stat. Ann. tit. 2, §4, and Vermont Stat. Ann. tit. 2, §9

    District map

    See also: Vermont state legislative districts

    The State of Vermont legislative districting Service divides representing districts into 58 single-member districts and 46 two-member constituencies.

    Use the interactive map below to find your district.



    Redistricting

    See also: Redistricting in Vermont

    Because Vermont has only one congressional district, congressional redistricting is not necessary. The state legislature draws state legislative district lines with the assistance of an advisory commission. This advisory commission consists of the following members:[14]

    1. The governor appoints one member each from the state's political parties. To qualify for consideration in this context, a political party must have had "at least three state legislators for six of the previous 10 years."
    2. The chairs of the aforementioned political parties each appoint an additional member.
    3. The chief justice of the Vermont Supreme Court appoints the commission's chair.

    Commissioners cannot be legislators, nor can they be employed by the legislature. The commission may make recommendations to the legislature, but these recommendations are non-binding.[14]

    State law requires that state legislative districts be contiguous and compact and that they "adhere to county and other political subdivision boundaries, except where necessary to comply with other legal requirements." In addition, state statutes specify that districts should account for "patterns of geography, social interaction, trade, political ties, and common interests."[14]

    2020

    See also: Redistricting in Vermont after the 2020 census

    Vermont Gov. Phil Scott (R) signed H722 on April 6, 2022, enacting new legislative districts for the state House and Senate.[15] The Vermont House of Representatives voted 129-13 to advance the state legislative redistricting bill on March 16.[16] On March 25, the Vermont State Senate unanimously approved H722, sending it to Scott.[17] These maps took effect for Vermont's 2022 legislative elections.

    District map after 2020 redistricting

    This map took effect for Vermont's 2022 legislative elections.

    VT House map 2022.jpg

    2010

    See also: Redistricting in Vermont after the 2010 census

    Vermont received its census data on February 10, 2011. The state grew by 2.8 percent. The most populous cities had mixed results: Burlington grew by 9.1 percent, Essex grew by 5.2 percent, South Burlington grew by 13.2 percent, Colchester grew by 0.5 percent, and Rutland decreased by 4.6 percent.[18]

    The 2011 redistricting process was notable for a push to eliminate nearly all of the state's multi-member districts. Though a preliminary plan that achieved this end was passed by the Board, its final plan from August 11, 2011, reduced the number of two-member districts from 42 to 29.

    The Legislature took up redistricting in January 2012. Despite disagreements over deviation from ideal district size (18.2 percent for the Senate and 24 percent for the House), the Senate passed and the House concurred with a final plan, H. 789. The plan added a new seat in Burlington, and paired incumbents Dennis Devereux (R) and Eldred French (D). Gov. Peter Shumlin (D) signed the maps into law on May 1, 2012.

    Sessions

    Legislation

    The legislation tracker below displays all legislation that the Vermont House of Representatives has approved in its most recent legislative session—this includes legislation that has been sent from the House to the Senate and legislation that has already been approved by both chambers and signed by the governor. The table below includes the bill number, its name, progress, most recent action date, and sponsor. Scroll up and down and side to side to see more. Click the bill number to read the bill text and see its voting history. Click the headings to sort the content. Rearrange the order of the headings by clicking and dragging them. Click the magnifying glass in the bottom left corner to search for specific terms. The legislation tracker is maintained and updated by BillTrack50.

    Dates of legislative sessions in Vermont by year

    2024

    See also: 2024 Vermont legislative session and Dates of 2024 state legislative sessions

    In 2024, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 3, 2024, and adjourn on May 9, 2024.

    2023

    See also: 2023 Vermont legislative session and Dates of 2023 state legislative sessions

    In 2023, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 4, 2023, and adjourn on May 12, 2023.



    About legislative sessions in Vermont

    The Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution declares that any power not already given to the federal government is reserved to the states and the people.[27] State governments across the country use this authority to hold legislative sessions where a state's elected representatives meet for a period of time to draft and vote on legislation and set state policies on issues such as taxation, education, and government spending. The different types of legislation passed by a legislature may include resolutions, legislatively referred constitutional amendments, and bills that become law.

    The Vermont State Legislature, which the House is a part of, meets for biennial sessions starting on odd numbered years on the first Wednesday after the first Monday in January, pursuant to Section 7 of the Legislative Department of the Vermont Constitution. The opening date for even numbered years is established by the sitting legislature during the year prior.

    Legislative roles and procedures

    Every state legislature throughout the country features its own internal procedures that it uses to govern itself and how it interacts with other parts of state government. Ballotpedia's coverage of internal state legislative procedures includes veto overrides, the role of the legislature in the state budget, and procedures for filling membership vacancies.

    Veto overrides

    Veto Override Graphic-Democratic Party.png

    See also: Veto overrides in state legislatures

    State legislatures can override governors' vetoes. Depending on the state, this can be done during the regular legislative session, in a special session following the adjournment of the regular session, or during the next legislative session. The rules for legislative overrides of gubernatorial vetoes in Vermont are listed below.

    How many legislators are required to vote for an override? Two-thirds of members present in both chambers.

    Two-thirds of members present in both chambers must vote to override a veto. If all members are in attendance, this is 100 of the 150 members in the Vermont House of Representatives and 20 of the 30 members in the Vermont State Senate. Vermont is one of 36 states that requires a two-thirds vote from both of its legislative chambers to override a veto.

    How can vetoes be overridden after the legislature has adjourned?

    In 1995, the Legislature began setting a date to consider veto overrides in its annual adjournment resolution. This allows the legislature to hold sessions where it can override vetoes that occurred following adjournment.[28]

    Authority: Legislative Department, Section 11 of the Vermont Constitution.

    "Every bill which shall have passed the Senate and House of Representatives shall, before it becomes a law, be presented to the Governor; if the Governor approve, the Governor shall sign it; if not, the Governor shall return it, with objections in writing, to the House in which it shall have originated; which shall proceed to reconsider it. If, upon such reconsideration, two-thirds of the members present of that House shall pass the bill, it shall, together with the objections, be sent to the other House, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two-thirds of the members present of that House, it shall become a law."

    Role in state budget

    See also: Vermont state budget and finances
    Vermont on Public Policy Logo-one line-on Ballotpedia.png
    Check out Ballotpedia articles about policy in your state on:
    BudgetsCivil libertiesEducationElectionsEnergyEnvironmentHealthcarePensions

    The state operates on an annual budget cycle. The sequence of key events in the budget process is as follows:[29]

    1. Budget instructions are sent to state agencies in August or September of the year preceding the start of the new fiscal year.
    2. Agencies submit their budget requests to the governor in October.
    3. Agency hearings are held in October and November.
    4. The governor submits his or her proposed budget to the state legislature in January.
    5. The legislature typically passes a budget in May. A simple majority is required to pass a budget. The fiscal year begins July 1.

    In Vermont, the governor cannot exercise veto authority over the budget.[29]

    The governor is not legally required to submit—and the legislature is not legally required to pass—a balanced budget.[29]

    Committees

    See also: List of committees in Vermont state government

    Every state legislature and state legislative chamber in the country contains several legislative committees. These committees are responsible for studying, amending, and voting on legislation before it reaches the floor of a chamber for a full vote. The different types of committees include standing committees, select or special, and joint.

    • Standing committees are generally permanent committees, the names of which sometimes change from session to session.
    • Select or special committees are temporary committees formed to deal with specific issues such as recent legislation, major public policy or proposals, or investigations.
    • Joint committees are committees that feature members of both chambers of a legislature.

    Ballotpedia covers standing and joint committees. The Vermont House of Representatives has 18 standing committees:


    Constitutional amendments

    In every state but Delaware, voter approval is required to enact a constitutional amendment. In each state, the legislature has a process for referring constitutional amendments before voters. In 18 states, initiated constitutional amendments can be put on the ballot through a signature petition drive. There are also many other types of statewide measures.

    The methods in which the Vermont Constitution can be amended:

    See also: Amendments of the Vermont Constitution and Laws governing ballot measures in Vermont

    Section 72 of the Vermont Constitution lays out the procedure governing changes to the Vermont Constitution. Vermont does not feature the power of initiative for either initiated state statutes or initiated constitutional amendments.

    Legislature

    See also: Legislatively referred constitutional amendment

    A two-thirds (66.67%) vote is required in the Vermont State Senate and a simple majority vote is required in the Vermont House of Representatives in the first legislative session. A simple majority vote is required in both chambers in the second legislative session to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. That amounts to a minimum of 20 votes in the Vermont State Senate and 76 votes in the Vermont House of Representatives in the first session and 16 votes in the state senate and 76 votes in the state house in the second session, assuming no vacancies. Amendments do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.

    Convention

    See also: Convention-referred constitutional amendment

    The Vermont Constitution, like that of several other states, does not provide for constitutional conventions. Perhaps as a result, Vermont's current constitution is one of the oldest in the country, having been adopted in 1793. The Massachusetts Constitution is the only older constitution.

    Although there are no provisions in the state's constitution governing the calling of a constitutional convention, in 1969, the Vermont State Legislature referred an advisory measure to the ballot which asked "Shall a Vermont Constitutional Convention be convened at the state house in Montpelier on October 6, 1969 to consider the following topics which shall receive a majority of the votes cast upon it in this election, and no others?" The question was rejected by the voters.



    2025 measures:

    See also: 2025 ballot measures

    Certified:

    The following measures have been certified for the ballot.

    No measures to list


    Potential:

    The following measures have made it through one chamber—or one session for two session states—and may appear on the ballot in 2025.

    No measures to list

    2024 measures:

    Below is a list of measures that were referred to the 2024 ballot by the legislature or that have made it approximately halfway through the process in the legislature for referral to the ballot in 2024.

    See also: 2024 ballot measures

    Certified:

    The following measures have been certified for the ballot.

    No measures to list


    Potential:

    The following measures have made it through one chamber—or one session for two session states—and may appear on the ballot in 2024.

    No measures to list

    See also

    Elections Vermont State Government State Legislatures State Politics
    Ballotpedia Elections Badge-VOTE-no shadow-Square.jpg
    Vermont State Flag-Close Up.jpg
    State Houses-Tile image.png
    State Courts-Tile image.png

    External links

    Footnotes

    1. State of Vermont, "Speaker of the House Jill Krowinski," accessed February 4, 2021
    2. Vermont Constitution, "Chapter II, Section 46," accessed February 8, 2023
    3. Vermont Constitution, "Chapter II, Section 15," accessed February 8, 2023
    4. National Conference of State Legislatures, "State Primary Election Systems," accessed May 29, 2017
    5. Vermont Secretary of State, "Candidates," accessed September 14, 2017
    6. Follow the Money, "Vermont House 2010 Campaign Contributions," accessed August 5, 2013
    7. Follow the Money, "Vermont 2008 Candidates," accessed August 5, 2013
    8. Follow the Money, "Vermont 2006 Candidates," accessed August 5, 2013
    9. Follow the Money, "Vermont 2004 Candidates," accessed August 5, 2013
    10. Follow the Money, "Vermont 2002 Candidates," accessed August 5, 2013
    11. Follow the Money, "Vermont 2000 Candidates," accessed August 5, 2013
    12. Legislative Council of the General Assembly for the State of Vermont, "Vermont Statutes Unannotated and Vermont Court Rules," accessed February 3, 2021 (Statute, 2-1-4, Vermont Statutes)
    13. Legislative Council of the General Assembly for the State of Vermont, "Vermont Statutes Unannotated and Vermont Court Rules," accessed February 3, 2021 (Statute, 2-1-9, Vermont Statutes)
    14. 14.0 14.1 14.2 All About Redistricting, "Vermont," accessed April 22, 2015
    15. VTDigger, "Scott signs new legislative maps into law, solidifying Vermont’s political playing field for next decade," April 6, 2022
    16. VTDigger, "House advances redistricting bill by a wide margin," March 16, 2022
    17. VTDigger, "Senate unanimously approves new district maps with little debate," March 25, 2022
    18. U.S. Census Bureau, "U.S. Census Bureau Delivers Vermont's 2010 Census Population Totals, Including First Look at Race and Hispanic Origin Data for Legislative Redistricting," February 10, 2011
    19. Burlington Free Press, "Vermont Legislature to shut down for a week due to coronavirus concerns," March 13, 2020
    20. VT Digger, "Senate returns to Montpelier to approve remote voting measure," April 8, 2020
    21. Manchester-Journal, "Vermont economy to be legislative focus," accessed January 7, 2016
    22. WAMC, "Vermont Legislature Begins Second Half Of Biennium," accessed January 7, 2016
    23. Wilson Ring, The Washington Times, "Budget likely to top 2015 Vermont Legislature," January 4, 2015
    24. Vermont Chamber of Commerce, "Legislative Priorities 2014," accessed January 11, 2014
    25. National Conference of State Legislatures, "2011 Legislative Sessions Calendar," December 19, 2011
    26. National Conference of State Legislatures, "2010 Legislative Sessions Calendar," December 8, 2010
    27. Find Law, "Tenth Amendment - U.S. Constitution," accessed May 20, 2017
    28. Vermont Secretary of State, "Pocket Veto," accessed July 3, 2017
    29. 29.0 29.1 29.2 National Association of State Budget Officers, "Budget Processes in the States, Spring 2015," accessed February 9, 2023