The Vermont General Assembly began its 2026 session on January 6, with several new members joining after four Representatives and two Senators resigned during the off-season. Governor Phil Scott appointed replacements for those seats. Representative Casey Toof of St Albans will also be stepping down from the House on January 16.
Initial House floor activities focused on ceremonial matters, including the acknowledgment of resignations and seating of new members. The House also passed HR10, which changes the timeline for approving new bills for release.
The Government Operations & Military Affairs Committee started its work by hearing testimony from a range of state agencies and organizations about their priorities for this legislative session. These included the Vermont League of Cities and Towns, Secretary of State’s Office, Office of Professional Regulation, Treasurer’s Office, Vermont State Employees Association, Department of Liquor and Lottery, and the newly appointed Director of Animal Welfare in the Department of Public Safety.
Committee members also received an update from legislative counsel regarding a bill under development since last year. This bill reviews all statutory reports required to be submitted to committees to assess their continued relevance or need for repeal.
On January 7, both chambers convened in a Joint Assembly to hear Governor Scott deliver his State of the State address. According to Rep. Lisa Hango: “His message was very clear and held the same priorities as one year ago: education transformation must happen according to Act 73 that was passed at the end of the 2025 session, or he will be holding back his signature on any budget- or tax-related bills this session; better public safety, decreased regulations on housing and development, and inclusive of all of the above: affordability.” She added: “For the second year in a row, healthcare insurance premiums are skyrocketing, property taxes are poised to increase by double-digits, working families are priced out of housing, and the era of federal funding windfalls has ended. The Governor will present his budget in less than two weeks, and there will be hard decisions across the board on which necessities to fund and which programs can be put on hold as we work to get our spending back in line with our existing revenues.”
Information about committee agendas, hearings, legislation activity in both chambers, as well as legislator contact details is available through the Vermont General Assembly website.
Rep. Lisa Hango concluded her update by stating: “It is an honor to serve – Stay well,” signing off as Franklin-5 District representative.