Joint resolution establishing a procedure for the conduct of the election of two legislative trustees of the Vermont State Colleges Corporation by plurality vote by the General Assembly in 2026

2025-2026 Regular Session

Establishes a statewide General Assembly election by plurality to select two Vermont State Colleges Corporation trustees in 2026.

As adopted by Senate and House

Overview

JRS 36 (Joint Resolution) from the Vermont 2025-2026 session establishes a specific procedure for the General Assembly to conduct the election of two legislative trustees of the Vermont State Colleges Corporation by plurality vote in 2026. The measure sets out the framework, timing, and mechanics for selecting these trustees through a joint, statewide legislative process.

Purpose and intent

Create a formal, procedural method for electing two legislative trustees of the Vermont State Colleges Corporation.

Ensure the election is conducted by the General Assembly (likely through joint sessions or a specified voting method) and uses a plurality voting standard.

Provide a clear timeline and process to facilitate timely completion of the trustee selection in 2026.

Key provisions and changes

Establishes the authority and mechanism for the General Assembly to elect two legislative trustees of the Vermont State Colleges Corporation.

Specifies that the election shall be by plurality vote, meaning the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes are elected if more than two candidates run.

Details the procedural steps required to conduct the election (e.g., nomination process, date or window for voting, who conducts the vote, and how votes are counted).

Aligns with existing constitutional or statutory procedures governing joint resolutions and elections within the General Assembly.

Likely includes provisions for resolving ties, if applicable, and for certification of the results.

Who or what would be affected

Vermont State Colleges Corporation: Two legislative trustees would be elected under this joint resolution, affecting governance of the state college system.

General Assembly members: Senators and Representatives participate in the election process, including nominations, voting, and certification.

The governance and strategic direction of Vermont’s state colleges, via the two trustees selected through this procedure.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The action history indicates the bill progressed through both chambers with standard readings and calendar actions in January 2026.

January 20, 2026: Read 1st time and placed on action calendar.
January 21-23, 2026: Adopted or read on calendars, passed in the Senate, and moved for concurrence with the House.
January 23-27, 2026: Action on concurrence and final adoption in both chambers, leading to a House message of adoption in concurrence and final enactment steps.

The resolution targets conducting the election in 2026, specifying the plurality method and the required joint action by the General Assembly within the legislative session.

Potential implications

Provides a legally defined and transparent mechanism for selecting two trustees, reducing ambiguity in future elections.

The use of plurality voting could influence campaign strategies and candidate numbers, given that top two vote-getters win.

Implementation depends on subsequent administrative steps (e.g., the exact nomination window, whether a special joint session is required, and certification procedures) as laid out by the final language of the resolution.

If you’d like, I can compare this to current Vermont statutes governing trustee elections or draft a plain-language FAQ for legislators and the public.