Senate resolution relating to concurrently conducted electronic committee meetings

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Phil Baruth

Extends Permanent Senate Rule 32A to electronic or concurrent committee meetings through March 10, 2026, ensuring consistent procedures during remote sessions.

As adopted by Senate

Summary of SR 18 (2025-2026) — Vermont Senate

Purpose and intent

SR 18 is a Senate resolution relating to the conduct of committee meetings. Its main purpose is to specify the applicability of certain Senate rules to electronically conducted or concurrently conducted committee meetings.

Specifically, it temporarily extends the effect of Permanent Senate Rule 32A (which governs committee meetings) to electronic or concurrently conducted meetings through a capped date.

Key provisions

Applies Senate Rule 32A to declarations of emergency and to concurrently conducted electronic committee meetings.

The effect is to keep the provisions of Permanent Senate Rule 32A in force through Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

The resolution is intended to govern how committees operate when meetings are held electronically, particularly during emergencies or situations requiring remote or concurrent proceedings.

Who/what is affected

Vermont Senate committees and their operations when meetings are held electronically or concurrently.

Senators, staff, and stakeholders who participate in or observe committee proceedings under electronic formats.

The rule ensures consistency in procedural standards during the period covered (through March 10, 2026), regardless of the meeting format.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Date range: The temporary applicability of Rule 32A extends through March 10, 2026 (a Tuesday).

Mechanism: By adopting SR 18, the Senate explicitly reaffirms that Permanent Senate Rule 32A governs electronically conducted committee meetings during the stated period.

Action history: SR 18 was read and adopted by the Senate on January 6, 2026, with Sen. Philip Baruth listed as the sponsor (co-sponsor). The bill’s last recorded action was “As adopted by Senate.”

Practical impact

Provides a clear and predictable framework for the conduct of electronic or concurrently conducted committee meetings, ensuring procedural integrity, transparency, and consistency with the Senate’s established Rules.

Helps accommodate emergencies or remote participation scenarios by maintaining the standard rules that govern committee deliberations, reporting, and decision-making.

The temporary nature of the extension means there will likely be a subsequent review or renewal after March 10, 2026.