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SR 9

Senate resolution relating to electronic participation in Senate Sessions

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Phil Baruth

Vermont Senate resolution authorizes remote electronic participation in Senate sessions, adopted March 2025, enabling senators to legislate without physical presence.

As adopted by Senate
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Bill Summary · SR 9

Legislative bill overview

SR 9 is a Vermont Senate resolution that authorizes electronic participation in Senate sessions, allowing senators to attend and participate in legislative proceedings remotely rather than requiring in-person attendance. The resolution was introduced by Senator Phil Baruth and was adopted by the Vermont Senate on March 11, 2025.

Why is this important

This resolution addresses practical governance by enabling senators to participate in legislative sessions without physical presence, which can accommodate scheduling conflicts, health concerns, or other circumstances that prevent in-person attendance. It reflects broader shifts toward flexible work arrangements in institutional settings while maintaining legislative functions and quorum requirements.

Potential points of contention

  • Deliberative quality concerns: Remote participation may reduce informal debate, relationship-building, and the spontaneous dialogue that sometimes occurs during in-person sessions
  • Equity and access: Differential technological access or participation rates between remote and in-person senators could create unequal influence in legislative proceedings
  • Quorum and transparency: Questions about how electronic participation affects quorum verification and whether remote attendance maintains adequate public visibility of legislative proceedings

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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