Senate resolution relating to electronic participation in Senate Sessions

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Phil Baruth

Allows Vermont Senate members to participate electronically in sessions, with remote attendance treated for quorum, records, and voting.

As adopted by Senate

Summary of SR 19 (2025-2026) – Vermont Senate

Purpose and intent

SR 19 is a Senate resolution relating to electronic participation in Senate sessions. The resolution expresses the Senate’s intent to enable or accommodate electronic participation by senators in Senate Sessions, aligning with practices that allow remote or virtual attendance and participation.

Key provisions and changes

Establishes a framework or authorization for members of the Vermont Senate to participate in Senate sessions electronically, rather than requiring physical presence for all votes and discussions.

Indicates how electronic participation would be formalized within Senate proceedings, including recognition of the remote participant for purposes of quorum, recordkeeping, and voting (subject to any rules the Senate adopts or references in conjunction with this resolution).

Serves as a procedural directive that may guide subsequent legislative or Senate rules changes to implement or regulate electronic participation.

Who or what would be affected

Vermont State Senators: The resolution directly affects their ability to participate in sessions remotely.

Senate proceedings and procedures: Senate rules and records would be interpreted or amended to accommodate electronic participation, including how votes are counted and how remote participation is acknowledged during sessions.

Legislative process: Enables continuity of business and participation during circumstances that prevent in-person attendance (e.g., illness, weather, or other barriers).

Procedural and timeline aspects

Action history shows that the resolution was read and adopted by the Senate on 2026-01-06, indicating it has passed the Senate in the current session.

As a resolution, it is primarily a formal expression and directive rather than formal law; it may prompt subsequent rule changes or administrative actions to implement electronic participation in practice.

The co-sponsor listed is Phil Baruth, indicating leadership support within the Senate.

Potential impact and considerations

Accessibility and continuity: Facilitates continued participation and decision-making when senators cannot be physically present.

Administrative implementation: Requires clarity on voting eligibility, quorum calculations, recording of remote participation, and any security or technological requirements.

Equity and transparency: Ensures remote participation is equally recognized and documented so that remote senators have the same rights and obligations as those present in person.

Note: This summary focuses on the information available from the bill’s title, action history, and sponsor details. If additional text or adopted rules accompanying SR 19 are available, they may provide more specific provisions on technology standards, attendance thresholds, and procedural steps for implementing electronic participation.