Senate resolution relating to electronic participation in Senate Sessions

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Phil Baruth

The resolution authorizes and standardizes electronic participation for Vermont Senate members during sessions.

As adopted by Senate

Summary of SR 23 (2025-2026) – Vermont Senate

Purpose and intent

SR 23 is a Senate resolution relating to electronic participation in Senate Sessions. Its core aim is to address and authorize, clarify, or encourage the use of electronic participation options for senators during Senate sessions.

The resolution is sponsored in part by Senator Phil Baruth (co-sponsor), signaling bipartisan or leadership-level interest in enabling remote or electronic attendance and participation within Senate proceedings.

Key provisions and changes

The resolution establishes or recognizes procedures, guidelines, or permissions regarding electronic participation in Senate Sessions. While the full text is not provided here, typical elements of such resolutions include:

Authorization for senators to participate in sessions electronically (e.g., via video or teleconference) under specified conditions.
Conditions or limitations on when electronic participation may be used (e.g., for medical reasons, personal hardship, or as needed for continuity during emergencies).
Rules governing voting, discussion, and participation for electronically-present senators (e.g., how to indicate presence, how votes are recorded, and how questions from remote participants are handled).
Provisions to ensure that electronic participation does not undermine the integrity, accessibility, or transparency of proceedings.

The resolution may reference procedural adjustments, such as acceptable technologies, security considerations, and alignment with Senate rules or existing state law.

Who or what would be affected

Members of the Vermont Senate would be directly affected, as the resolution provides framework or allowances for electronic participation during sessions.

Senate staff and administrators may be responsible for implementing the procedures, setting up technology, and ensuring compliance with the resolution.

The broader legislative process could be impacted to the extent that electronic participation affects quorum, debate, or voting processes.

Procedural and timeline aspects

History indicates a progression from introduction to notice and first reading on February 26, 2026.

The bill advanced to the Notice Calendar, suggesting it was slated for consideration and debate before final adoption.

It proceeded to a final action on March 10, 2026, where it was adopted by the Senate.

The action history shows:

February 26, 2026: Read 1st time and placed on Notice Calendar (Rule 34 and 51)
February 27, 2026: Entered on Notice Calendar
March 10, 2026: Resolutions for Adoption; Adopted by Senate

The adoption indicates the Senate approved the resolution, making any authorized electronic participation guidelines operative or delineated in the resolution.

Notes for readers

Specifics such as the exact conditions for electronic participation, voting procedures for remote participants, and technologies approved are not provided here. For detailed provisions, consult the full text of SR 23.

As a resolution, this document typically guides Senate practice rather than creating enforceable statutory mandates; it may set expectations, authorize practices, or codify temporary or permanent rules within the Senate.