VermontVermont lawmakers would review State programs and recommend improvements
Vermont’s Joint Fiscal Committee would review selected State programs and recommend improvements, with $300,000 from the General Fund for two years of personnel support.
What it does
The Legislature’s Joint Fiscal Committee would review selected State programs, as far as feasible, and recommend improvements. It would send findings and recommendations to House and Senate committees.
The bill would set aside $300,000 from the General Fund for project personnel over two years. The Legislative Joint Fiscal Office could hire a consultant or temporary employee.
Argument forReviewing program results and research could help lawmakers spot programs that fall short and identify practical improvements.
Argument againstSpending $300,000 on project personnel could leave less General Fund money available for other State needs.
More detail
The Legislature’s Joint Fiscal Committee would conduct the Pilot Government Accountability Project and recommend improvements. Reviews would examine selected State programs’ results, evidence, implementation problems, and communication with the public. The Joint Fiscal Office’s Chief Fiscal Officer would select issues in consultation with House and Senate leaders. The committee would complete review tasks as far as feasible. It would consult other oversight bodies to avoid repeating their work and request agency updates on recommendations when appropriate. It could consider developing or using tools to measure program results. If enacted, the bill would take effect on passage. Issues would be referred by August 1, 2026. Written reports would be due by December 15, 2026, and November 15, 2027.
The bill would set aside $300,000 from the General Fund for personnel supporting the pilot project. The personnel would provide research, analysis, and other needed support for the Pilot Government Accountability Project. The Legislative Joint Fiscal Office could contract with a consultant or hire a temporary employee for a two-year term. The money would be used for project personnel. The funding would be provided in fiscal year 2027 for use over a two-year period.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Apr 1Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Government OperationsLatest
- Mar 27Read third time and passedPassed 1st Chamber
- Mar 27Rep. Sibilia of Dover, Donahue of Northfield, Headrick of Burlington, and Lipsky of Stowe moved to amend the bill, which was agreed to
- Mar 27Action Calendar: Action postponed until March 27, 2026
- Mar 26Rep. Waters Evans of Charlotte moved to postpone action until March 27, 2026, which was agreed to
- Mar 26Action Calendar: Third ReadingMinor
- Mar 25Third Reading orderedMinor
- Mar 25Report of Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs, as amended, agreed to
- Mar 25Report of Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs amended as recommended by Committee on Appropriations
- Mar 25Rep. Stevens of Waterbury recommended for the Committee on Appropriations
- Mar 25Rep. Waters Evans of Charlotte reported for the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs
- Mar 25Read second timeMinor
- Mar 25Action Calendar: Favorable with Amendment
- Mar 24Notice Calendar: Favorable with Amendment
- Mar 10Referred to Committee on Appropriations per Rule 35(a)
- Mar 10Notice Calendar: Favorable with Amendment
- 2025
- Apr 1Rep. Scheu of Middlebury moved that the Committee on Appropriations be relieved of the bill and that the same be recommitted to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs, which was agreed to
- Mar 12Referred to Committee on Appropriations per Rule 35(a)
- Mar 12Notice Calendar: Favorable with Amendment
- Jan 23Read first time and referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Military AffairsIntroduced
Government & EthicsTaxes & Budget