More that 1000 bills will be introduced in the Legislature this year, but only 150-200 will become law. What happens to these bills and where can you make a difference in the end result?
Most bills can be introduced by a member in either the House or the Senate, with the exception of tax bills, which must originate in the Senate. Each bill undergoes three separate reviews or "readings" in each Chamber. This offers plenty of time for a bill to be side-tracked or shot down. The system is designed, like our Federal system, to ensure that only the best bills with the most support become law.
Citizens and nonprofit organizations play an important role in this process, providing background information on legislators, sharing expertise on a particular program, gathering the support (or opposition) of legislators for a particular piece of legislation, and testifying in committee. One legislator recently noted that a few telephone calls on a Sunday night can feel like overwhelming support.
Once introduced, a bill is assigned to a committee of the chamber in which it was introduced. The committee will hear testimony, debate the bill, and make a recommendation to the full House or Senate (with or without amendments). Members of the public are welcome to testify on any bill for which they can provide helpful information. Testimony can be arranged by contacting committee chairs, your own legislator, or House or Senate leaders. The majority of bills die in committee.
If the committee recommends the bill, the House or Senate will debate the bill and take a vote. If the bill is endorsed, it is eligible for a third vote. Both the House and Senate must pass a bill and any differences in the two versions must be reconciled before the bill can go to the Governor to be signed into law. The Governor may choose to sign the bill, allow it to become law with out a signature, or veto. If he vetoes the bill, it returns to the legislature where a 2/3 majority vote in both the House and Senate can override the veto.
The State Legislature Home Page, www.leg.state.vt.us, provides up-to-date information on bills, committee schedules, and the activities of the House and Senate. Bills may be tracked by number, key word, or the committee to which they are assigned. Committee schedules are posted weekly, although they are subject to last-minute change. For up-to-the-minute information, contact the Sergeant-At-Arms Office (802-828-2228 or 800-322-5616). All committee meetings are open to the public, but seating is limited. The website also contains directories of legislators, mailing labels, home phone numbers, and email addresses.
The Legislature is typically in session from January to May each year. The House and Senate meet Tuesday through Friday, beginning at 10am on Tuesdays and 9:30am Wednesday through Friday. Most committees meet daily.
If you want Vermont and National advocacy information, or want to become more involved in advocating for your child with Family Voices- Contact Kay Van Woert or get on our listserv and tell us you are interested in advocacy!