Vermont s legislature adjusts to a new normal
The legislature convened remotely last week and seamlessly began its virtual session. While things are running smoothly technologically, lawmakers are operating under the pall of last week’s riot in the nation’s capital.
Rumors of State House rallies on January 17, and even darker activities planned for Inauguration Day on January 20, prompted a security briefing for legislators led by Department of Public Safety Commissioner Mike Schirling on Thursday afternoon. Working with the state police, DPS has been tracking threats through a multi-agency intelligence center leading up to the 2020 elections and has increased these efforts since last Wednesday. While there have been some general concerns in Vermont, Schirling said there have been no credible threats targeting individuals.
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MONTPELIER â Gov. Phil Scott, through a pair of executive orders signed Thursday, sought to streamline the Act 250 permitting process and unify the stateâs public safety agencies under a single roof.
Executive order 02-21 would replace the five-person, appointed Natural Resources Board with a three-person board â a chair and two members, all appointed by the governor âwith the advice and consent of the Senate.â
Senate President Pro Tem Becca Balint said she had âpersonally connected with the Governorâ about his thinking regarding both orders. âI will be working with senators, especially in the committees of jurisdiction related to the orders, to do due diligence and consider any possible concerns. â
SCOTT SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDERS TO MODERNIZE AND UNIFY SELECT STATE OPERATIONS
Begins Phased Transition to an Agency of Public Safety, Modernizes and Professionalizes the Natural Resources Board
Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today announced organizational changes to modernize the state’s public safety and select permitting and regulatory functions to better serve Vermonters, increase efficiency and improve these systems.
Through Executive Order 01-21 Governor Scott has created the Agency of Public Safety, effective April 15, 2021, though the Order is structured as a framework for the Agency with a gradual implementation.
This approach allows for discussion and input from the Vermont Legislature, which has contemplated this move in previous years, as this important reorganization progresses.