House Proposes ‘Joint Government Oversight’ Committee for Vermont
TL/DR –
A new House bill, H.67, proposes a “Joint Government Oversight and Accountability Committee” in Vermont. Its purpose is to monitor state spending and the effectiveness of key laws long-term. Some lawmakers argue this committee is necessary for more oversight, especially in relation to the billions of dollars used in recent years for Covid-19-related spending.
House Bill Proposes New Oversight Committee
New legislation, H.67, proposes a new “Joint Government Oversight and Accountability Committee“. This eight-member committee aims to monitor significant state expenditure and assess the viability of key laws long-term.
Increased Oversight Demands
Some Democrats, including Rep. Matt Birong, D-Vergennes, have called for improved oversight of state government. Birong highlighted the billions of federal Covid-19 relief funds allocated in recent years and the varying uses of these funds.
New Proposal Discussed
The proposed bill, chaired by Birong, was discussed for the first time in the House Government Operations and Military Affairs Committee on Thursday. Its primary sponsor, Rep. Chea Waters Evans, D-Charlotte, cited the committee’s function of reviewing the numerous reports filed annually with the Legislature.
Gov. Phil Scott’s Response
When asked about the proposed committee, Gov. Phil Scott expressed doubt, arguing that the House currently possesses sufficient oversight power.
Scott’s Education Proposal
Scott’s education proposal suggests a school choice lottery system for all students within their regional school district. Read more about how this school choice would work here.
Regulating “Deepfakes” Online
Vermont may join other states in regulating the use of “deepfakes”, or artificially-generated content, online prior to elections. A new bill, S.23, proposes that people publishing “synthetic media” must also publish a disclosure that the media is not genuine. Read more about this legislation here.
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