Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott announced action on the following bills, passed by the General Assembly. He signed four bills into law, but vetoed H.674, An act relating to the creation of the Vermont Sister State Program.
On May 18, Governor Scott signed bills of the following titles:
- H.46, An act relating to the Rare Disease Advisory Council
- H.534, An act relating to community action agencies
- H.582, An act relating to adult protective services
- H.814, An act relating to neurological rights and the use of artificial intelligence technology in health and human services
On May 18, Governor Scott returned without signature and vetoed H.674, An act relating to the creation of the Vermont Sister State Program and sent the following letter to the General Assembly.
Dear Ms. Wrask:
Pursuant to Chapter II, Section 11 of the Vermont Constitution, I’m returning unsigned and without my approval, in the time permitted by the Constitution, H.674, An act relating to the creation of the Vermont Sister State Program.
This bill would create a 9-person Sister State Program Committee, allocate significant authority to the Committee for choosing Sister State applicants for recommendation to the Governor, and would have sole authority to terminate partnerships with a simple majority vote of those present at a meeting.
Chapter II, Section 20 of the Vermont Constitution provides: “The Governor is to correspond with other states, [and] transact business with officers of government, civil and military…” The Committee’s sole authority to terminate partnerships in the bill becomes Constitutionally impermissible as it usurps the Governor’s express Constitutional authority to transact business with officers of government.
I understand the value of these partnerships and could support a bill provided it removes the termination provision while keeping the remaining sections.
Sincerely,
/s/
Philip B. Scott
Governor
To view a complete list of action on bills passed during the 2026 legislative session, click here.
5.18.2026. Governor. 109 State Street | The Pavilion | Montpelier, VT 05609-0101 | www.vermont.gov
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