Vermont Legislature SmartTranscripts:

[Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Will the house please come to order and members kindly take their seats? Good afternoon. Good afternoon. We have a very special treat for you today. The devotional will be led by a string quartet comprising of Kathy Andrews of Brattleboro, Melanie Dexter of Shaftsbury, Marsha Cassidy of Norwich, and R. Zon Eastes of Guilford. Members we have four house bills for introduction today. First is house bill eight ninety six which is an act relating to creating a New England organ Bank specialty license plate introduced by representative Canfield of Fairhaven. Please listen to the first reading of the bill.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H eight ninety six, an act relating to creating a New England Oregon Bank specialty license plate.

[Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Now the bill has been read the first time and is referred to the committee on transportation. Next is house bill eight ninety seven, which is an act relating to prohibiting the use of social media by children introduced by representative Arsenault of Williston and others. Please listen to the first reading of the bill.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H eight ninety seven, an act relating to prohibiting the use of social media by children.

[Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Now the bills were read the first time. It's referred to the committee on commerce and economic development. House bill eight ninety eight is an act relating to copper based to fiber based telecommunications network transitions and consumer protections. Introduced by the committee on energy and digital infrastructure. Please listen to the first reading of the bill.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H eight ninety eight, an act relating to copper based to fiber based telecommunications network transitions and consumer protections.

[Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Now the bill has been read the first time and as a committee bill, it is placed on the notice calendar of the next legislative day pursuant to house rule 58. And finally, house bill eight ninety nine is an act relating to financing multi unit housing through the Vermont Economic Development Authority introduced by representatives Mark Hutt of Coventry and granting of Jericho. Please listen to the first reading of the bill.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H eight ninety nine, an act relating to financing multiunit housing through the Vermont Economic Development Authority.

[Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Now the bill has been read the first time and is referred to the committee on commerce and economic development. Members, we have a bill on the notice calendar requiring referral to a money committee pursuant to house rule 35 a. House bill six thirty five is an act relating to eliminating department of corrections supervisory fees affecting the revenue of the state. The bills referred to the committee on ways and means. Members, have a joint senate resolution to take up at this time. JRS 40 is a joint resolution relating to weekend adjournment on 02/13/2026. It was offered by senator Bartholomew and was read and adopted on the part of the senate. Please listen to the reading of the resolution.

[House Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: JRS 40, joint resolution relating to weekend in Germany on 02/13/2026, resolved by the senate and house of representatives that when the two houses adjourn on Friday, 02/13/2026, it'd be to meet again no later than Tuesday, 02/17/2026.

[Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Now you've heard the reading of the resolution, and the question is, shall the house adopt the resolution in concurrence? Are you ready for the question? If so, all those in favor, please say aye. Aye. All those opposed, please say nay. The ayes appear to have it. The ayes do have a the ayes do have it and the resolution is adopted in concurrence. Members, we have received requests to read three house concurrent resolutions that the house and senate adopted pursuant to the consent calendar. First is HCR 181, which is a concurrent congratulating the winners of the 2025 spirit of the ADA award. Please listen to the reading of the resolution.

[House Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Whereas the state of Vermont recognizes the value and capabilities of its workforce and has a strong commitment to equal opportunity for all regardless of disability, race, color, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, or national origin. And whereas our state, its people, and its economy benefit when all Vermonters of all abilities are provided the opportunity to contribute their skills, talents, and gifts as part of Vermont's workforce. And whereas the governor's committee on the employment of people with disabilities, the committee annually presents the spirit of the ADA award to businesses that reflect the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act in their employment practices. And whereas the criteria that the committee uses to select award recipients include creating an excessively accessibility recruitment and hiring process, incorporating on the job accommodations, providing accessible physical structures to ensure that there is success for all employees, and implementing an overall employment strategy that includes hiring people with disabilities. And whereas the twenty twenty five spirit of the ADA award winners are American Meadows, August 1, Avis Home Care Services, Burned Chocolates of Vermont, Blackwell Bookkeeping, CP Dudley Store, Casella Waste Systems Incorporated, Copley Hospital, Eastview at Middlebury, Elevate, Fairfield Inn and Suites Waterbury Stowe by Marriott, Garden Path Elder Living, Bradley House, Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity, Swanton, Jana Tech, Maple Fields, Morrisville, Ocean State Job Lots, Morrisville, Price Chopper, Morrisville, Price Chopper West Rutland, Sonax, Special Knee Support Center, SNSC, Stella Healthcare Group, The Berry Partnership, Trio Community Meals, Vermont Granite Museum, Von Trapp Family Lodge and Resort, and Walmart Rutland. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the senate and house of representatives that the general assembly congratulates the winners of the 2025 spirit of the ADA award and be it further resolved that the secretary of state be directed to send a copy of this resolution to each recipient of a 2025 spirit of the ADA award.

[Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Next is h c r one eighty nine which is a house concurrent resolution designating 02/11/2026 as disability advocacy day at the State House. Please listen to the reading of the resolution.

[House Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Whereas the Vermont Coalition for Disability Rights, VCDR, founded in 1974, serves as a statewide coalition of disability rights organizations working to protect and advance people with disabilities. And whereas the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act, public law number one zero one to three thirty six nineteen ninety ADA, as amended, established comprehensive civil rights protections for peep persons with disabilities. And whereas in Olmstead versus LC five twenty seven US five eighty one nineteen ninety nine, the US Supreme Court affirmed that unnecessary institutionalization of people with disabilities constitutes discrimination under the ADA. And whereas the closure of the Brandon Training School in 1993 marked a historic moment in Vermont's disability rights progress, ending the state's operation of institutional facilities for for persons with disabilities. And whereas in Vermont, the prevalence of persons with disabilities is increasing and they now represent one in four Vermonters. And whereas recent state data shows that academic achievement in high school graduation rates for persons with disabilities and for students studying under an individual education program are lower compared to overall rates for the student population. And these educational disparities have long term life implications. And whereas persons with disabilities continue to face barriers in accessing voting, securing employment, finding housing, and arranging for transportation, and are more likely to contemplate suicide. And whereas despite these challenges, persons with disabilities make impressive and praiseworthy societal contributions in Vermont. And whereas disability advocacy day has occurred at the state house for many years and provides an important opportunity to recognize progress while acknowledging ongoing challenges. Now therefore be it resolved by the senate and house of representatives that the general assembly designates 02/11/2026 as disability advocacy day at the state house. And be it further resolved that the secretary of state be directed to send a copy of this resolution to VCDR.

[Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: And finally, h c r one ninety two is a house concurrent resolution recognizing 02/11/2026 as National two eleven Day in Vermont and celebrating the outstanding community contributions of Vermont two eleven. Please listen to the reading of the resolution.

[House Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Whereas Vermont two one one is a nationally accredited health and human services helpline that the United Way of Vermont operates, and it provides statewide information and referral services. And whereas Vermont two one one offers streamlined and easy access to over 1,100 community based agencies that serve Vermonters via phone, text, email, and website with 303,270 programs and 11,900 services. And whereas the dedicated Vermont two one one staff vets and updates information about the resources in the organization's robust database. And whereas Vermont two one one employs a team of eight trained and empathetic specialists who, in a safe and confidential manner, are able to work with Vermonters and help assess their community service needs. And whereas for more than twenty years, Vermont two one one has delivered this vital community resource to Vermonters daily and in emergency situations. And whereas in 2025, Vermont two one one received over 61,000 contacts via phone calls, texts, and emails resulting in over 22,000 referrals. And whereas the most commonly requested services were for basic needs such as access to housing, utilities, and public assistance. And whereas through its response to non emergency calls, Vermont two one one helps maintain the integrity of the 911 system. And whereas Vermont two one one supports the department for children and families managing its general assistance after hours call from 04:30PM to 08:30AM, Monday through Friday as well as on weekends and holidays. And whereas the special organization collaborates with the Vermont Emergency Medical Management prior to, during, and after regional, statewide, and national emergencies such as flooding and pandemics. And whereas the member organizations of the Vermont Food Security Roadmap Coalition valued Vermont two one one as an essential partner for the facilitation of robust food support services. Now therefore be it resolved by the senate and house of representatives that the general assembly recognizes 02/11/2026 as National two one one Day in Vermont and celebrates the outstanding community contributions of Vermont two one one. And be it further resolved that the secretary of state be directed to send a copy of this resolution to Vermont two one one.

[Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Are there any announcements? Member from Rutland City.

[Mary E. Howard (Representative, Rutland City)]: Thank you, madam speaker. Today, we recognize recovery day in Vermont, a day dedicated to honoring the strength, resilience, and hope of individuals, families, and communities impacted by substance use disorders. Recovery is not a solitary journey. It is supported by a network of dedicated professionals, advocates, and organizations working tirelessly to ensure that every Vermonter has access to the care and resources they need. I want to acknowledge the incredible work of the Recovery Partners of Vermont, Vam Havre, Vermont Association of Mental Health and Addiction Recovery, and all those involved in the continuum of care from prevention and treatment to recovery support services. These organizations and their partners provide critical pathways to wellness, dignity, and opportunity for thousands across our state. Recovery Day reminds us that recovery is possible, and that together through compassion and collaboration, we can build a Beaumont where every person has a chance to thrive to all who champion this cause. Thank you for your unwavering commitment and for giving hope where it is needed most. Madam speaker, please join me in welcoming to the people's house to dedicated leaders, advocates, and recovery champions from Vermont Recovery Partners, BAM, and all those who work every day to strengthen the continuum of care and support recovery across our state. Their presence here today is a test testament to the power of community and the belief that recovery is real and worth celebrating.

[Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Will the guest member from Rutland City please rise and be recognized? Member from Coventry.

[Michael Marcotte (Representative, Coventry)]: Thank you, madam speaker. We just heard the reading of the resolution for the of the spirit of ADA awards this year. Each year, the governor's committee on the employment of people with disabilities honors Vermont employers who exemplify the spirit of the American with Disabilities Act, not only in compliance, but in commitment. These businesses have demonstrated that inclusive hiring is not just the right thing to do. It's the smart and successful business strategy. This year, we celebrate a record number of nominations and recognize 28 employers from across our state who have created accessible recruitment processes, embraced work workplace accommodations, and built environments where Vermonters of all disabilities can contribute and thrive. The committee also honored Sonax from Bellows Falls with the 2025 David L. Sagie Memorial Award, which goes to a business who goes above and beyond to provide accommodation for all workers to be successful. With us today is Katie Franco from the Governor's Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities, Nat Piper with hire ability, and several of the businesses who received this award. They sit they're seated behind me in a gallery, and would you please welcome them to the people's house?

[Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Will the guest member from Coventry please rise and be recognized? Member from Wilkert.

[Unidentified Representative (likely from Williston)]: Thank you madam speaker. We just heard a resolution recognizing today as disability advocacy day. This resolution honors the Vermont Coalition for Disability Rights and reaffirms the civil rights guarantees of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It also highlighted a landmark moment in disability rights history, the Olmstead decision, which confirmed that the necessary institutionalization of people with disabilities is a form of discrimination under the ADA. At the center of the case was Lewis Curtis, a woman whose courage and lived experience helped change the law for millions of Americans. Lewis lived much of her early life in institutions despite being ready and willing to live in her community. Along with Elaine Wilson, she challenged the unnecessary segregation and stood up for the simple principle that people with disabilities have the right to live in the most integrated and integrated setting appropriate to their needs. Lewis went on to live in her community, pursuing her talents as an artist to share her life with her family and neighbors. Her advocacy reminds us why we must continue to work for access, inclusion, and opportunity for every Vermonter no matter their ability. I wanna note, you can see a piece of her original art, a self portrait that hangs in the human services committee room. As we as we observe this day, let us commit to removing barriers in education, employment, housing, transportation, civic life, and civic life. Please join me in honoring the contributions of Vermonters with disabilities and ensuring every Vermonter can fully participate in and contribute to our communities. Please join me in welcoming welcoming them to the people's house. They are seated in the gallery.

[Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Will the guest member from Wilkid please rise and be recognized? Member from Guilford.

[Zon Eastes (Representative, Guilford)]: Madam speaker, thank you very kindly for welcoming me and my friends to play a little bit earlier today. I would love to be able to introduce you to all of them here in the people's house, but two of them had to leave immediately after we played because the Vermont Symphony is performing here tonight and they had to run right to rehearsal. That's why I could do this today was because the Vermont Symphony is here. But I would like to acknowledge one longtime dear friend of mine. Music happens through longtime relationship, much like we're talking about disability issues today. Music happens because of longtime relationships and friendships over long periods of time. And I'd like you to please welcome Marsha Cassidy, who's here from Windsor. No, from Norwich. I'm sorry, from Norwich. And, a long time friend.

[Jed Lipsky (Representative, Stowe)]: Thank you.

[Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Will the guest, the member from Guilford, please rise and be recognized. Member from Chester.

[Unidentified Representative (Chester)]: Madam speaker, many of our constituents are wonderful advocates for a number of incredible things. I would like to introduce one who is an enthusiastic supporter twenty four seven for disability awareness. Anne Henshaw is my constituent. She is joined by her husband, Carl, their son, Henry,

[Michael Marcotte (Representative, Coventry)]: and their daughter, Beatrice.

[Unidentified Representative (Chester)]: They are seated behind me, possibly blushing behind me in the gallery. Please help me welcome them to the people's house.

[Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Will the guest member from Chester please rise and be recognized? Member from Hartford.

[Kevin "Coach" Christie (Representative, Hartford)]: Madam speaker, I am delighted to introduce special guests in celebration of National two one one day on this February 11, 02/2011, and on the twenty first anniversary of our own Vermont two one one program. This statewide information referral system gives Vermonters a confidential place to turn when they need support. They offer community specific guidance in times of natural disaster and for food, shelter, utilities, tax prep, domestic violence resources, transportation, mental health assessment and treatment, veteran services, parenting programs, and much much more. Two one one made over 22,000 referrals in just the past year. Information can be accessed via an online searchable database or by talking to a real person on two one one's trained staff, seven days a week, three hundred sixty five days a year. We hope that you had a chance to connect with them in the card room today and that you will be, able to help spread awareness about this resource with constituents. Please join me in recognizing the executive directors of the local United Way agencies that oversee this crucial service.

[Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Will the guest and the member from Hartford please rise and be recognized. Member from Burlington.

[Unidentified Representative (Burlington)]: Tonight is the night. February 11 is here and the VSO and the VSO chorus will be performing here in the chamber tonight at 07:30, doors at seven. Friendly reminder, this is usually a booked of, like, every seat in the house is taken. So if you are planning on attending, remember to put a reserve sign on your desk. I'll see you tonight.

[Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Member from Derby.

[Unidentified Representative (Derby)]: Thank you, madam speaker. The Northeast Kingdom is blessed to have a new organization in the town of Derby helping people with their journeys to recovery. Here today, seated in the gallery is Lila Bennett from Ben's house. We've done great work and continue will have a great income impact in our community. Please welcome her.

[Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Will the guest member from Derby please rise and be recognized? Member from Wagefield? Member from Stowe?

[Jed Lipsky (Representative, Stowe)]: Madam speaker. Madam speaker, tis the season. Once again, Vermont has shown its outsized influence on the largest world stages. Four years ago, this month, Ryan Coffin Siegel won a silver medal in Beijing Olympics. He missed gold by five one hundredths of a second. This morning in the Alps in Italy, Ryan Coffin Siegel once again achieved four years later a silver medal in the men's super g. Now he he his achievement is outstanding. It comes from a long line of Olympians of most humble origins. And joining me in this rep respectful acknowledgement of Ryan Coffin Siegel's achievement is the member from Richmond and the member from Starksboro. And I include them be being from Stowe, Ryan trained and identifies with the Mount Mansfield ski club. But he resides in Starksboro, and his family trained him for years on Cochrane Ski Hill. To give you a little perspective, in 1957 on the same slopes in Cortina, the last time Cortina, pardon me, it was nineteen fifty six Olympics. The last time the winter games were hosted in Cortina, Tony Seiler's winning margin in the men's downhill was seven and a half seconds. The top nine finishers in today's Super G were under nine tenths of one second. So this is an incredibly competitive world and we look forward to acknowledging more of Vermont's outsized impact on the world stage as the Olympic games continue. Madam speaker, thank you.

[Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Member from Weston.

[Unidentified Representative (Weston)]: Madam speaker, I'd like to introduce the volunteers and staff from the Vermont chapter of the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention with chapters across all 50 states, DC, and Puerto Rico. AFSP is the nation's leading nonprofit dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. We are joined today by Sally Hespe, the new area director for Vermont and a resident of Andover along with more than a dozen advocacy advocates. They're here to share their stories and raise awareness about suicide, which remains a leading cause of death in Vermont. Please join me in welcoming them to the People's House.

[Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Will the guest member from Weston please rise and be recognized? Are there any further announcements? Member from South Burlington.

[House Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Madam speaker, tonight is the first in a series of dinners at VSCA headquarters, 155 State Street at 05:30.

[Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Member from Pollock.

[Unidentified Representative (likely Pawlet/Pownal area)]: Thank you, madam speaker. The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is having their department poster night spot spotlighting new science and innovative approaches in wildlife con conservation. It will happen in the cafeteria from four to six. Venison samples and other light refreshments will be served. All are welcome. Please take a few minutes to drop by and say hi to the folks at our Fish and Wildlife Department and show your appreciation for the great work they do for Vermonters and Vermont's wildlife.

[Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Are there any further announcements? Member from Weedsfield.

[Dara Torre (Representative, Waitsfield area)]: Madam speaker, thank you for calling on me before I even stood up earlier knowing that I might have something to say. Back on the Olympics topic, I wanna clarify a statement I made yesterday celebrating Weitzfield resident Paula Molson's Olympic bronze medal win. I said Molson won the bronze for slalom. I then stood corrected by the member from Stowe who let the body know the women's slalom race does not take place until this Sunday. This is true. Paula Mollie won the bronze yesterday for her slalom run-in the team combined along with teammate Jackie Wiles who skied the downhill. The women's giant slalom takes place this Sunday. The women's slalom takes place next Wednesday. I appreciate the member from Stowe's correction and his dedication to and knowledge of the many talented athletes in this winter's Olympic games. And lastly, I'll use this opportunity to remind the members of our legislative ski night scheduled for Wednesday, February 25, five to 10PM at Bolton Valley Resort. A sign up sheet will be circulated in in the next couple days.

[Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Member from Barrie City.

[Edward "Teddy" Waszazak (Representative, Barre City)]: Madam speaker, I rise to introduce the body to Tracy Lewis, the executive director of the Berry partnership, and her talented photographer, Shannon Alexander. Tracy is a driving force behind the vibrancy of downtown Barrie from organizing the Barrie Heritage Festival, Mary Barrie Holidays, and single handedly saving the holiday craft fair at the auditorium. Her dedication and Shannon's documentation through her photos have brought both vibrancy and significant investment to our city. Please join me in welcoming them to the People's House.

[Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Will the guest member from Barrie City please rise and be recognized? Are there any further announcements? Seeing none, orders of the day. Members we have one bill on our action calendar today. Senate bill 23 is an act relating to the use of synthetic media and elections. The bill was referred to a committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the two chambers. The committee of conference has met and considered the same and recommends that the house adopt its report which is printed in today's calendar. Member from

[Unidentified Representative (Committee of Conference presenter for S.23)]: Madam speaker, I'll be re presenting the report from the committee of conference. S 23, an act relating to the use of synthetic media in elections, originally passed the senate before crossover last year. The house passed a proposal of amendment at the very end of the session. Earlier this year, the Senate passed a proposal of amendment to the House's proposal of amendment. The House then requested a committee of conference. The committee of conference only had a few differences to settle between the two chambers. The definition section and the section on how the disclaimer is worded and delivered were the outstanding issues. The Committee of Conference came to a compromise and is presenting a strike all report so the chamber can view the proposed legislation in its entirety. Even though there were just a few changes from last the last proposals sent by both chambers, we wanted members to be able to view the entirety of the bill. Now for the section summary of the strike all report. First, section two zero three one defines two terms, deceptive and fraudulent synthetic media means synthetic media that appears to a reasonable person to be a realistic representation of, first, a political candidate that injures the reputation of a political candidate or an individual that attempts to unduly influence the outcome of an election, including a public question by providing materially false information to voters. This updated definition reflects a compromise between the versions proposed by the house and senate where the two chambers disagreed in the scope of what would be included as deceptive in fraudulent synthetic media. Excuse me. Synthetic media is defined is defined as an image, audio recording, or a video recording of an individual's appearance, speech, or conduct that has been created or intentionally manipulated with the use of digital technology, including artificial intelligence. Again, the two chambers only had a small disagreement about the scope of this definition. The committee of conference decided to allow the representation to be of an individual instead of a political candidate. Now section two zero three two sets forth the disclosure required when publishing a synthetic media message within ninety days of an election. A disclosure is required when a person publishes or distributes synthetic media that the person knows is deceptive and fraudulent synthetic media within ninety days of the election. The disclosure must be the following. Quote, the media has been manipulated or generated by digital technology and depicts speech or conduct that did not occur. Close quote. The chambers had disagreed on the exact wording of the disclosure, so the committee of conference collaborate collaborated and compromised on the statement it believes is more accurate and informative. If the media is a image or a video, the disclosure must be the size that can that is easily readable by the average viewer. For audio recordings, the disclosure must be read in a pitch and pace that can be easily heard by the average listener. Both must be made in a way that is inclusive to the greatest extent possible of people with disabilities. This was the only other part of the bill where the chambers disagreed on language. The rest of the bill did not change from the most recent proposal from the Senate to the House. But because this is a strike call, I finish I will finish doing a quick section by section summary. Subsection b in two zero three two provides a few exemptions to the bill. Radio, television broadcasting stations, websites, streaming platforms, and mobile applications that broadcast deceptive and fraudulent synthetic media are exempt from the bill's requirements if they acknowledge through their own disclosures that there are questions about the authenticity of the media, if they are paid to broadcast media, or if they are required by federal law to broadcast ads. A website, newspaper, or magazine is exempt if the publication clearly states that the deceptive and fraudulent synthetic media does not accurately represent the speech or conduct of the represented individual. A person that produces or distributes the synthetic media Constituting parity is exempt from the bill as are cell phone companies, Internet service providers, and websites that allow users to post content on the site. And just for review, section two zero three three says, fourth, the penalties and violations for the bill, a person is fined not more than 1,000 for intentional violation unless it is done with the intent to cause violence or bodily harm, in which case, a maximum penalty is a $5,000 fine. Five fines can be escalated for repeat offenders. Section two zero four one of the bill adds the ability for the state's attorney or attorney general to institute an appropriate action for violations of chapter 35 title 17, which the bill is this bill is categorized under. And lastly, section two zero four two gives authority to the attorney general and the state's attorney to conduct civil investigations for alleged violations of this chapter that relate to the offenses against the purity of elections. Madam speaker, the committee of conference support of this strike all language was unanimous with all six members signing the report.

[Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: The

[Unidentified Representative (Committee of Conference presenter for S.23)]: And I ask for the body of support. Thank you.

[Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: The question is shall the house adopt the report of the committee of conference on its part? Are you ready for the question? If so, all those in favor please say aye. Aye. All those opposed please say nay. The ayes appear to have it. The ayes do have it and you have adopted the report of the committee of conference. Members that completes the orders of the day. Are there any announcements? Member from Guil Guilford.

[Zon Eastes (Representative, Guilford)]: Well, when it rains, it pours, or snows. Tomorrow, just a heads up, is creative sector day here in the State House. Vermont's creative sector is made up of artists, businesses, nonprofits, museums, libraries, historical societies, designers, and many, many more from whom creativity is at the heart of their work. Not only do talented Vermonters enliven our communities and bring us together, they're also a major contributor to Vermont's economy, creating over $1,200,000,000 in economic activity each year and more than 10,000 jobs. Tomorrow's events will be hosted by the Vermont Creative Network, an initiative of the Arts Council. And I'm actually very proud to have been one of the establishing staff members of the of the Creative Network ten years ago in 2016 when it was established by the legislature. Now more than ever, we need Vermonters to be connected to their own creativity to solve our biggest challenges, to bring us joy, and to remind us of our shared humanity. So after tomorrow's floor session, the creative network will host a reception in the Cedar Creek Room, and everyone is invited to experience the creative sector firsthand. There will be snacks, there's always food, and music by a Vermont musician, Abbey Soloway, and a display of objects from the collection of the Vermont Historical Society. Thank you.

[Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: The chair has a reminder. Members, if you plan to present a house concurrent resolution during town meeting week and have not already submitted the supporting to Michael in the office of legislative council. Please submit both not later than tomorrow at 5PM so it can get processed in time for you. Are there any further announcements? Member from Stoke?

[Jed Lipsky (Representative, Stowe)]: Madam Speaker, may I make a second announcement?

[Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: You don't need to ask permission, member.

[Jed Lipsky (Representative, Stowe)]: Well, thank you, madam Speaker. I've been reached out to as has the member from Wagefield by the senior member from Newport wondering why we didn't acknowledge the great silver medal achievement by the mixed doubles curling team. Now I bring this up because to my knowledge, the senior member from Newport is the only active international curling competitor in the body, but he was they were too demure to acknowledge this historic achievement. And a US team not Vermont based or resider trained did lose to Sweden in the gold medal curling, but nonetheless it was historic silver medal for US curling. So in honor of the member from Newport, thank you, madam speaker.

[Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Are there any further announcements? Member from Newport City.

[Woodman Page (Representative, Newport City)]: Thank you, madam speaker. I just want to acknowledge that I'm not the only curler in this wonderful body. But we have the chair from judiciary who is a curler. And there's a couple of others as well. So I do thank the member from Stowe, and as well as perhaps the member from Whitefield for making that acknowledgment. Thank you very much. Oh, and one other thing, madam speaker. There is no connection to Vermont by the silver medalist in curling, but the the male member of that team, Corey somebody, He's from Walpole, Massachusetts where he learned the the sport of kings, I will just say. So thank you very much, madam speaker.

[Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Are there any further announcements? Seeing none, member from Pulte, can you please offer us a motion? The house please come to order. Member from Pulte, can you please offer us a motion to adjourn until Thursday, February 12 at 03:30PM.

[House Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Madam speaker, I make a motion this body stand in adjournment until Thursday, 02/12/2026 at 03:30PM.

[Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: You have heard the motion. Are you ready for the question? If so, all those in favor, please say aye. Aye. All those opposed please say nay. The ayes appear to have it, the ayes do have it and this body stands in adjournment until tomorrow.