Vermont 2023-2024 Regular Session

Vermont House Bill H0517

Introduced
4/19/23  
Refer
4/19/23  
Refer
5/10/23  
Engrossed
5/11/23  
Refer
5/12/23  
Refer
5/12/23  
Enrolled
5/12/23  
Enrolled
5/12/23  
Enrolled
5/12/23  

Caption

An act relating to approval of the dissolution of Duxbury-Moretown Fire District No. 1 and to deputy State's Attorneys

Impact

The bill will effectively terminate the Duxbury-Moretown Fire District's operation, which could have implications for local emergency services and community governance. By transferring responsibilities to the Edward Farrar Utility District, the bill ensures that essential services will continue, but the local oversight and accountability mechanisms may change. This legislative action also sets a precedent for local government structure changes in Vermont, reflecting the state's evolving approach to managing municipal functions.

Summary

House Bill H0517 addresses two main issues: the dissolution of the Duxbury-Moretown Fire District No. 1 and the appointment process for deputy State's Attorneys. The bill seeks to formalize the dissolution which was already approved by the voters of the Fire District on August 6, 2022. Following this approval, the bill establishes that the Fire District will cease to exist as a political entity, transferring all its assets and liabilities to the Edward Farrar Utility District. This transition aims to maintain continuity in the services previously offered by the Fire District while simplifying local governance structures.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around H0517 appears to be neutral, with a focus on procedural rather than contentious elements. As the dissolution was previously voted on by residents, the bill seems to be viewed as a technical step to finalize the transition rather than one provoking significant debate. However, the appointment provisions for deputy State's Attorneys may evoke varied reactions depending on perceptions of legal efficiencies and state oversight versus local control.

Contention

There were no prominent points of contention raised during the discussions regarding the dissolution of the Fire District or the provisions for deputy State's Attorneys, indicating a consensus on the need for this legislation. The management of deputy State's Attorneys, particularly their capacity to prosecute across counties, is part of broader discussions concerning efficiency in the state's legal processes but did not highlight specific opposition during the transcripts.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

VT H0046

An act relating to approval of the dissolution of Colchester Fire District No. 3

VT H0503

An act relating to approval of amendments to the charter of the Town of St. Johnsbury

VT H0028

An act relating to including an affirmation option in oath requirements in Titles 1–10 of the Vermont Statutes Annotated

VT H0869

An act relating to approval of the merger of Brandon Fire District No. 1 and Brandon Fire District No. 2

VT H0875

An act relating to the State Ethics Commission and the State Code of Ethics

VT S0141

An act relating to approval of the charter of Fairfax Fire District No. 1

VT H0585

An act relating to amending the pension system for sheriffs and certain deputy sheriffs

VT H0516

An act relating to approval of amendments to the charter of the Town of Essex

VT H0258

An act relating to the provision of State-funded education in districts that do not maintain an elementary or high school

VT H0059

An act relating to approval of amendments to the charter of the City of Burlington

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