MONTPELIER – This week felt like a much-needed breath of fresh spring air in the House Education Committee, and I want to share an update on some positive legislation we’ve been working on, separate from Act 73, that has recently passed unanimously out of committee. I think we could all use a bit of good news and a chance to celebrate progress together.
First of all, this week is National Libraries Week, and we marked the occasion by advancing legislation to support our public libraries. If you didn’t know that all legislation related to public libraries is handled by the Education Committee, you’re not alone: I learned that myself this session. It’s been a welcome surprise, especially since I grew up appreciating the many services libraries so quietly and humbly provide to our communities.
S.232, which originated in the Senate and is now before the House, expands support for Vermont’s public libraries by recognizing their vital role in our communities. The bill helps libraries access funding for after-school, summer, and early education programming by making them eligible for youth-related funds supported through cannabis sales tax revenue. It also simplifies grant applications and reporting requirements through the Agency of Education, an especially important step for small, rural libraries. However, my very favorite part of the bill is that it officially establishes “Vermont Libraries Day,” which will now be celebrated annually on the third Monday in October. I’m not quite sure yet how I’ll celebrate, but I know it will involve spending time in one of our wonderful Northeast Kingdom libraries.
The second bill we passed unanimously this week is S.227, which establishes clear immigration-related protocols for Vermont schools. The goal of this legislation is to ensure that every child has equal access to a free public education in a safe and supportive environment, regardless of immigration status.
This bill sets consistent, statewide expectations for how schools respond if immigration authorities come onto school property. It requires districts to adopt formal policies outlining how staff should handle these situations and what legal documentation must be presented before access is granted. It also protects sensitive student information by limiting what can be collected and shared, ensuring that schools do not disclose personal or immigration-related information unless legally required by a valid warrant or court order.
Importantly, this bill does not override federal law, prevent lawful enforcement actions or change immigration policy. Its purpose is to ensure that schools remain safe, welcoming places for all students and that families are not discouraged from sending their children to school out of fear.
Our legislature, as well as our community, has been deep into some heavy, complicated conversations lately, so it meant a lot to come together unanimously around a couple of bills that really reflect the kind of Vermont we all believe in. I’m proud, grateful, and encouraged that both of these bills brought our committee together in a truly bipartisan way. It’s encouraging to work on legislation where we can find common ground and make meaningful improvements for our communities and the state at large.
And speaking of coming together, a last quick reminder: my legislative coffee hours have moved to the first Saturday of the month. Our next gathering will be Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Highland Center for the Arts. I really value what is on your mind, and I hope that you’ll join me for some good neighborly conversation.
Leanne Harple represents Orleans-4, including the towns of Albany, Craftsbury, Glover and Greensboro.
Rep. Leanne Harple
Leanne Harple represents Orleans-4, the towns of Albany, Craftsbury, Glover and Greensboro.
