Vermont House of Representatives

Vermont House of Representatives
Name	Vermont House of Representatives
Legislature	Vermont General Assembly
House type	Lower house
Body	Vermont General Assembly
Term limits	None
Foundation	1791
Leader1 type	Speaker
Leader1	Jill Krowinski
Election1	2021
Leader2 type	Majority Leader
Leader2	Emily Long
Election2	2023
Leader3 type	Minority Leader
Leader3	Patricia McCoy
Election3	2019
Members	150
Political groups1	• Democratic (104), • Republican (38), • Progressive (5), • Independent (2), • Vacant (1)
Meeting place	Vermont State House, Montpelier
Website	legislature.vermont.gov

Vermont House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the Vermont General Assembly, the state legislature of the U.S. state of Vermont. It convenes at the Vermont State House in the capital city of Montpelier. With 150 members, it is one of the largest state legislative bodies in the United States.

History

The House traces its origins to the revolutionary Vermont Republic, established in 1777 prior to Vermont's admission to the United States in 1791. Its early sessions were held in various towns, including Windsor and Rutland, before the capital was permanently established in Montpelier. Notable historical figures who served include Ethan Allen, a leader of the Green Mountain Boys, and Matthew Lyon, who was later elected to the United States House of Representatives and famously prosecuted under the Sedition Act of 1798. The chamber has been the site of significant legislative debates, including those leading to Vermont's 1777 constitution which banned adult slavery.

Composition

The House is composed of 150 members elected from single- and multi-member districts. The body is dominated by the Vermont Democratic Party, which holds a supermajority, with the Vermont Republican Party as the primary minority. Smaller contingents include members of the Vermont Progressive Party and independents. This composition reflects Vermont's distinct political landscape, which has shifted from a historically Rockefeller Republican stronghold to one of the most Democratic states in New England, while also fostering a notable progressive movement.

Leadership and committees

Leadership is headed by the Speaker of the Vermont House of Representatives, a position held by Democrat Jill Krowinski. Other key officers include the Majority Leader, Emily Long, and the Minority Leader, Patricia McCoy. The chamber's work is conducted through standing committees such as the powerful Appropriations Committee, the Ways and Means Committee, and the Judiciary Committee. These committees review legislation on topics ranging from the state budget to environmental law.

Powers and responsibilities

The House shares equal legislative power with the Vermont Senate, including the introduction and passage of bills, the overriding of gubernatorial vetoes, and the confirmation of certain executive appointments. It holds the sole power to initiate revenue bills and to bring articles of impeachment against state officials, which are then tried by the Senate. The chamber plays a critical role in crafting the state's annual budget and enacting laws on education, healthcare, and environmental policy, such as the Global Warming Solutions Act.

Elections and districts

Representatives are elected to two-year terms in elections held in even-numbered years, coinciding with elections for the Governor of Vermont and the United States House of Representatives. District boundaries are drawn by the bipartisan Vermont Legislative Apportionment Board following each United States Census. The state's unique use of some multi-member districts, particularly in Chittenden County, allows for proportional representation within those areas. Campaigns are often locally focused, with candidates from parties like the Liberty Union Party also occasionally contesting seats.

Current session and membership

The current session, the 2023-2024 biennium, is operating under Democratic supermajority control. Key legislative priorities have included addressing the COVID-19 pandemic recovery, expanding child care subsidies, and advancing climate initiatives. Notable members include Representative Taylor Small, the first openly transgender legislator in Vermont, and Representative John Bartholomew. The chamber continues to meet in the historic Vermont State House, with proceedings often streamed by Vermont Public.

Category:Vermont House of Representatives Category:State lower houses in the United States Category:Government of Vermont