Bill > H0674

This bill establishes the Vermont Sister State Program, which will be managed by the Agency of Commerce and Community Development and overseen by a Sister State Program Committee composed of various state officials, legislative members, and appointed experts. The Program's purpose is to enhance Vermont's international connections by fostering mutually beneficial relationships with foreign subnational governments, aiming to promote cultural exchange, economic development, educational cooperation, and diplomatic collaboration. The Committee will review applications for official sister state relationships, with the Agency of Commerce and Community Development conducting an initial verification and confidential review before forwarding eligible applications to the Committee. The Committee then makes a recommendation to the Governor, who has the final authority to approve or disapprove the proposed sister state relationship, formalizing it through a memorandum of understanding. The bill also mandates an annual report from the Committee detailing the Program's activities, outcomes, and future plans, and repeals provisions related to the Vermont-Ireland Trade Commission.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.674