The Senate Institutions meeting convened on Thursday, April 24, to address two primary agenda items: the finalization and voting on the capital bill, H.494, and a legislative IT update presented by Kevin Moore, the Director of Information Technology.

The meeting commenced with a focus on the capital bill, specifically the legal wording outlined in draft 3.1, dated April 23. The committee reviewed changes made to the bill, particularly on page 9, where language was clarified regarding funding directed to the Department of Housing and Community Development. This funding is intended for a competitive grant aimed at establishing a new recovery residence, as per the Vermont Recovery Housing Program action plan. The previous reference to "Saint Albans House" was removed, but the dollar amount allocated remained unchanged.

Additionally, a significant amendment was discussed concerning a report by the Joint Fiscal Office (JFO) on the cash fund versus bonding. This report is expected to provide insights into the implementation of a statute adopted in 2023, allowing the committee to make informed decisions in the future. The language on page 10, line 8, was adjusted to reflect this requirement for a comprehensive report.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to revisit these topics in future discussions, ensuring that the committee has ample time to consider the implications of the report without the pressure of immediate decisions. The next steps will involve further examination of the capital bill and the anticipated IT update from Kevin Moore in subsequent sessions.