Pursuant to Chapter II, Section 11 of the Vermont Constitution, I’m returning H.219, An act
relating to establishing the Department of Corrections’ Family Support Program, without my
signature because of my objections described herein:
I have no objection to providing family support programs for incarcerated parents and guardians,
however, this bill violates the constitutionally mandated, separation of powers by attempting to
obligate the Governor to include funding in the annual budget submission to the Legislature.
The Vermont Constitution Chapter II, Section 20 is clear. The Legislature has no authority to
direct the Governor on how to establish funding and policy priorities in the Governor’s budget
submission. For this reason, I cannot allow this bill to go into law.
I met with several lawmakers to notify them of my intent to veto the bill and provided assurances
that, because this program was also included in the budget (H.493, Sec E.338.1), it will move
forward in FY26 as planned. I would also welcome the Legislature to send me the bill again with
the change, if preferred, or address it next session.