Clerk of the Vermont House of Representatives – Montpelier, VT

Clerk of the Vermont House of Representatives: Guardian of the Legislative Record

The Office of the Clerk of the House is the non-partisan administrative heart of the Vermont House of Representatives, located within the historic State House at 115 State Street. Elected by the House membership at the beginning of each biennium, the Clerk is responsible for the accuracy, integrity, and preservation of the legislative record. This office serves as the primary resource for parliamentary procedure, ensuring that the legislative process adheres to the Vermont Constitution, state statutes, and the Rules of the House.

Legislative Records and Journals

One of the Clerk’s most critical duties is the production of the official records of the House’s proceedings.

• The House Journal: The Clerk’s staff compiles and publishes the daily and permanent Journals, which record all votes, motions, and actions taken by the body. This is the constitutional record of the House.
• The Calendar: The office prepares the daily Calendar, which sets the agenda for the House floor, listing all bills and resolutions up for consideration.
• Bill Tracking: The Clerk ensures that all bills, resolutions, and acts are properly processed, tracked, and routed to the appropriate committees or the Senate.

Parliamentary and Administrative Support

The Clerk acts as the chief parliamentarian for the House, advising the Speaker and members on complex procedural questions.

• Oaths of Office: The Clerk administers oaths to members, staff, and witnesses appearing before committees.
• Roll Call Votes: The office manages the electronic voting system and records roll call votes when required by the rules.
• Committee Support: Staff provide technical and procedural assistance to House committees, ensuring that committee reports are filed correctly.

Public Access and Transparency

While primarily serving the legislature, the Clerk’s Office plays a vital role in transparency by making legislative documents available to the public.

• Document Access: The office maintains copies of bills, acts, and journals for public inspection.
• Educational Resources: The Clerk often assists in educating the public and new members about the intricacies of the legislative process.