S 64 — An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists
Last action — Senate Message: Signed by Governor June 18, 2026
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✓Introduced
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✓In Committee
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✓Passed Senate
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✓Passed House
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✓To Executive
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6Enacted
This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced February 11, 2025. Enacted.
Signed by Governor Phil Scott (Republican) on May 29, 2026.
Odds of enactment
High chanceBased on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a high chance of becoming law.
Upgrade to see the exact probability and what's driving it.
A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.
Prognosis
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Enacted
Current position in the legislative process.
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19 sponsors
19 primary, 0 co-sponsors signed on.
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Bipartisan support
Sponsored across 3 parties (10 R · 8 D · 1 I) — cross-party backing.
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Cleared a recorded vote
Passed 1 recorded vote so far.
Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.
In plain language
This bill changes the practice scope for optometrists.
The bill amends the scope of practice for optometrists, potentially allowing them to perform new services. This alters the legal framework within which they operate.
What this means for you
- Consumers: This means you may have access to more services from optometrists.
Bill Text
What changed in the latest version
290 added · 292 removedPlain-language change summary
The recent amendment to Bill S 64 clarifies the definition of the "practice of optometry." Specifically, it outlines the various roles optometrists play, such as diagnosing vision problems, treating eye diseases, and prescribing therapies and medications. This change is important because it helps establish a clearer scope of practice for optometrists, ensuring they can provide comprehensive eye care and improve patient understanding of their services.
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.64 Page 1 of 13 S.64 AnIntroduced actby relatingSenators toWhite, amendmentsBaruth, toBeck, theBrennan, scopeBrock, ofChittenden, practiceClarkson, forCollamore, optometristsDouglass, ItHardy, isHarrison, herebyHart, enactedMajor, byMattos, theNorris, GeneralPlunkett, AssemblyVyhovsky, ofWeeks theand StateWilliams ofReferred Vermont:to Committee on Health and Welfare Date:
February 11, 2025 Subject:
Professions and occupations;
Office of Professional Regulation;
health care professionals;
optometrists Statement of purpose of bill as introduced:
This bill proposes to revise and further define the scope of practice for optometrists.
It would also create an advanced therapeutic procedures specialty that would allow qualified optometrists to perform certain advanced therapeutic procedures.
An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont:
§§ 1703 1703 is amended to read:
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.64 Page 2 of 13 (2)(A) The “practice of optometry” means any one or combination of the following practices:
VT LEG #388422 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.64 Page 2 of 13 (ii)(II) prescribing and employing contact lenses;
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.64 Page 3 of 13 (D)(iv) Removing superficial foreign bodies from the eye and adnexa;
VT LEG #388422 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.64 Page 3 of 13 (I) surgery to remove lesions from the eye and adnexa and the accompanied restoration of tissue, including only the following:
(bb) excision and biopsy of nonrecurrent lesions of the adnexa without characteristics or obvious signs of malignancy, excluding any lesion involving the eyelid margin, involving the lacrimal supply or drainage BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.64 Page 4 of 13 systems, deeper than the orbicularis muscle, or larger than five millimeters in diameter;
(aa) injections of therapeutic pharmaceutical agents into the eyelid or its adnexa, including into the subconjunctival space, and including VT LEG #388422 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.64 Page 4 of 13 injections for the removal of chalazia and injections to administer local anesthesia;
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.64 Page 5 of 13 (B) The practice of optometry does not include performing any of the practices set forth in section 1720 of this chapter.
§§ 9402. 9402.
(i) any drug or other substance that must be administered by intraocular injection or intraocular implementation, except as authorized by VT LEG #388422 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.64 Page 5 of 13 subdivision (2)(A)(vi)(III) of this section for an optometrist holding an advanced therapeutic procedures specialty issued pursuant to subchapter 5 of this chapter;
§§ 1716a 1716a is amended to read:
RENEWAL BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.64 Page 6 of 13 (a) Licenses shall be renewed every two years upon payment of the required fee, provided that the person applying for renewal completes at least 40 hours of continuing education, approved by the Board, during the preceding two-year period and holds a current cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification.
§§ 1720 1720 is added to read:
§§ 1720. 1720.
PROHIBITED PRACTICES (a) An optometrist shall not perform any ophthalmic surgeries, with or without the use of lasers, or injection procedures, other than those set forth in VT LEG #388422 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.64 Page 6 of 13 subdivision 1703(2)(A)(vi) of this chapter.
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.64 Page 7 of 13 (5) laser or nonlaser injection in the posterior or vitreous chamber of the eye to treat any macular or retinal disease;
VT LEG #388422 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.64 Page 7 of 13 (13) incisional or excisional surgery of the extraocular muscles;
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.64 Page 8 of 13 (16) repair of an eyelid laceration larger than 2.5 centimeters, deeper than the orbicularis muscle, or involving the eyelid margin or lacrimal drainage structures;
(b)(1) An optometrist shall not prescribe or administer a drug or other substance that is listed as a Schedule I or II controlled substance pursuant to VT LEG #388422 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.64 Page 8 of 13 the federal Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C.
§§ 801 801 et seq., as amended, except as set forth in subdivision (2) of this subsection.
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.64 Page 9 of 13 Subchapter 5.
Diagnostic Pharmaceutical Agents Advanced Therapeutic Procedures Specialty §§ 1723. 1723.
§§ 1724. 1724.
VT LEG #388422 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.64 Page 9 of 13 (1) is licensed as an optometrist pursuant to subchapter 3 of this chapter;
(1) In order to obtain an advanced therapeutic procedures specialty, an optometrist who graduated from an optometric school or college prior to 2019 BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.64 Page 10 of 13 shall have completed a postgraduate course sponsored by an organization approved by the Board of Optometry that had a minimum duration of 32 hours and included the following didactic classroom instruction:
VT LEG #388422 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.64 Page 10 of 13 (J) common complications involving lids, lashes, and the lacrimal system;
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.64 Page 11 of 13 (Q) emergency surgical procedures;
VT LEG #388422 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.64 Page 11 of 13 (c) Preceptorship requirements;
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.64 Page 12 of 13 (D) at least two chalazion excisions;
VT LEG #388422 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.64 Page 12 of 13 (4) The preceptorship shall take place in a state in which the preceptor is licensed and authorized to perform the advanced procedures.
The applicant shall successfully pass written and clinical examinations administered by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO), including the NBEO Injections Skill BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.64 Page 13 of 13 Examination (ISE), the NBEO Laser and Surgical Procedures Examination (LSPE), and any other examination required by the Board by rule.
Show all 45 changed lines (5 more)
VT LEG #388422 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.64 Page 13 of 13 (2) An optometrist whose advanced therapeutic procedures specialty was issued by endorsement pursuant to this subsection may serve as a preceptor in this State.
§§ 1725. 1725.
§§ 1727 1727 is redesignated to read:
EFFECTIVE DATE This act shall take effect on January 1, 2027 July 1, 2028.
VT LEG #388422 v.1
Show all 45 changed rows (5 more)
View plain text versions (7)
- As Passed By the Senate (OfficialOpens in a new window) View text pdf
- As Passed By the Senate (UnofficialOpens in a new window) View text pdf
- As Passed by Both House and Senate (OfficialOpens in a new window) View text pdf
- As Passed by Both House and Senate (UnofficialOpens in a new window) View text pdf
- As EnactedOpens in a new window View text pdf
- Act SummaryOpens in a new window View text Current pdf
- Introduced As IntroducedOpens in a new window pdf
Amendments
2 amendments- House Proposal of Amendment (OfficialOpens in a new window) Show changes
- House Proposal of Amendment (UnofficialOpens in a new window) Show changes
Click Show changes on an amendment above to see how it modifies the bill.
Action History
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Senate Message: Signed by Governor June 18, 2026
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Signed by Governor on June 18, 2026
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Delivered to Governor on June 12, 2026
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Senate Message: House proposal of amendment concurred in
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Rules suspended & messaged to House forthwith, on motion of Senator Baruth
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As passed by Senate and House
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House proposal of amendment concurred in
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House proposal of amendment; text
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Rules suspended & taken up for immediate consideration, on motion of Senator Baruth
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House message: House passed bill in concurrence with proposal(s) of amendment
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Rules suspended and bill messaged forthwith to the Senate as moved by Rep. McCoy of Poultney
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Read third time and passed in concurrence with proposal of amendment
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Rules suspended and bill placed in all remaining stages of passage as moved by Rep. McCoy of Poultney
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Third Reading ordered
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Which was agreed to on a Roll Call Passed -- Needed 66 of 131 to Pass -- Yeas = 93, Nays = 38
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Rep. O'Brien of Tunbridge demanded yeas and nays
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Pending the question, Shall the bill be read a third time?, division demanded by Rep. Boyden of Cambridge
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Rep. Nugent of South Burlington moved that the House propose to the Senate to amend the bill, which was agreed to
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Rep. Mrowicki of Putney recommended for the Committee on Appropriations
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Rep. Waszazak of Barre City recommended for the Committee on Ways and Means
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Rep. Birong of Vergennes reported for the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs
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Rep. Soucy of Barre Town reported for the Committee on Health Care
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Read second time
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Rules suspended and taken up for immediate consideration as moved by Rep. McCoy of Poultney
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Notice Calendar: Favorable
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Pending entry on Notice Calendar, referred to Committee on Appropriations per Rule 35(a)
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Pending entry on Notice Calendar, referred to Committee on Ways and Means per Rule 35(a)
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Rep. Soucy of Barre Town moved to commit the bill to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs, which was agreed to
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Action Calendar: Favorable
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Notice Calendar: Favorable
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Read first time and referred to the Committee on Health Care
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Read 3rd time & passed
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New Business/Third Reading
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3rd reading ordered
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Motion to amend bill agreed to
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Recommendation of amendment by Senator(s) Morley, text
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Reported favorably by Senator Norris for Committee on Appropriations
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Reported favorably by Senator Mattos for Committee on Finance
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Reported favorably by Senator Morley for Committee on Health and Welfare
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Reported favorably by Senator Collamore for Committee on Government Operations
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Read 2nd time
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Recommendation of amendment to be offered by Senator(s) Morley
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Favorable report by Committee on Appropriations
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Favorable report by Committee on Finance
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Favorable report by Committee on Health and Welfare
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Favorable report by Committee on Government Operations
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Unfinished Business/Second Reading
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Recommendation of amendment to be offered by Senator(s) Morley
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Favorable report by Committee on Appropriations
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Favorable report by Committee on Finance
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Favorable report by Committee on Health and Welfare
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Favorable report by Committee on Government Operations
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Second Reading
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Recommendation of amendment to be offered by Senator(s) Morley
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Favorable report by Committee on Appropriations
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Favorable report by Committee on Finance
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Favorable report by Committee on Health and Welfare
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Favorable report by Committee on Government Operations
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Second Reading
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Entered on Notice Calendar
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Referred to Committee on Appropriations per Senate Rule 31
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Favorable report by Committee on Finance
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Favorable report by Committee on Government Operations
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Favorable report by Committee on Health and Welfare
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Entered on Notice Calendar
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Referred to Committee on Finance per Senate Rule 31
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Favorable report by Committee on Health and Welfare
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Favorable report by Committee on Government Operations
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Second Reading
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Entered on Notice Calendar
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Rules suspended & bill committed to Committee on Health and Welfare with the report of Committee on Government Operations intact, on motion of Senator Collamore
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Favorable report by Committee on Government Operations
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Second Reading
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Entered on Notice Calendar
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Committee on Health and Welfare relieved; bill committed to Committee on Government Operations on motion of Senator Lyons
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Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Health and Welfare
Sponsors
- Terry K Williams · Primary
- David H Weeks · Primary
- Tanya C Vyhovsky · Primary
- Robert Plunkett · Primary
- Robert W Norris · Primary
- Christopher P Mattos · Primary
- Joseph "Joe" D Major · Primary
- Larry Hart · Primary
- Wendy K Harrison · Primary
- Ruth E Hardy · Primary
- Samuel A Douglass · Primary
- Brian P Collamore · Primary
- Alison Clarkson · Primary
- Thomas I Chittenden · Primary
- Randy D Brock · Primary
- Patrick "Pat" M Brennan · Primary
- Scott L Beck · Primary
- Philip E Baruth · Primary
- Rebecca "Becca" E White · Primary
Sponsorship breakdown
Export CSV (upgrade) →19 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 171 not signed on · 36 voted No
Sponsors (19)
- Terry K Williams Republican
- David H Weeks Republican
- Tanya C Vyhovsky Progressive/Democrat
- Robert Plunkett Democrat
- Robert W Norris Republican
- Christopher P Mattos Republican
- Joseph "Joe" D Major Democrat
- Larry Hart Republican
- Wendy K Harrison Democrat
- Ruth E Hardy Democrat
- Samuel A Douglass Republican
- Brian P Collamore Republican
- Alison Clarkson Democrat
- Thomas I Chittenden Democrat
- Randy D Brock Republican
- Patrick "Pat" M Brennan Republican
- Scott L Beck Republican
- Philip E Baruth Democrat/Progressive
- Rebecca "Becca" E White Democrat
Co-sponsors (0)
None.
Not signed on (171)
171 members have not signed on to this bill.
Show all 171 →"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.
Votes
| Party | Yea | Nay | Present | Not Voting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | 45 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| Republican/Democrat | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Democrat | 39 | 33 | 0 | 11 |
| Unaffiliated | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Independent | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Progressive/Democrat | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 93 | 38 | 0 | 19 |
| % of votes cast | 62% | 25% | 0% | 13% |
How each member voted (150)
| Member | Party | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Casey | — | Yea |
| White | — | Yea |
| Casey | — | Nay |
| White | — | Nay |
| Hooper | — | Not Voting |
| Abbey Duke | Democrat | Not Voting |
| Alice M. M Emmons | Democrat | Yea |
| Alyssa Black | Democrat | Nay |
| Amy D Sheldon | Democrat | Nay |
| Angela Arsenault | Democrat | Nay |
| Barbara Rachelson | Democrat | Nay |
| Bram Kleppner | Democrat | Yea |
| Brian Minier | Democrat | Nay |
| Bridget M Burkhardt | Democrat | Nay |
| Carol Ode | Democrat | Nay |
| Charles A Kimbell | Democrat | Yea |
| Chea Waters Evans | Democrat | Nay |
| Christopher Morrow | Democrat | Yea |
| Daisy Berbeco | Democrat | Yea |
| Daniel A Noyes | Democrat | Yea |
| Dara Torre | Democrat | Not Voting |
| David K Durfee | Democrat | Yea |
| David W Yacovone | Democrat | Nay |
| Doug Bishop | Democrat | Nay |
| Edward "Teddy" Waszazak | Democrat | Yea |
| Edye Graning | Democrat | Yea |
| Ela Chapin | Democrat | Nay |
| Elizabeth L Burrows | Democrat | Nay |
| Emilie K Kornheiser | Democrat | Not Voting |
| Emilie Krasnow | Democrat | Nay |
| Emily Carris Duncan | Democrat | Yea |
| Emily J Long | Democrat | Yea |
| Emily J Long | Democrat | Nay |
| Erin Brady | Democrat | Nay |
| Esme Cole | Democrat | Yea |
| Gayle S Pezzo | Democrat | Nay |
| Golrang "Rey" Garofano | Democrat | Nay |
| Herb Olson | Democrat | Yea |
| Ian Goodnow | Democrat | Nay |
| James W Masland | Democrat | Yea |
| Jill L Krowinski | Democrat | Not Voting |
| John K O'Brien | Democrat | Yea |
| John L Bartholomew | Democrat | Not Voting |
| Jonathan Cooper | Democrat | Yea |
| Jubilee McGill | Democrat | Yea |
| Karen Lueders | Democrat | Nay |
| Karen N Dolan | Democrat | Nay |
| Kate Lalley | Democrat | Yea |
| Kate McCann | Democrat | Nay |
| Kate Nugent | Democrat | Yea |
| Kathleen C James | Democrat | Nay |
| Kevin "Coach" B Christie | Democrat | Not Voting |
| Kevin P Scully | Democrat | Not Voting |
| Kristi C Morris | Democrat | Yea |
| Larry Satcowitz | Democrat | Yea |
| Leanne Harple | Democrat | Yea |
| Leonora Dodge | Democrat | Nay |
| Leslie Goldman | Democrat | Yea |
| Lori Houghton | Democrat | Nay |
| Lucy Boyden | Democrat | Nay |
| Marc B Mihaly | Democrat | Yea |
| Martin J LaLonde | Democrat | Nay |
| Mary E. E Howard | Democrat | Not Voting |
| Mary-Katherine A Stone | Democrat | Not Voting |
| Matthew J Birong | Democrat | Yea |
| Michael Mrowicki | Democrat | Yea |
| Michael N Hoyt | Democrat | Yea |
| Michael Nigro | Democrat | Yea |
| Michelle Bos-Lun | Democrat | Not Voting |
| Mollie S. S Burke | Democrat | Nay |
| Monique Priestley | Democrat | Yea |
| Peter C Conlon | Democrat | Not Voting |
| Phil Pouech | Democrat | Yea |
| R. Scott Campbell | Democrat | Yea |
| Rebecca Holcombe | Democrat | Nay |
| Robert Hunter | Democrat | Yea |
| Robin P Scheu | Democrat | Nay |
| Sarah "Sarita" C Austin | Democrat | Nay |
| Saudia LaMont | Democrat | Yea |
| Shawn Sweeney | Democrat | Yea |
| Theresa A Wood | Democrat | Nay |
| Thomas S Stevens | Democrat | Yea |
| Tiffany Bluemle | Democrat | Nay |
| Timothy R. R Corcoran II | Democrat | Yea |
| Trevor J Squirrell | Democrat | Yea |
| Wendy A Critchlow | Democrat | Yea |
| William "Will" Greer | Democrat | Yea |
| Zon Eastes | Democrat | Nay |
| Anne B. B Donahue | Independent | Not Voting |
| Jed Lipsky | Independent | Yea |
| Joseph Parsons | Independent | Not Voting |
| Laura H Sibilia | Independent | Yea |
| Troy Headrick | Independent | Nay |
| Brian J Cina | Progressive/Democrat | Not Voting |
| Chloe Tomlinson | Progressive/Democrat | Yea |
| Kate Logan | Progressive/Democrat | Yea |
| Allen "Penny" R Demar | Republican | Yea |
| Anthony "Tony" Micklus | Republican | Yea |
| Beth M Quimby | Republican | Yea |
| Brenda Steady | Republican | Yea |
| Carolyn W Branagan | Republican | Yea |
| Chris A Taylor | Republican | Yea |
| Chris Brown | Republican | Nay |
| Chris Keyser | Republican | Yea |
| Christopher "Chris" A Pritchard | Republican | Yea |
| Christopher Howland | Republican | Yea |
| David "Dave" Bosch | Republican | Yea |
| David J Soucy | Republican | Yea |
| Deborah "Debbie" C Dolgin | Republican | Yea |
| Debra L Powers | Republican | Yea |
| Eileen G Dickinson | Republican | Yea |
| Eric Maguire | Republican | Not Voting |
| Gina M Galfetti | Republican | Yea |
| Gregory "Greg" Burtt | Republican | Yea |
| Jack H Brigham | Republican | Yea |
| James A Gregoire | Republican | Yea |
| John Kascenska | Republican | Yea |
| Joseph "Joe" Luneau | Republican | Yea |
| Joshua Dobrovich | Republican | Yea |
| Kenneth "Ken" L Wells | Republican | Yea |
| Kenneth W Goslant | Republican | Yea |
| Kevin C Winter | Republican | Not Voting |
| Larry Labor | Republican | Yea |
| Leland J Morgan | Republican | Yea |
| Lisa A Hango | Republican | Yea |
| Mark A Higley | Republican | Yea |
| Martha A Feltus | Republican | Yea |
| Mary A. A Morrissey | Republican | Yea |
| Matt E Walker | Republican | Yea |
| Michael "Mike" Southworth | Republican | Yea |
| Michael "Mike" Tagliavia | Republican | Yea |
| Michael Boutin | Republican | Yea |
| Michael J Marcotte | Republican | Yea |
| Michael R Morgan | Republican | Yea |
| Patricia A McCoy | Republican | Yea |
| Richard J Bailey | Republican | Yea |
| Richard M Nelson | Republican | Yea |
| Rob North | Republican | Yea |
| Sandra "Sandy" H Pinsonault | Republican | Yea |
| Thomas "Tom" F Charlton | Republican | Yea |
| Thomas B Burditt | Republican | Not Voting |
| Todd Nielsen | Republican | Not Voting |
| VL L Coffin IV | Republican | Yea |
| Wayne A Laroche | Republican | Yea |
| William P Canfield | Republican | Yea |
| Woodman H Page | Republican | Nay |
| Zachary J Harvey | Republican | Yea |
| Alicia Malay | Republican/Democrat | Yea |
| Ashley R Bartley | Republican/Democrat | Yea |
| Thomas Oliver | Republican/Democrat | Yea |
Subjects
Frequently asked questions
- Who sponsors S 64?
- S 64 is sponsored by Terry K Williams (Republican), David H Weeks (Republican), Tanya C Vyhovsky (Progressive/Democrat), Robert Plunkett (Democrat), Robert W Norris (Republican), Christopher P Mattos (Republican), Joseph "Joe" D Major (Democrat), Larry Hart (Republican), Wendy K Harrison (Democrat), Ruth E Hardy (Democrat), Samuel A Douglass (Republican), Brian P Collamore (Republican), Alison Clarkson (Democrat), Thomas I Chittenden (Democrat), Randy D Brock (Republican), Patrick "Pat" M Brennan (Republican), Scott L Beck (Republican), Philip E Baruth (Democrat/Progressive), and Rebecca "Becca" E White (Democrat).
- What is the current status of S 64?
- This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced February 11, 2025. Enacted.
- Where can I track S 64?
- Track S 64 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.
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