Vermont's Senate bill S.208 - is a bill that would require identification standards for law enforcement officers operating in the state — including federal agents, with reasonable exceptions for undercover work, tactical situations, and cold weather. It was a measured, principled response to a real and documented concern.
Then the Vermont House stripped federal agents out of the bill entirely.
By a vote of 77-65, the House removed the very provision that made S.208 meaningful. The reason given was fear of litigation. But as Rep. Conor Casey put it, Vermont cannot call itself the Brave Little State "while retreating from difficult issues because litigation may follow."
Sixty-five House members voted to keep federal agents in the bill. The Senate has not yet accepted the House changes. There is still time.
Rep. Jubilee McGill said the issue is not political. It is about whether government power in a democracy must remain "visible, identified and accountable to the public." That principle does not stop applying the moment an agent works for the federal government instead of the state.
We are calling on the Vermont Senate to reject the House's weakened version of S.208 and demand a conference committee that restores the original language covering federal agents.
Do not abandon this bill. Do not abandon the Vermonters who need it.
 

Photo: ICE via Bay City News