Bill H.362, introduced by Representative Headrick of Burlington, seeks to reform the State recognition process for Native American tribes and enhance the operations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Vermont. The bill establishes a task force to review the validity of prior recognitions of Native American tribes and mandates increased transparency in the Commission's deliberations. It allocates grant funding for cultural preservation projects led by the Odanak Abenaki and emphasizes community inclusion and restorative justice, aligning with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Key provisions include requiring genealogical evidence of Indigenous ancestry verified by independent experts for recognition applications and prohibiting individuals affiliated with groups seeking recognition from serving on the Commission or review panels.

Additionally, the bill amends several sections of Title 1 of the Vermont Statutes Annotated, mandating that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission submit quarterly reports to the General Assembly on its progress and expenditures. It also subjects the Commission to the Vermont Open Meeting Law, ensuring public access to meetings and documentation. A new legislative Oversight Committee is created to monitor the Commission's compliance with transparency and ethical standards, while the State Auditor is tasked with evaluating the Commission's operations and reporting findings to legislative committees by December 15, 2026. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 1-852, 1-853, 1-902, 1-906, 1-908, 1-911