The bill H.406, introduced by Representative Headrick of Burlington, seeks to prohibit the naming of State buildings and facilities after individuals. The legislation highlights several findings, including the influence of contemporary politics on naming processes, the challenges faced by the State Building Naming Study Committee, and the historical inequities that have resulted in a lack of diverse representation in naming decisions. The General Assembly recognizes that the current process is fraught with difficulties, including political influence and administrative burdens, and aims to address these issues through this bill.

To implement this prohibition, the bill amends 29 V.S.A. § 820, stating that, with the exception of State transportation buildings named by the Transportation Board, the naming of State buildings and facilities must be authorized by the General Assembly. Furthermore, it specifies that no requests to name a State building or facility after an individual will be approved unless they have been formally sanctioned by the General Assembly by July 1, 2025. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 29-820