By Guy Page
The Vermont Senate is likely to vote this week on Prop 1, a proposed constitutional amendment giving the Legislature more control over elected county officials, including sheriffs.
According to today’s Senate Calendar, Prop 1 has been placed on the Notice Calender – meaning it will likely be taken up tomorrow. It was voted out last week 5-1 by the Senate Government Operations Committee.
The proposed amendment adds to Section 50 of Chapter II of the Constitution about assistant (“side”) judges, sheriffs, and state’s attorneys: “The General Assembly may establish by law qualifications for the election to and holding of such office and procedures for removal from such office for failure to meet or to maintain the required qualifications.”
The House is currently considering impeaching Sheriff John Grismore for allegedly kicking a chained prisoner in the groin. Also, several other sheriffs have been under scrutiny for financial and/or manpower mismanagement. The state Criminal Justice Council has removed the law enforcement powers of Grismore, but can’t prevent him from holding the elected, essentially administrative office.
The proposal would have to be approved by two consecutive legislatures, then approved by voters in the November, 2026 general election.