By Paul Bean
The Vermont House passed a bill Tuesday (5/27) that includes a measure to ensure driver’s licenses can reflect preferred gender identities, including the nonbinary “X” option, despite increased federal restrictions from the Trump administration on gender-neutral IDs for documents like passports.
S.123 makes many miscellaneous changes to motor vehicle practices. One of these changes allows license renewals at any time before expiration, extending the current six-month window, to help maintain accurate gender markers. It has passed the House and is returning to the Senate for review of House-made changes.
This Vermont bill is a response to a January 20 executive order issued by signed by President Donald Trump, mandating that federal agencies, including the State Department, recognize only two sexes (male and female) based on biological sex assigned at birth, effectively eliminating the “X” gender marker option for passports and prohibiting gender marker changes that do not align with birth certificates.
This policy, enforced by the State Department, suspended all passport applications requesting an “X” marker or gender changes, reversing Biden-era policies that allowed for transgender, nonbinary, and intersex individuals to claim their preferred gender, regardless of what gender they were assigned at birth.
Beyond the gender marker provision, S.123 addresses other motor vehicle-related issues including all-terrain vehicle (ATV) regulations and vehicle window tinting standards. This bill is now in the Senate waiting for their approval.
Passed by the Senate Yesterday:
H.50, titled “An act relating to identifying underutilized State buildings and land,” was introduced on January 14, 2025, by Rep. Connor Casey and Rep. Kate Maccan to address the efficient use of state owned properties.
The bill directs the Agency of Administration to identify and report on under-used state buildings and land by November, with recommendations for repurposing or getting rid of these assets to meet state needs, including such as housing, economic development, or cutting spending.
The Senate’s proposed amendment, as detailed in the provided document, refines the bill by specifying that the Commissioner of Buildings and General Services, in consultation with the Secretary of Administration, will oversee the process of identifying buildings.
It also mandates collaboration with relevant state agencies and municipalities, incorporates public input, and requires the reports to include detailed criteria for underutilization and potential economic or community benefits, with the bill taking effect upon passage.