First, I just wanted to thank everyone who responded to our April update on the federal actions we’re tracking, regarding elections and government records / freedom of information – we received hundreds of responses! Our communications staff does watch the inbox, and works to address actionable questions either directly or by forwarding them to the appropriate division in the office.
Another way you can follow what our office is up to in between these monthly updates is on our social media pages. Links to our Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky accounts are right at the top of our “linktree” page: https://linktr.ee/vtsos
There’s also a link there to our past Front Porch Forum posts and all of our Commentary/Press Releases.
Elections Executive Order & SAVE Act Updates
Vermont joined 19 other states to file a lawsuit against the elections executive order, as well as a motion for a preliminary injunction to stop the Federal administration from implementing it while the lawsuit works its way through the legal system. The preliminary injunction has been granted, and the lawsuit is still pending. In other words, we’ve hit “pause,” and are working to hit “delete.”
The “SAVE Act,” which passed the US House, is not expected to pass in the Senate.
Temporary Officiant Program
With wedding season ramping up, I wanted to share some info about a lesser-known but lovely program in our office!
Did you know that anyone 18 years or older can officiate a wedding in Vermont? You don’t have to be ordained. You can apply for a Temporary Officiant (TO) Certificate for the wedding date!
It’s built into our business filing platform. Go to: https://bizfilings.vermont.gov/register
- Register an account and sign in.
- On the left, click “filings,” then at the bottom, click “temporary officiant.”
- Complete the online form and pay the $100 filing fee.
- Your certificate and receipt will be sent to your email immediately! There’s no wait time.
FAQs:
- Do I have to get the Marriage License first, before the TO Certificate?
- What if the wedding date changes?
- If you find you no longer need a Temporary Officiant Authorization, we can’t do refunds, but we can edit the authorization for use in a future ceremony.
- Note - we can’t backdate the certificate. If the ceremony has already happened, we can’t retroactively issue a certificate for it.
May news from our Office of Professional Regulation (OPR):
Veterinarians, Massage Therapists, PI & Security, AMCs and Radiologic Technologists – your license renewal deadline is the end of this month! Check your inbox for the notice, and head to https://sos.vermont.gov/opr/online-services/ to renew!
Calling all attorneys! Looking to fill out your schedule with some contractual-basis, engaging public service work? We’re seeking Administrative Law Officers (ALOs) to help us conduct in-house administrative hearings regarding the diverse array of licensed professions we oversee. ALOs serve in a quasi-judicial capacity, and are an invaluable part of our public protection mission! Learn more and submit a proposal here: https://www.vermontbusinessregistry.com/BidPreview.aspx?BidID=64449