Vermont Towns Face New Security Scrutiny | Montpelier News

Vermont towns are being asked to report large public events—like parades and festivals drawing 2,500 or more people—as part of a federal SEAR program designed to assess potential security risks. While previously only emergency services were contacted, the Vermont Homeland Security Unit now reaches out to town clerks, sparking debate over civil liberties and the definition of “high-risk.” Some officials worry constant monitoring could infringe on First Amendment rights, while state leaders stress this is standard nationwide practice, data is kept for only one year, and the goal is to boost community resilience without targeting individuals. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/f08bd4f8c21131f8