News from Montpelier week 13 (2017)

The House began the week by taking a break for Caucus discussion of H519, the Capital Bill, before its being reported on the floor. Members of the Corrections and Institutions committee gave the groups information of the bill’s allocations via a spreadsheet. After the Representatives returned to the floor the bill was reported and supported. H519 authorizes expenditures to be appropriated over the two years of the biennium.
In the Transportation committee the week was bracketed by testimony on H287, an act relating to miscellaneous changes to laws related to vehicles and vessels. The bill as considered by the committee on Friday is a redrafting of the original version. Witnesses were present who spoke to the harm that has been caused by unmarked chains. Letters were submitted that spoke to the catastrophic nature of these preventable injuries from trauma center personnel. The desire of the committee remains steadfast to meet the intent of the bill without creating an undo liability for property owners.
The committee also took testimony on and discussed S127, an act relating to miscellaneous changes to laws related to vehicles and vessels. A section on distracted driving would add points to the offense of driving while using a handheld device and add, in a school zone as a more severe offense as is in work zones. The committee took testimony from members of several enforcement agencies as well as DMV on the issue of whether vehicles shall be required to display one plate or two. Along with the broader issue of two license plates being displayed, “retirement” of the Vermont Strong plate was discussed. S127 should move out of the Transportation committee next week. There are minor fiscal components in sections of the bill, so it will be viewed by the appropriate money committee before being reported on the floor.
The Statehouse was full of visitors on Friday. Groups were here from many areas of the State and for varied reasons but all seemed to take a moment to enjoy the display of the Vince Lombardi Trophy with its Patriot escorts. The Treasurer’s Office invited students and their escorts to the Pavilion building on Thursday to receive awards for the 2017 Financial Literacy Awards Ceremony. A second grader from Fairfax was selected as a winner for her participation in the Reading is an Investment Program. It was a pleasure to be able to offer my congratulations to her and her family.
Please continue to contact me at bmurphy@leg.state.vt.us, 802-849-6545, or by mail at 7 Lily Rd. The Sergeant at Arms office in the State House will pass on queries as well.