News from Montpelier 2021 session week 18

This is not the last week of session, but Committees of Conference have been convened for the critical bills. These conference committees held meetings to negotiate a consensus recommendation on H.433 an act relating to the Transportation Program and miscellaneous changes to laws related to transportation, H.439 an act relating to making appropriations to the support of government, and H.449 an act relating to the membership and duties of the Vermont Pension Investment Commission and the creation of the Pension Benefits, Design, and Funding Task Force. A Committee of Conference has also been convened for H.360 an act relating to accelerated community broadband deployment. H .R.11 House resolution further extending the House’s declaration of a state of emergency and authorizing alternative procedures as necessary thereafter was adopted. The target is still to adjourn session next weekend with dates set to return in June for a veto session if it is necessary.
Action on the House Floor included multiple roll calls on amendments and phases of passage of S.15 an act relating to correcting defective ballots. https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2022/S.15 The link is to where further information on these votes can be found. J.R.H.6 joint resolution relating to racism as a public health emergency was adopted by a roll call of 135 yeas to 8 nays but a vote to suspend rules and expedite the House action to the Senate failed on a roll call of 99 yeas to 42 nays, as that vote requires a three-quarter majority of those present. S.3 an act relating to competency to stand trial and insanity as a defense was also passed on a roll call vote of 143 yeas to 0 nays to concur with further instance of amendment.
Other bills which passed this week included H.420 an act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects, H.438 an act relating to capital construction and State bonding, H.171 an act relating to the governance and financing of Vermont’s child care system, H.177 an act relating to approval of an amendment to the charter of the City of Montpelier, H.428 an act relating to hate-motivated crimes and misconduct, H.430 an act relating to eligibility for Dr. Dynasaur-like coverage for all income-eligible children and pregnant individuals regardless of immigration status, H.426 an act relating to addressing the needs and conditions of public school facilities in the State, S.47 an act relating to motor vehicle manufacturers, dealers, and warranty or service facilities and S.22 an act relating to health care practitioners administering stem cell products not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Of these bills some passed in concurrence and several with further amendment for the Senate to respond to.
J.R.H.2 joint resolution sincerely apologizing and expressing sorrow and regret to all individual Vermonters and their families and descendants who were harmed as a result of State-sanctioned eugenics policies and practices passed with a further amendment to the Senate’s proposal of amendment. The General, Housing, and Military Affairs committee recommended a small change to the changes made by the work of the Senate after reviewing the Senate actions with a representative of the Office of Legislative Council. Committees are on standby to respond to action on bills that are returning from the Senate for the most part but are also able to take testimony on bills that may remain ‘on the wall’ for action when the General Assembly reconvenes in January.
Representative Barbara S Murphy bmurphy@leg.state.vt.us 802-849-6545