Fourth installment of 2020 Vision, a look at Vermont House committees and the legislation they may consider next year.

by Guy Page

December 17, 2019 – Members of the Vermont House Judiciary Committee have sponsored extensive legislation on racial bias, criminal sentencing, domestic violence, drug possession, gun restrictions, and other issues related to courts and crime. The bills below represent most of the bills now under committee review that have been sponsored or co-sponsored by committee members.

There is no guarantee that Judiciary will consider any of these bills. Most committees prioritize legislation they will consider during the first month of the session. However, bills sponsored by committee members often take priority over those that do not. See committee link above for full list of bills now “in committee.”

Committee members include:

Maxine Grad, Chair. The Moretown Democrat is an attorney and Vermont Law School graduate. Thomas Burditt, Vice Chair. West Rutland Republican, 12 generation Vermonter, operated Rutland-area landscaping business for 24 years. Martin LaLonde, Ranking Member – South Burlington Democrat, hunter, attorney, longtime U.S. DOJ environmental lawyer, artist, violin player, school board member. Kevin “Coach” Christie – Democrat born in Hartford CT, moved to Hartford VT in 1973. Career has included auto repairman, tech educator, coach, foster care case manager. Selene Colburn – Burlington Progressive born and raised in Burlington. Librarian. Dancer. 2002 co-founded Vermont Access to Reproductive Freedom. Kenneth Goslant – Northfield Republican, longtime selectman. Operates Gosland Granite Company which he founded in 1989. Started Norwich University women’s hockey club team. Nader Hashim – former state police officer now a paralegal in a Brattleboro law firm. Boston-born, D.C. raised. William Notte – Rutland Democrat, lifelong Rutland city resident, longtime alderman. Bookstore manager, book editor. Barbara Rachelson – Burlington Democrat, New Jersey native, executive director of Lund (formerly Lund Home). Former legislative aide in Congress. Patrick Seymour – 2018 Northern Vermont University – Lyndon grad, dairy farmer. Works part time at St. J. distillery.