by Guy Page
The House and Senate Journals for yesterday’s floor action revealed significant appointments and some sideways or non-movement of major legislation.
S. 258, the controversial Fish and Wildlife bill, was sent to the Senate Appropriations Committee yesterday. Bills that have an impact on 2025 budget spending are given a lookover by Appropriations.
S.258 would render the Fish & Wildlife Board advisory, give rulemaking authority to the Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, create restrictive property setbacks for hunting and trapping, and prohibit hunting coyotes with dogs.
The Senate Journal also reported that Gov. Scott has reappointed the chair of the Cannabis Control Board, James Pepper, through 2027.
Christopher Gomez of Rutland was named Commissioner of the Vermont Housing Finance Agency through 2028.
Christina Marie Bordeau of South Burlington and Christopher Hardy of Orleans were appointed to the Community High School of Vermont Board. William B. Bowden was named to the VT Citizens’ Advisory Council on Lake Champlain’s Future.
The Senate also passed a resolution urging the U.S. Post Office to reestablish a post office in Montpelier. The longtime federal building on State Street has been vacant since the July flood.
In the House, action on S.18 – the ban on sale of flavored tobacco and other tobacco products – was postponed until (at least) today. Postponement often means the bill may lack the votes to pass. S.18 supporters say it promotes healthy Vermonters, saves millions in health care spending over the long run, and restricts targeting minorities and youth with unhealthy products. Critics say it unfairly targets a recreational product that is especially popular among minorities, and will cost the State of Vermont up to $14 million in lost tax revenue.
H766, concerning details of health care insurance, passed the House unanimously in a roll call vote. Comments included:
Rep. Carolyn Branagan of Georgia (GOP) explained her vote as follows: “Madam Speaker: I vote yes on H.766 for the great value it has for Vermont’s caregivers. And I appreciate the help given to me by committee members yesterday in finding a solution for the slow payment of physicians providing medications in their office as a result of the recent computer hacking.”
Rep. Kari Dolan of Waitsfield (D) explained her vote as follows: “Madam Speaker: I stand in support of this bill. My own daughter, at age 16, was denied cancer treatment. We worked with her oncologist to fight that decision. This bill is long overdue. This bill will help other families who otherwise could face similar difficult and unconscionable decisions.”