Says 2027 start date leaves time for court challenges

by Guy Page

Governor Phil Scott on Thursday, June 12 signed into law a slate of bills addressing a wide range of issues including criminal justice reform, healthcare regulation, workforce development, online child safety, and housing.

Among the ten bills signed:

S.12 – An act relating to sealing criminal history records aims to expand record sealing for certain offenses, facilitating rehabilitation and reentry.

S.45 – Protection from nuisance suits for agricultural activities offers legal protections to farmers against certain lawsuits, reinforcing Vermont’s commitment to its agricultural heritage.

S.63 – Modifies regulatory duties of the Green Mountain Care Board, refining oversight responsibilities to improve efficiency.

S.69 – An age-appropriate design code, designed to enhance online safety for children, delays implementation until January 1, 2027.

S.109 – Miscellaneous judiciary procedures, technical updates and policy changes to streamline Vermont’s judicial system.

S.122 – Economic and workforce development legislation, which includes measures to address labor shortages and support regional job growth.

S.123 – Miscellaneous changes to motor vehicle laws, updates regulations impacting drivers and vehicle owners statewide.

S.124 – Miscellaneous agricultural subjects, covering various updates to farming-related regulations.

S.126 – Health care payment and delivery system reform, continues efforts to improve affordability and access in Vermont’s healthcare system. In particular, the bill establishes uniform ‘reference based’ pricing for services delivered by hospitals and other providers. 

S.127 – Housing and housing development, supports the state’s push to expand affordable housing and ease development constraints.

When signing S.69, Governor Scott acknowledged the growing concern over children’s online safety, stating:

“As we see more and more kids using technology, I believe most would agree we need to take steps to protect them in a reasonable and responsible way when they’re online. With ongoing lawsuits in other states, I recognize this new law will likely face a legal challenge. But I’m hopeful with the enactment of this law delayed until January 1, 2027, it will allow enough time to provide clarity and change the law if necessary.”

Critics of the new law say it creates barriers to legitimate businesses operated by teens, or marketing to teens.