by Guy Page

By an 18-11 roll call, the Vermont Senate Thursday passed the House version of S.18, the ban on flavored tobacco products. 

All  the yes votes were Democrats and Dem/Progressives. At least three non-Republicans joined the no votes. Voting yes were Phil Baruth, Chris Bray, Brian Campion, Tom Chittenden, Alison Clarkson, Ann Cummings, Martine Gulick, Ruth Hardy, Wendy Harrison, Nader Hashim, Ginny Lyons, Mark MacDonald, Dick McCormack, Andy Perchlik, Kesha Ram Hinsdale, Anne Watson, Becca White, and Irene Wrenner. No: Randy Brock, Brian Collamore, Russ Ingalls, Jane Kitchel, Robert Norris, Richard Sears, Robert Starr, Tanya Vyhovsky, David Weeks, Richard Westman, and Terry Williams.

The House version (pg. 468) also specifically banned flavored “Zins,” a nicotine product that comes in a chewing tobacco-like tin and like chew is often inserted between gums and lips. 

Selling flavored tobacco online is subject to a $5000, except to a licensed seller. Supporters of the bill say that middle school students are the fastest growing cohort of tobacco users, and that flavored tobacco targets the young. Opponents say it also targets minorities, because menthol cigarettes are popular among blacks. 

The bill faces third and final reading today, and if approved will go to Gov. Phil Scott for his signature. The governor has expressed concern about the potential loss of $14 in revenue, especially after the Budget Adjustment Act spent more than $15 million in excess, he has said. Supporters say it will save far more longterm in health care expenses.

The bill also has been criticized as an attack on civil liberties, especially given this Legislature’s support for legal marijuana and move by some towards decriminalization of hard drugs.

Youth crime bill passes third reading – S.58, which allows youth as young as 16 to be tried in adult court for three serious offenses, was given final approval by the Senate, and now goes to the House. The offenses are using a firearm while committing a felony,  trafficking a regulated drug, and aggravated stalking. Other offenses shall be tried in juvenile court if the crime was committed before the age of 20. The bill also makes age 21 the cutoff for juvenile court prosecution, if the crime was committed after the 19th birthday. The vote was 24-4 with Sens. Ingalls, Vyhovsky, Gulick, and Ram Hinsdale voting no. 

The Senate also gave final approval to S.213, the Flood Safety Act, on a voice vote. The bill passed second reading yesterday on a tripartisan vote of 24-4-2. Baruth said the bill will help reduce the risk of future flood damage by addressing dam safety, improving the state’s approach to development in river corridors and wetlands, and making watersheds more resilient in the face of the climate crisis. 

Data released by Vermont Emergency Management indicate that 2023 flooding events caused damage to over 4,000 homes and 800 businesses and led to over $200 million in damage to public infrastructure. This bill will help mitigate future flood risks by improving dam safety, wetland mapping and reporting and improving the management of high-hazard river corridors.

Flood safety bill passes Senate – The Senate also gave final approval to S.213, the Flood Safety Act, on a voice vote. The bill passed second reading yesterday on a tripartisan vote of 24-4-2. Baruth said the bill will help reduce the risk of future flood damage by addressing dam safety, improving the state’s approach to development in river corridors and wetlands, and making watersheds more resilient in the face of the climate crisis. 

Data released by Vermont Emergency Management indicate that 2023 flooding events caused damage to over 4,000 homes and 800 businesses and led to over $200 million in damage to public infrastructure. This bill will help mitigate future flood risks by improving dam safety, wetland mapping and reporting and improving the management of high-hazard river corridors.