Gov. Phil Scott on June 14 signed into law:

• H.127, legalizing sports wagering
• H.461, changes in education law, including streamlining the home schooling process
• H.470, miscellaneous amendments to alcoholic beverage laws, including study of public safety impact of off-premises sale of alcoholic beverages
• H.480, property valuation and reappraisals
• H.493, capital construction and State bonding

Upon signing the capital construction bill, Governor Scott praised lawmakers’ foresight in setting aside $32 million for clean water projects, “which will draw down $375 million in federal dollars over the next several years. That incredible 12:1 ratio will support jobs, and community revitalization.”

The sports betting bill recognizes that Vermonters already bet on sports, Scott said.  “I first proposed Vermont legalize sports betting several years ago and I’m happy the Legislature has come to an agreement, as well. We know many Vermonters already participate in the marketplace and bringing it above board provides important resources and consumer protections. Vermont now joins many other states who have made this move.”

Governor Scott also allowed H.270, repealing the sunset of the Cannabis Control Board, to become law without signature. In his letter to the Legislature, he complained the bill usurps executive power. 

“I understand there is a need for an alternative structure for regulating controlled substances that remain federally illegal so that we do not compromise federal funding,” Scott said. “However, when removing the sunset on the CCB, the statutory authority of the CCB needs to be clarified to ensure constitutionality and accountability to the governor.

“Like the Department of Liquor and Lottery, the CCB exercises the police powers of the governor. It has investigators and enforcement agents. It has substantial rulemaking authority which affects the rights and obligations of licensees. The CCB is not a legislative body, nor is it quasi-judicial. 

“The Legislature has no authority to delegate the Constitutional power of the governor to faithfully execute the laws to an entity that is now permanently independent of the executive branch and is, therefore, not accountable to the people of Vermont. Constitutionally, the CCB must be accountable to the governor as part of the Executive Branch.”