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VNPA Lobbyist Update - week of 4/14/2018

Posted almost 6 years ago by Callan Janowiec

SCOTT STANDS STRONG

Week 14 was defined by one of the more striking moments in recent Vermont political history. Governor Phil Scott, flanked by his wife Diana, legislative leadership and lawmakers from all parties, signed three bills that create new gun safety measures. The governor chose to sign the bills on the steps of the statehouse, which is usually the approach with legislation that enjoys wide popular support and little opposition. S.55, S.221 and H.422, but especially S.55, stirred more controversy over the last two months than any legislation in recent memory and a large crowd gathered at the steps well before the 2:00 pm signing. The crowd was split relatively evenly between supporters and protesters, the latter wearing blaze orange, who carried signs and surged toward the podium when the governor approached. 

As the governor began to speak he was assailed by shouts and jeers from protesters standing only a few feet away. The governor proceeded to speak for more than 20 minutes, his voice approaching a yell at times to cut through the protests. It was a stunning contrast to the traditionally subdued tone of Vermont state politics, and afterward many longtime lawmakers, lobbyists and government staff were quick to admit they had rarely seen anything like it in Montpelier. Scott was determined to make his reasons for signing the bills known. He described how a barely-averted school shooting in Fair Haven jolted him to action and that he believes the legislation does not infringe on 2nd amendment rights. He talked about the need for civil public dialogue and more respect for opposing views in politics. It was a striking to see the normally soft-spoken governor stare down an angry crowd as he delivered his speech. Supporters of the legislation grew louder as the speech went on, and each line became punctuated by a hail of cheers and boos. When Democratic House Speaker Mitzi Johnson and Senate President Tim Ashe spoke, the cheers and boos continued. Each leader thanked their respective chambers for the work they put into the gun safety legislation, and urged all sides to move forward. 

The dramatic bill signing was the culmination of the gun safety debate, which has become the unexpected centerpiece of the 2018 legislative session. There are still many debates to be had and decisions to be made before adjournment, but it is unlikely any issue will come close to rivaling the intensity of the gun control debate. 

GUN SAFETY LEGISLATION
S.55 was by far the most controversial of the gun safety bills. S.55 requires background checks for private gun sales. Exchanges between family members are exempt. The bill also raises the age at which a person can purchase a firearm to 21, bans “bump-stocks” and limits handgun and rifle magazines to 15 rounds and 10 rounds respectfully. 

S.221 allows law enforcement officials to seize weapons from individuals deemed to be an “extreme risk” to themselves or others. Upon receiving an extreme risk order from a judge, the weapons can be held for up to 60 days. 

H.422 would allow law enforcement officials to seize weapons from someone charged with domestic violence. A court order is not required. 

NET NEUTRALITY
The House Energy & Technology Committee approved, twice, an amended version of the Senate’s net neutrality bill.  The committee removed the centerpiece of the Senate passed bill--that companies providing broadband service to state government be net neutral.  In lieu of that provision the House committee’s version of the bill requires the Attorney General’s Office to review the federally required disclosures broadband providers make concerning how they operate their networks and then indicate on its website whether those providers comply with the principles of net neutrality.  In addition, the committee’s version of the bill calls for a study of net neutrality.  The committee’s action came after considerable discussion and upon the heels of a 5-3 vote, with the dissenters voting no because they wanted a tougher bill.  The day after that vote the committee reconsidered its previous decision, but then decided to stick with it, this time by an 8-0 vote.  The bill will be on the House floor next week.

SENATE ECON BILL FLURRY
The Senate Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs Committee has nearly 20 House-passed bills in committee for consideration before the General Assembly adjourns for the year. This is an incredible amount of work for any committee in one month. Some of the bills are:
  • H.196, A bill to create a fund to pay for family leave
  • H.571, A bill to merge the departments of liquor and lottery
  • H.707, A bill that addresses sexual harassment in the workplace
  • H.710, A bill that carves out “small” brewers from the beer franchise law
  • H.764, A bill that regulates data brokers
  • H.919, A bill related to workforce development 

TRANSPORTATION UPDATE
This week the Senate Transportation Committee continued its work on H.917, the transportation bill. They are working on language regarding abandoned vessels, truck weights on village roads and changes to statutes related to aviation fuel, among other things. The House Transportation Committee continued to take testimony on S.272, the DMV Miscellaneous bill. This bill includes significant changes to Vermont’s motor vehicle safety inspection program.

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