Week 18 Where do important bills stand?

​Well our goal was to be finished with the 2019 legislative session on May 18th.  As we all know sometimes deadlines must be pushed out.  Although only the budget and revenue bills must pass prior to adjournment there are still several priority initiatives we are hoping to finalize this week.  Below is a recap of the legislative session thus far:
 
55 bills have been passed by both the House and Senate while 26 of those bills have been enacted into law. 
 
Bills enacted into law include (but not limited to):

• H26 which restricts retail and internet sales of electronic cigarettes, liquid nicotine and tobacco paraphernalia in Vermont
• S86 increases the legal age for buying and using cigarettes, electronic cigarettes and other tobacco products from age 18 to 21.
• S49 regulates polyfluoroalkyl substances in drinking and surface waters
• H528 creates the Rural Health Services Task Force
• S68 changes Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day
• H3 relating to ethnic and social equity studies standards for public schools

 
Bills awaiting the Governor’s action include (but not limited to):

• S169 establishes a 24 hour waiting period for the purchase of handguns and updates and provides clarity on several restrictions on the transfer and use of high capacity ammunition feeding devices. 
• H47 relating to the taxation of electronic cigarettes (was delivered to the Governor on May 17)
• S43 limiting prior authorization requirements for medication-assisted treatment
• H513 Broadband deployment (House concurred with Senate on Friday)

 
Bills yet to be resolved between House and Senate include (but not limited to):

• H542 Budget
• H541 Revenue bill
• S23 Raising the Minimum
• H107 Paid Family and Medical Leave
• H531 Child Care and Early Learning System
• S96 Clean Water Funding
• S113 Single-use Products/Plastics
• S40 Testing and remediation of lead in the drinking water of schools and child care facilities
• H511 Statute of Limitation Reform
• H533 Work Force Development

 
Fortunately this is year one of the biennium so unresolved bills will carry forth to next year. 
 
I’m happy to talk further about any of the bills listed here and those not listed.  I can always be reached at lhoughton@leg.state.vt.us or 373-0599.  June 1st is the next Essex/Westford community conversation from 8:30am to 10:00am at The Nest Café located on Main St in the Village. 
 
The time we spend in Montpelier is productive and important, but so is spending time in the community.  I look forward to adjourning this week and seeing everyone around the Village.  Please don’t ever hesitate to stop me in the street, at the grocery store or anywhere else – I’m always happy to chat.  Thank you for the continued opportunity to serve Essex Junction!