Dennis: Death and drugs dominated legislative debates
But this session was also notable as much for what the Legislature didn’t do, as for what it did do.
Campaign for Vermont recommends government transparency initiatives
“I believe that transparency in our government is the single most important issue that we have to offer you,” said Bruce Lisman, founder of Campaign for Vermont.
Lineback: Hemp for (a strong) Vermont
To help resolve the state-federal conflict, two hemp bills have been introduced in the 113th Congress so far.
Pelham: The Legislature and your tax returns
In this dash for cash in the next legislative session, exposing Vermont’s taxpayers to higher risks that tax return privacy will be breached or its content politicized is reckless.
Margolis: Campaign finance problem is not the money, it’s finding the data
“Too much money” certainly does not seem to be the problem in Vermont, where only candidates for governor spend a lot of money …
Shumlin signs ‘patent troll’ bill aimed at protecting Vermont businesses against false claims
Trolls often file baseless claims hoping to force companies to pay a licensing fee to settle the claim out of court.
Battle of the Bills: Lawmakers pass 1 in 7 proposed measures
Of 713 bills proposed, Shumlin is left to sign stack of legislation 98 pieces high.
‘Death with Dignity’ signed into law in Vermont
Supporters pack the room at the end of divisive battle over physician-assisted death. Opponents to refocus their efforts.
Legislative Wrap-up: Marijuana decriminalization
Lawmakers introduced six bills that dealt with marijuana this session. They varied in scope from allowing people with post-traumatic stress disorder to use marijuana (H.213) to legalizing and taxing the substance (H.499). Five of them stayed on the shelf, but H.200 — a bill to decriminalize possession of up to one ounce of marijuana — [...]
Legislative Wrap-up: Bills we could see next year
Among the bills that didn’t make it to the finish line this session are those relating to Taser regulation, campaign finance reform, unionization for child-care workers and deputy state’s attorneys, social media privacy and pre-K access.
