[G]ov. Phil Scott says he will sign the marijuana legalization bill behind closed doors “probably” before Monday.
The governor said his general counsel is reviewing the bill to ensure that “everything that is supposed to be in there is there.”
“It won’t be a public signing, but I will be signing it,” Scott said. “I have choices. I could let it go into law without my signature, and I’m not going to go that route. I’m going to sign it, but it won’t be a public affair.
“There are people on both sides of the fence,” Scott said. “Some very happy, some are disappointed. I recognize that and I want to respect that some don’t feel this is a momentous occasion, but the main thing is I will sign it, if everything holds true to what was supposed to be in the bill.”
Scott made the comments at his weekly press conference on Thursday.
The legislation legalizes one ounce of marijuana and possession of two plants per household. It includes provisions that restrict use in public places and underage use. It does not lay the groundwork for retail sales of the drug. A report to be issued in December examines a tax and regulatory framework for a retail market.
Scott condemns Trump’s comments
The governor condemned Trump’s comments last week in which he described Haiti and African nations as “shithole” countries.
“I wish I could say that I was surprised,” Scott said. “I wasn’t. It’s unfortunate. I keep talking about respect and civility, and we have to hold ourselves to a different standard. We should be role models for our kids.”
Trump uttered the vulgarity before several lawmakers in the Oval Office while asking why the U.S. accepts immigrants from those countries, according to reports.
“With behavior like that, and some of the comments made, it is detrimental to the cause and how we’re viewed as a country, so I think it’s just unfortunate,” Scott said. “All we can do is hold ourselves to a different standard and make sure we treat each other with respect and civility and welcome people to the state, and we need more people in the state.
Last week, Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, announced he would introduce articles of impeachment against Trump.
Activists on Tuesday urged Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt., to support the legislation. Welch said he was unsure he would support impeachment, but he said he would back a congressional censure of Trump.
Scott doesn’t think a move to impeach Trump has any chance of success.
“I don’t think you can impeach over a vulgarity,” Scott said. “[Trump] isn’t any different than when he went through the election process.”
The governor also said he didn’t know if censureship would be possible. “I’m not sure. That would be a concept in itself to censure Donald Trump. Maybe it should be a reality show.”
