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[L]awmakers wrapped up work at the Statehouse nearly two months ago, but it wasn’t until the beginning of this week that changes in statute became a reality.
Twenty-one bills and 22 new provisions in state statute took effect on July 1.
In all, legislators passed 93 bills by adjournment — perhaps a surprising number, in light of criticism that it was a “do-nothing Legislature.” (Two major Democratic priorities — paid family leave and minimum wage legislation — failed.)
Only two bills, S.169 and S.37, were vetoed by Gov. Phil Scott. The rest either already have or are about to become law.
For a complete list of what made the finish line and what didn’t, click here.
The following bills went into effect July 1:
H.47 and S.86: Electronic cigarettes
A 92% excise tax on electronic cigarettes goes into effect July 1. Vape shops say the new legislation could put them out of business. In an effort to reduce youth tobacco use, lawmakers also raised the legal age for tobacco purchase from 18 to 21, the same legal age for alcohol and marijuana. That provision takes effect in the fall.
H.63: Weatherization
Under this provision, the state’s energy efficiency utility, Efficiency Vermont, will be required to funnel any surplus money from electric bill fees into weatherization incentives for median-income residents. Legislation that would have increased the fuel tax to fund weatherization failed.
S.68: Indigenous People’s Day
Columbus Day has been eliminated and will be recognized as Indigenous People’s Day. Vermont is one of the first states to rename the second Monday in October. The bill received very little opposition from lawmakers.
H.205: Neonicotinoid pesticides
This bill restricts the use of a class of pesticides that are toxic to bees. The group in question, neonicotinoid pesticides, are the most widely used kind of insecticides and their harm to bees has been well documented. The bill targets home use primarily, while some agricultural and commercial uses may continue.
H.330: Childhood sexual abuse
While there is no criminal statute of limitations on cases of childhood sexual abuse, this bill removes the six-year statutory limit on civil charges. Vermonters can now retroactively file civil suits against abusers from childhood.
H.460: Criminal expungement
This bill expands the list of offenses that can be expunged and sealed in Vermont. It includes possession charges for eight drug categories, forgery, and some types of burglary. Some DUI charges are also eligible, along with offenses unconditionally pardoned by the governor. It has been lauded by both criminal justice advocates and by supporters who say it will help increase participation in the economy.
H.536: Education funding
The Legislature and the Scott administration raised Vermont’s average property tax rate by a penny to fund education. The nonresidential rate, for commercial property, rental property, and second homes, will increase a similar amount.
