Friday looks to be the end of the session. See what legislation has crossed the finish line by using VTDigger’s 2021 Bill Tracker.
VTDigger reporters have been covering more than 30 bills this year, including legislation ranging from redefining sexual consent to reforming the state’s bottle redemption program.
The tracker is an easy way to check in on the status of bills in the hectic moments that accompany every adjournment.
— VTDigger staff
The Senate signed off on a joint resolution declaring racism a public health emergency in the state.
The document, J.R.H.6, lists a variety of data points on racial disparities in health outcomes for Vermonters who are Black, Indigenous and people of color. It resolves that the Legislature commit to the “sustained and deep work” of eradicating racism and race-based health disparities.
Sen. Russ Ingalls, R-Essex-Orleans, was the lone senator to vote against the resolution.
“I want to work with every one of my colleagues to keep Vermont an inclusive state for all, as I believe it is now, but this joint resolution is something that I cannot support,” Ingalls said.
— Kit Norton
The upper chamber sent Scott legislation, S.47, that would allow electric vehicle makers to open direct-to-consumer outlets for vehicle maintenance and sales in the state.
The proposal has been described as the “Tesla bill” because it would open the door for Tesla, Inc. — the California-based maker of a popular line of high-end electric cars — to operate its own shops in Vermont. That would allow the company to sell and service vehicles directly in the state.
Tesla maintains that its cars must be sold and serviced directly by the company rather than through third-party dealers.
— KN
The Senate also delivered legislation to the governor Thursday aiming to improve social equity in Vermont’s budding marijuana market and modify the rollout of legal pot sales.
That bill, S.25, includes some advertising restrictions, sets up a legislative format for licensing fees to be approved before January 2022, and establishes a fund to help people of color and others hurt by past marijuana prohibitions to open cannabis businesses.
The Senate agreed with changes made by the House to the bill and sent it to the governor.
— KN
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