SmartTranscript of House Session: 2025-03-18-10:00 a.m.

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[18 seconds of silence] [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: Will the house please come to order? Members kindly take their seats. Good morning. Good morning. The devotional today will be led by Cameron Ainsworth, who is a pastor at the Rock of Greater Burlington Church. [Pastor Cameron Ainsworth]: Thank you. Father God, I ask your blessings and your mercies upon those legislators here assembled in Montpelier, in the capital of this beautiful and historic Green Mountain State. Let them be equipped with every good thing, sanctified, and held upright as they labor tirelessly to assist the people of Vermont. Let them serve and lead even as your son came to serve and to lead with mercy, with justice, with compassion, and with resolve. Uplift them through all hardship, through all snares of dissension and difference, that they may be worthy of the mighty trust imparted upon them by the citizens of this state. Sanctify them, oh Lord, and strengthen their hands as they go about fulfilling this sacred trust. For indeed, it is a sacred trust, As you have declared in your holy word, there is no authority except from you, and all the authorities that exist are appointed by you. As you have also said, rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. May the people of Vermont be blessed by the holy work done here today. May they have cause to rejoice in their quality of life. Though Vermont is a small and sparsely populated state, may it be a mighty exemplar of justice, of peace, and of prosperity. We pray for those Vermonters still struggling with the repercussions of recent floods and other natural disasters. May they be comforted, may they be delivered from their pain and sorrow, and may they have justified confidence in this august body to lead, to guide, and to protect them. As your son Jesus said, blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God. May that truly be said of each one of us here today. In the name of the father, of the son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: Members, please rise as Paige Skyler Barnard of Montpelier leads us in the pledge of allegiance. [Member from Newport City]: I pledge allegiance to the flag, the United States of America, [Speaker 3 ]: and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, liberty, and justice for all. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: Members, we have six house bills for introduction today. The first is house bill four eighty, which is an act relating to miscellaneous amendments to education law introduced by the committee on education. Please listen to the first reading of the bill. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: H four eighty. An act relating to miscellaneous amendments to education law. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: Now the bill's been read the first time and as a committee bill is placed on the calendar for notice on the next legislative day pursuant to house rule forty eight. Next is house bill four eighty one, which is an act relating to stormwater management introduced by the committee on environment. Please listen to the first reading of the bill. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: H four eighty one, an act relating to stormwater management. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: Now the bill's been read the first time in infecting the revenue of the state. It is referred to the committee on ways and means pursuant to house rule thirty five a. Next is house bill forty two, which is an act relating to the Green Mountain Care Board Authority to adjust a hospital's reimbursement rates and to appoint a hospital observer introduced by the committee on health care. Please listen to the first reading of the bill. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: H four eighty two. An act relating to Green Mountain Care Board Authority to adjust the hospital's reimbursement rates and to appoint a hospital observer. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: Now the bill's been read the first time and as a committee bill, it is placed on the notice calendar for the next legislative day pursuant to house rule forty eight. Next is house bill four eighty three, which is an act relating to the expansion of existing income tax credits introduced by the committee on ways and means. Please listen to the first reading of the bill. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: H forty three. An act relating to the expansion of existing income tax credits. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: Now the bills been read the first time and it as a committee bill, it is placed on the calendar for notice on the next legislative day pursuant to house rule forty eight. The next is house bill forty four, which is an act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects introduced by the committee on agriculture, food resiliency, and forestry. Please listen to the first reading of the bill. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: Each four eighty four, an act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: Now the bill has been read the first time and affecting the revenue of the state is referred to the committee on ways and means pursuant to House rule thirty five a. And finally, we have House Bill four eighty five, which is an act relating to granting state employees and the executive branch and judiciary the right to strike introduced by representative Casey of Montpelier. Please listen to the first reading of the bill. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: H forty five. An act relating the grants granting state employees in the executive branch and judiciary the right to strike. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: Now the bills are the first time and is referred to the committee on general and housing. Members, we have three senate bills for refer for referral this morning. The first is senate bill twenty eight, which is an act relating to access to certain legally protected health care services introduced by senator Hardy and others. Please listen to the first reading of the bill. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: S twenty eight, an act relating to access to certain legally protected health care services. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: Now the bill's been read the first time and is referred to the committee on health care. Next is senate bill fifty, which is an act relating to increasing the size of solar net metering projects that qualify for expedited registration introduced by senator Watson and others. Please listen to the first reading of the bill. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: S fifty. An act relating to increasing the size of solar net metering projects that qualify for expedited registration. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: Now the bill's been read the first time and is referred to the committee on energy and digital infrastructure. And finally, senate bill sixty nine is an act relating to age appropriate design code introduced by senator Harrison and others. Please listen to the first reading of the bill. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: S sixty nine, An act relating to an age appropriate design code. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: Now the bill's been read the first time and is referred to the committee on commerce and economic development. Members, we also have six bills on the notice calendar that require referral to a money committee pursuant to house rule thirty five a. And we'll start with the ones affecting the revenue of the state and therefore referred to the committee on ways and means. They are house bill two thirty seven, which is an act relating to establishing the Vermonters feeding Vermonters grant at the agency of agriculture, food, and markets. The second is house bill three nineteen, which is an act relating to miscellaneous environmental subjects. Third, house bill three ninety seven, which is an act relating to miscellaneous amendments to the statutes governing emergency management and flood response. And finally, house bill four zero one, which is an act relating to exemptions for food manufacturing establishments. Finally, these next two bills carry an appropriation and therefore refer to the committee on appropriations. They are house bill one sixty seven, which is an act relating to establishing the Vermonters feeding Vermonters grant at the agency of agriculture, food, and markets, and house bill two thirty one three twenty one, which is an act relating to miscellaneous cannabis amendments. Members, we have a joint house resolution to take up at this time. JRS three is a joint resolution authorizing the Green Mountain Boys State and Green Mountain Girls State educational programs to use the state house facilities on June twenty six twenty twenty five offered by representative representatives Marquette of Coventry and Bosland of Westminster. Please listen to the reading of the resolution by title only. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: J r h three joint resolution authorizing the Green Mountain Boys State and Green Mountain Girls State educational programs to use the state house facilities on June twenty six twenty twenty five. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: Now the resolution has been read and is placed on the calendar for action on the next legislative day. Pursuant to House rule fifty two. Are there any announcements? Member from Linden. [Member from Linden]: Thank you, Madam Speaker. Visiting us today are members of the Gerard family. My brother-in-law, Dennis. He is a navy veteran and retired Vermont state trooper. In coming to our brave little state from the great state of Texas, Dennis's brother Nicholas, a marine corps veteran, Nick's wife Kim and their children, Miles and Brianna. Miles and Brianna are both members of the junior ROTC. Miles was recently promoted to JROTC company commander. Miles intends to attend a military academy upon graduation. While in Vermont, they toured Norwich University. They are seated in the balcony above me. Please join me in welcoming them to the people's house. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: Will the guests of the member from Linden, please rise and be recognized. Member from Ferrisburg. [Member from Ferrisburg]: Thank you, madam speaker. I ask that you would please welcome this morning to the Vermont State House Chamber, a special high school class. Teacher Katie and her American government class is here today from Trinity Baptist School in Williston, and they are in our balcony today. Trinity Baptist School is a pre k through twelve school celebrating its fiftieth year of operation this year and is part of a critical network of over a hundred approved independent schools throughout Vermont that serve over eight thousand Vermont students. Miss b, as she is affectionately called by her students, has served as a teacher there at Trinity for sixteen years. I personally taught high school math there for the past couple of years, and I coached soccer there. My three older kids all graduated from Trinity, and my youngest daughter, Abigail, is in the balcony today with her classmates. Please help me welcome to the chamber the American government class from Trinity Baptist School in Williston. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: Will the guests of the member from Ferrisburg please rise and be recognized. Member from Bristol. [Member from Bristol]: Thank you, madam speaker. I would like, to welcome to the house, my constituent and former representative, who's sitting in the senate seats. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: Will the former member please rise and be recognized? Are there any further announcements member from Cambridge? [Member from Cambridge]: Thank you, madam speaker. The royal caucus will be meeting tomorrow morning from eight to eight forty five in room ten and on Zoom. We'll be having a discussion on the education proposal through a rural lens and hearing from the federally qualified health centers. All are welcome. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: Member for Milton. [Member from Milton]: Madam speaker, I would like to welcome my dear friends, Denise and Tom Hughes, that came to the back capital to visit me today from Milton. They are very active in my hometown. They have worked many elections, so to say peace. And we all know as public officials, sometimes we're asked to do crazy things. Well, as a civil board member, they got to walk through a swamp in the heat of summer because a resident wanted to lower his chances. I am proud to call them my friends. Please help me to welcome my friends, Denise and Tom, to the people's house today. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: Will the guest and member from Milton please rise and be recognized? Another member for Milton. [Member from Milton]: Thank you, madam speaker. I would like to extend Mike's sincere gratitude to Cameron Ainsworth for his inspiring words during today's devotional. Cameron is a Georgia resident, holds a master's degree in law and public policy from Regent University. When he's not ministering the word of God to us on Sunday mornings, he dedicates his weekdays to serving the people of our state through his work at the Department of Economic Development. His commitment to both faith and public service is truly commendable, and I appreciate his presence with us today. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: Will the guest of the member for Milton please rise and be recognized? Member from Wolcott. [Member from Wolcott]: Thank you, madam speaker. The older Vermonters caucus will meet tomorrow at noon in room ten. We will be joined by, commissioner Bowen from Dale and deputy commissioner, from the Department of Health. Pizza will be served. Thank you. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: Are there any further announcements? Member from Newport City. [Member from Newport City]: Thank you, madam speaker. The member from Chittenden County, could not be present. He and his colleagues are working very hard in appropriations. So I have been asked by the member to inform the body with information related to the March Madness competition. And madam speaker, you may remember that I was asked last year to accomplish that task, and I guess I did such a great job that I've been asked to do it again. I had considered adding my thoughts to the conversation, but after careful consideration, I think that the words of the member from Chittenden require no further explanation. So madam speaker, with your permission, may I read the member from Chittenden's thoughts and information for the body? [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: You may. [Member from Newport City]: Thank you. Madam speaker and and these are the words of the member from Chittenden. They're not mine, madam speaker. Madam speaker, it's come to my attention that members of the House Human Services Committee, I'm sorry, chair, but the House Human Services Committee were recently boasting about their top committee finish in last year's March Madness men's competition. Well, this chamber should be aware that house appropriations has acquired some new talent since last session and aims to retake its rightful place and win this year's committee part of the tournament. And now for the information you're really looking forward to, your pool selections need to be entered online by Thursday morning for the men's tournament and Friday morning for the women's. Each pool is just five dollars. For questions or payment, you can reach out to any of our team captains, Connor, Molly from the speaker's office, Theresa and the clerk's office, Ashley in the pro tem's office, or James from the lieutenant governor's office, or you may catch up with commissioner Harrison, deputy commissioner Waters Evans, and women's commissioner Bartley. Enjoy the spirited and friendly competition that is as long as house appropriations is doing well. And madam speaker, thank you for indulging me, and the member from Chittenden. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: Are there any further announcements? Member from Winooski. [Member from Winooski]: Madam Speaker, today we are joined by Liz Couto, who is part of the Vermont nurse and nurse practitioner coalition. Liz has been a nurse in the emergency department for sixteen years. That includes during the COVID pandemic. She is a nurse leader that's working to ensure that we can all receive safe and quality health care at hospitals should we need it. Can you please help me welcome her to the people's house? [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: Will the guest of the member from when you ski, please rise and be recognized? Are there any further announcements? Seeing none. Orders of the day. Members, we will begin with house bill one thirty seven, which is an act relating to the regulation of insurance products and services. Please listen to the third reading of the bill. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: H one thirty seven, an act relating to the regulation of insurance products and services. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: The question is, shall the bill pass? Member from Bethel. [Member from Bethel]: Madam Speaker, at the second reading, the member from Calais, had a question about a technical question about section seven, which pertains to eight VSA six thousand and six. His question was around whether or not there was an additional word in the, passages. And so after the meeting, after the floor, I consulted with legislative council, and, we were assured that it is in deed incorrect form. If it's section I, and if read as a whole, it it actually makes sense. Captive insurance companies formed formed under the provisions of this chapter, One, as limited liability companies shall have these privileges. Two, as nonprofit corporations shall have these privileges. And three, as mutual insurers shall have these privileges. So it makes sense in in the whole context. If you just read the one section, though, it does seem grammatically incorrect. But, I've been assured that no technical corrections are required, and I just wanted to to make that clear. Thank you, madam speaker. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: The question is, shall the bill pass? Are you ready for the question? If so, all those in favor, please say aye. All those opposed, please say nay. The eyes appear to have it. The eyes do have it and you have passed the bill. Up next is House Bill two sixty six, which is an act relating to protections for three forty b covered entities and three forty b contract pharmacies. Please listen to the third reading of the bill. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: H two sixty six. An act relating to protections for three forty b covered entities and three forty b contract pharmacy. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: The question is, shall the bill pass? Are you ready for the question? If so, all those in favor, please say aye. Aye. All those opposed, please say nay. The eyes appear to have it. The eyes do have it and you have passed the bill. Next is House Bill four sixty three, which is an act relating to technical corrections for the twenty twenty five legislative session. Please listen to the third reading of the bill. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: H four sixty three, an act relating to technical corrections for the twenty twenty five legislative session. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: The question is, shall the bill pass? Are you ready for the question? If so, all those in favor, please say aye. All those opposed, please say nay. The eyes appear to have it. The eyes do have it and you have passed the bill. Next, we'll turn to house bill one twenty five, which is an act relating to reporting on the energy transition. The bill was referred to the committee on energy and digital infrastructure, which recommends that the bill be amended as printed in today's calendar. The member from Dover representative Sebelia will speak for the committee. Please listen to the second reading of the bill. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: H one twenty five, an act relating to reporting on the energy transition. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: Member from [Rep. Sebelia from Dover]: Dover. Madam speaker, Vermont is undergoing a significant energy transition, moving away from fossil fuels and towards renewable and electrified systems. This transition is driven by both state policy commitments and broader economic trends. However, the benefits and burdens of this shift are not evenly distributed across Vermont's communities. Without intentional analysis and oversight, some Vermonters, particularly those in rural low income or energy burden households, may struggle to participate in and benefit from this transition and may even be burdened by it. Market forces alone are unlikely to ensure an equitable energy transition. While clean energy investments are accelerating, factors such as upfront costs, infrastructure gaps, and workforce availability can create disparities. Rural and low income households often face higher energy costs and limited access to clean energy incentives. Similarly, businesses and workers in fossil fuel dependent industries need clear data and policy planning to help navigate this changing landscape. H one twenty five ensures that Vermont has a comprehensive, data driven understanding of how the energy transition is impacting different regions of our state and economic sectors. Importantly, this bill does not require any new appropriations. It does not mandate the hiring of new staff, and it relies solely on existing data from state agencies. The secretary of natural resources, in consultation with key state agencies, will compile and analyze existing energy and economic data. This will help us ensure an understanding of where costs and benefits are concentrating, include ensuring that no region is left behind or overburdened, a clear assessment of how energy costs, fuel availability, and workforce changes [Speaker 3 ]: are [Rep. Sebelia from Dover]: affecting Vermonters in different regions of the states, and it will help us ensure that policymakers have the necessary information to make strategic strategic and equitable decisions. As I said, the bill builds upon existing work and aligns with the Climate Office's ongoing mapping and analysis efforts. I will now do a very brief section by section analysis and folks can follow along. Members can follow along on page four eighty three of today's calendar. Section one, and it's a two section bill, outlines the reporting requirements of this energy transition impact report. The report will be due December fifteenth and will be produced by the secretary of natural resources. That is where the climate office exists. The the Agency of Natural Resources will consult with these existing collectors of data, the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, the Department of Public Service, the Agency of Transportation, the Department of Labor, the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, and the Department of Taxes. And this report will analyze the following existing data over the past five years. Energy costs, how electric rates now and projected and plus how many customers are on, electric vehicle rate plans. Renewable energy, how much solar is installed in each county and active permit applications. Heating fuel, who's selling it, how much Vermonters are using. Weatherization, how many homes have been weatherized, broken down by income and county. Energy jobs, transportation fuels, both gas and diesel sales plus where the fuel stations are located, electric vehicle charger installations, where they are and how they compare to our energy goals, vehicle trends, the mix of gas hybrid and electric vehicles on Vermont's roads, energy use and economic output, which is how much fossil fuel and electricity we're using relative to our economic growth. The section two is the effective date, which is upon passage. This report will break down, the data regionally with clear visuals when available, identify gaps where more data is needed, review existing reports that track these trends, and assess who benefits and who might be left behind in Vermont's ongoing energy transition. And it will also provide the legislature with recommendations from the administration on how to improve future data collection. We heard from the general counsel of the agency of agriculture, food and markets, the secretary of state legislative counsel, office of legislative counsel, agriculture weights and measures specialist at the agency of agriculture food and markets, the executive director of the energy action network, the director of business services from the secretary of state's office, the chair of the PUC, secretary of the agency of natural resources, the state policy director from the agency of transportation, the director of regulated utility planning at the department of public service, the deputy commissioner from the department of taxes, and the manager of the Environmental Policy and Sustainability Agency of Transportation. The House Committee on Energy and Digital Infrastructure voted five three one in favor of h one hundred and twenty five. And we ask for your support in advancing this bill, which helps us ensure a fair, informed, and cost efficient approach to Vermont's energy transition. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: The question is, shall the bill be amended as recommended by the committee on energy and digital infrastructure? Are you ready for the question? Member from Sheldon. [Member from Sheldon]: Madam speaker, all of the information asked for in this bill is already readily available. The PUC, AOT, and ANR all testified that they have the information and do not have the bandwidth to handle the request. Further, much of this information was also identified during the expensive study that accompanied the clean heat standard. That's why I think we should not continue to burn valuable time on this. Thank you. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: The question is, shall the bill be amended as recommended by the committee on energy and digital infrastructure? Are you ready for the question? If so, member from Polanyi. [Member from Poltenay]: Madam Speaker, in our eleventh week of this session with h sixteen and the clean heat standard tech to the Energy and Digital Infrastructure committee's wall. The committee passes a bill on party lines to and I quote, require several agencies to publish a report that highlights existing data sources and indicators relevant to the impacts of the changing energy landscape on Vermonters and relevant to understanding the distribution of benefits and burdens by region. End quote. Additionally, the bill wants recommendations for future reporting requirements. In other words, tell us what you think we should be asking for as far as what needs to be reported. Republishing that is already readily available through our state agencies is not a good use of our agency's time. They have far bigger problems they should be working on with limited staffing to do the very necessary business of running the agency of agriculture, department of public service, agency of transportation, department of labor, the agency of commerce and community development, and the department of taxes. I will vote no on this bill. And when the vote is taken, I request to be taken by division. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: The question is, shall the bill be amended as recommended by the committee on energy and digital infrastructure? Are you ready for the question? Member from Dover. [Rep. Sebelia from Dover]: Madam speaker, I wanted to, share, a comparison, that we have seen in Vermont that really led me to thinking about why this bill would be necessary. In Vermont, we have in Vermont across the country, we have seen the, shift from the copper landline phone system, which was a regulated and required, system that ensured every Vermonter had access to the ability to call for help. We saw that system throughout our state, every address throughout our country. And then we had, unregulated, innovative broadband cellular systems that came in. And in places where there's a functioning market, where there's competition and a lot of money to be made, there were opportunities for a lot of Vermonters for choice amongst products and how they might like to call for help. There were market protections, that helped ensure quality. And there were, forces market forces really pushing down on costs and affordability for Vermonters. At the same time, in rural Vermont, where I live and most Vermonters live, there is no market. There's a failed market because there's not enough money to be made. And so innovation and choice, for telecommunications and how one might call for help, that was not happening in rural Vermont. And we tried and tried for many, many years. Many governors, put forward plans. We're going to connect everyone to the internet. We just couldn't get there. We couldn't get there. And then what we saw in my district, and I know [Speaker 3 ]: we saw it in place in the kingdom and other places. [Rep. Sebelia from Dover]: But for me personally, and then what we saw in my district, and I know we saw it in place in the kingdom and other places, but for me personally, I had a constituent who was relying on that copper landline because there was no cell service. There was no broadband. Forty miles from the nearest hospital, from ambulance service, just had surgery, disabled, home with a disabled son. Phone doesn't work, because now that system has become so many people in the areas where there's competition have opted out. And they're told it's going to be ten days before they're going to be able to use their copper landline system to call for help. So that was really a public emergency. And that was really actually I'm I'm quite proud of the work that we did with this administration after many administrations who were collecting the data on all the companies that were opening up shop and selling plants. They were we we let the situation happen. And I'm quite concerned. In fact, I'm really certain that we are likely to see the same thing happen in rural and poor Vermont with this energy transition, [Member from Northfield]: in this [Rep. Sebelia from Dover]: largely unregulated area. So this report is asking us for existing data. It's working with the Agency of Natural Resources. And it's pretty simple. It allows us to do our job better and then ask the administration to really look at all their data to see if there are places in Vermont where people are experiencing right now higher energy costs. And we know there are. We've got a bunch of different utilities with a bunch of different electric rates that are happening. You know, if you've got a few other energy burdens there, you might start having little pockets in Vermont. There's pretty high energy costs. We might wanna know about that. So that's what this is about, and I hope folks will support the bill. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: The question is, shall the bill be amended as recommended by the Committee on Energy and Digital Infrastructure? Are you ready for the question? If so, all those in favor, please rise. You may be seated. All those opposed, please [Speaker 3 ]: rise. [26 seconds of silence] [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: You may be seated. Members. We are not getting a correct count, so we are gonna do the vote again. So the question is, shall the bill be amended as recommended by the committee on energy and digital infrastructure? All those in favor, please rise. [Speaker's Deputy]: Madam Speaker, I call for roll. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: The member from, s extraction request that when the vote is taken to be taken by roles, the member sustained. The member is sustained. When the vote is taken, it will be taken by role. The question is, shall the bill will the house please come to order? The question is, shall the bill be amended as recommended by the committee on energy and digital infrastructure? Are you ready for the question? If so, with the clerk, please call the roll. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: Arsenal of Williston. Yes. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: Two minutes. Etienne, are you ready? Will the house please come to order? Members kindly take their seats. I would like to remind members that we are in the middle of a roll call vote. Members and guests are prohibited from using computers, phones, or any type of electronic device. Please refrain from the passing of notes and conversation during a roll call. And when the clerk calls your name, please answer in a loud and clear voice so the clerk can accurately record your votes. The question is, shall the bill be amended as recommended by the committee on energy and digital infrastructure? Will the clerk please continue to call the roll? [Clerk or Bill Reader]: Austin of Colchester. Bailey of Hyde Park. No. Bartholomew of Hartland. [Speaker 3 ]: Yes. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: Bartley of Fairfax. No. Rebecca Winooski. Yes. Byron of Regents. Yes. Bishop of Colchester. [Member from Newberry]: Yes. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: Black of Essex. [Member from Cambridge]: Yes. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: Bloomley of Burlington. [Rep. Lipsky from Stowe]: Yes. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: Poznan of Westminster. [Member from Cambridge]: Yes. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: Bosham Clarendon. No. Bouton of Cambridge. Yes. Brady of Williston? Yes. Branigan of Georgia? No. Brown of Richmond? Yes. Burdett of West Rutland? No. Burke of Battleborough? Yes. Burke Carter, South Burlington? [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: Yes. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: Burrows of West Windsor? [Rep. Sebelia from Dover]: Yes. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: Burke of Cabot? Campbell of St. Johnsbury? [Speaker 3 ]: Yes. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: Canfield of Verhaven? No. Caris Duncan and Whitingham? [Speaker 3 ]: Yes. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: Casey in Montpelier? [Speaker 3 ]: Yes. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: Casey Hoverton? [Speaker 3 ]: No. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: Chapin at East Montpelier? Yes. Charlton of Chester? Christie of Hartford. Chino of Burlington. Coffin of Cavendish. [Speaker 3 ]: Yeah. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: Cole of Hartford? Yes. Conlon and Cornwall? [Speaker 3 ]: Yes. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: Cooper Pownall? [Speaker 3 ]: Yes. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: Corcoran of Bennington? [Speaker 3 ]: Yes. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: Corpus of Bristol? Yes. Critchlow of Colchester? Yes. Tamara, Venusburg? No. Dickinson of Saint Albans Town? No. Dubrovich of Williamstown? Dodge of Essex. Yes. Toll of Essex Junction. Tollgan of Saint Johnsbury. No. Donahue Northfield. Yes. Duke of Burlington. Yes. Durfee of Shaftesbury. Yes. Eastus of Guilford. Yes. Emmons of Springfield. Yes. Feltas of Linden. Yes. Calcutta, Berrytown. No. Good. Garifano, Essex. Yes. Goldman and Rockingham. Yes. Goodall, Brattleboro. Yes. Ghostland and Northfield. No. Granting at Jericho. [Member from Bristol]: Yes. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: No. Harpal of Glover? Yes. Harrison and Chittenden? No. Harvey of Castleton? Yeah. Hedrick Burlington? Yes. Higley of Lowell? No. Oklahoma Norwich? Yes. Hooper Randolph? Yes. Hooper Burlington? Yes. Hooper of Rutland City? [Member from Milton]: Yes. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: Holland of Rutland Town? Hunter Manchester? Yes. James of Manchester? [Member from Cambridge]: Yes. That's what I need. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: Kacenska, Burke? No. Keizer of Rutland City? No. Kimball of Woodstock? Yes. Kleppner, Burlington? [Member from Ferrisburg]: Yes. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: Cornizer, Gotabrio? Yes. Creston, South Burlington? [Speaker 3 ]: Yes. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: Labor, Morgan? No. Molly of Shelburne? Yes. Alone of South Burlington? [Member from Newport City]: Yeah. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: Lamanna Morristown. Arusha Franklin. Lipsky of Stowe. Logan of Burlington. [Member from Bristol]: Yes. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: Long and Newfang. Maslyn of Thetford. Yes. McCallia Poultney. No. And Fawn of Berry Town. No. McGillibirdport. Yes. Miklissel Milton? No. Mahalia Callis? Yes. Minier, South Arlington? No. Morgan Ella Milton? No. Morgan m of Milton? No. Morris of Springfield? No. Morrissey of Bennington? [Speaker 3 ]: No. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: Aura of Weston? [Speaker 3 ]: Yes. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: Roecky of Putney? Yes. Nelson of Derby? No. Nielsen of Brandon? No. Nigro, Bennington. North of Ferrisburg. Noise of Volkett. Nugent of South Burlington. O'Brien of Tonbridge. Odie of Burlington. Oliver Sheldon. Also, Starksboro. [Speaker 3 ]: Yes. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: Page of Newport City. No. Parsons of Newberry. No. Pedal of Colchester. Yes. Pinto of Dorset. No. Pouch of Hinesburg. Yes. Powers of Waterford? No. Priestley of Bradford? [Member from Berry City]: Yes. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: Pritchard of Pollock? [Speaker 3 ]: No. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: Quimby of London? No. Rachelson of Burlington? Yes. Sakowitz of Randolph? Yes. Chai Middlebury? Yes. Sheldon Middlebury? Yes. Sevillea of Dover? [Member from Newport City]: Yes. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: Southworth of Walden? No. Squirrel of Underhill? [Speaker 3 ]: Yes. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: City of Milton? No. Stevens of Waterbury? [Member from Colchester]: Yes. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: Stone of Burlington? [Member from Glover]: Yes. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: Shibanona Barnard? Yes. Sweeney of Shelburne? [Pastor Cameron Ainsworth]: Yes. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: Taglia, Corinth? [Speaker 3 ]: No. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: Taylor Milton? No. Tomlinson Winooski? Yes. Tooth, Saint Thomas Town? No. Torrey Moore Town? [Speaker's Deputy]: Yes. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: Walker Swanton? Yes. Was this active very city? Yes. Waters Evans in Charlotte? Yes. Wells of Brownington? No. White of Waitsfield? [Member from Cambridge]: Yes. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: White Bethel? Yes. Winter of Bloodloaf? Waterbury? Yes. Yakovoni, Morristown? [Speaker 3 ]: Yeah. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: Bert of Cabot? Uh-huh. Christie Hartford? Gina Burlington, Gregoire Fairfield. No. Lamonta Morristown, Malaya, Pittsford. New Gin of South Burlington. O'Brien of Tunbridge. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: For purpose of explanation, member from Barrytown. [Member from Burlington]: Madam speaker, this bill represents more government waste. Waste that our constituents sent us here to curtail. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: And member for Manchester. [Speaker 25 ]: Madam speaker, I support h one twenty five because good policy requires good data. At a time when climate and energy policy are clouded by politics, it's more important than ever that we partner with state government to start with the same set of facts. [83 seconds of silence] [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: Members, please listen to the results of your vote. Those voting yes, eighty four. Those voting no, fifty nine. The ayes have it, and you have amended the bill. Now the question is, shall the bill be read a third time? Are you ready for that question? If so, all those in favor, please say aye. All those opposed, please say nay. The eyes appear to have it. The eyes do have it in third reading is ordered. Up next is house bill two twenty two which is an act relating to participation in a domestic violence accountability program as a condition of a final relief from abuse order member from Williston. [Speaker 26 ]: Madam speaker, I move that we postpone action on h two two two and act relating to participation in a domestic violence accountability program as a condition of a final relief from abuse prevention order by one legislative day. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: The member from Williston moves that we postpone action on House Bill two twenty two for one legislative day. Are you ready for the question? If so, all those in favor, please say aye. All those opposed, please say nay. The eyes appear to have it. The eyes do have it and you have postpone action on House Bill two twenty two for one legislative day. Now we'll take up house bill two thirty one, which is an act relating to technical corrections to fish and wildlife statutes. The bill was referred to the committee on environment which recommends that the bill be amended as printed in today's calendar. The member from Randolph, representative Saccoitz will speak for the committee. Please listen to the second reading of the bill. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: H two thirty one. An act relating to technical corrections to fish and wildlife statutes. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: Will the house please stand in recess for a moment while we find the recorder of the bill? Will the house please come to order? Will the house please come to order? Member from Randolph. [Speaker 27 ]: Madam speaker, h two thirty one, an act relating to technical corrections to fish and wildlife statutes, makes several changes to our fish and wildlife statutes, may be found on page four ninety of today's calendar. These technical changes are needed to align statute and Fish and Wildlife Board rules to update antiquated language and to address technical issues. Section one strikes two definitions in ten VSA forty o one, the definition of pickerel, which is inconsistent with statute and, if retained, could be interpreted to allow taking of protected muskie, and the definition of perc pryte, pike perch, which is no longer used in statute. Section two amends the existing ban in ten VSA forty nine zero five on the willful destruction of nests or birds, except when necessary to protect a building, to clarify that a person cannot remove a nest to protect a building when there are eggs or chicks in the nest. The bill also provides updated names for those birds where nests can be removed at any time. Section three makes changes to the uniform point system in ten VSA forty five zero two. It amends current statute that assigns points against a person's license for fish and wildlife violations as follows. The penalty for snaring animals is changed from a ten point to a twenty point violation. Some language concerning the reporting of moose is being struck because it's duplicative. Language concerning point violations for violating rules related possession of a cocked crossbow in a vehicle, vessel or airplane is struck because those points are signed elsewhere in statute. The point violation for hunting bear with any dog not listed on a permit has been moved. Some language concerning failure to obey a warden is repealed because it is because it is no longer an accurate cross reference for this violation. Taking deer out of season is being replaced with taking big game out of season as a twenty point violation because deer are big game. Some language concerning the rules for turkey season are being struck as duplicative. There is a clarification that violation of the deer management rule is a twenty point violation, excluding youth deer hunting weekend violations and novice violations. The assessed points for hunting with a crossbow are struck because it's currently legal as a licensed hunter. And last year, the fur bearing trapper rules were amended and the sections renumbered. Further amendments in this bill strike the currently inaccurate citations. Section four makes changes to ten VSA forty seven zero five concerning shooting from a vehicle or across a highway. It clarifies that a person shall not carry or possess an air gun or other projectile implement in addition to the already covered rifle and shotgun, provides that a person shall not possess a crossbow in a motor vehicle, vessel, airplane, etcetera, unless it's uncocked in a vehicle. And it also provides that a person who possesses a rifle, crossbow, or shotgun, including a muzzle loading rifle or muzzle loading shotgun in or on a vehicle propelled by mechanical power or drawn by a vehicle propelled by mechanical power within a right of way of a public highway shall, upon demand of an enforcement officer, exhibit the firearm for examination to determine compliance with this section. Section five amends twenty three VSA thirty three seventeen b. Current law provides that a violation of the use of waters rule adopted under ten VSA fourteen twenty four shall be subject to enforcement by ANR under its general enforcement authority. This section would allow violations of use of waters rules to be enforced as a civil violation under the vessels and water sports chapter of title twenty three. Section six amends four VSA eleven o two. The Judicial Bureau is the state court where civil violations are assessed. This section affirms that the Judicial Bureau jurisdiction over violations of use of water rules is adopted under ten VSA one forty two. And finally, section seven states that the act takes effect on July one twenty twenty five. The committee heard testimony from deputy chief counsel, office of legislative counsel, associate general counsel, department of fish and wildlife, chief warden of the warden service division, department of fish and wildlife, and chief superior judge for my judiciary. The bill passed on a vote of eleven zero zero, and your committee on environment respectfully requests your [Speaker 3 ]: support of the bill. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: The question is, shall the bill be amended as recommended by the Committee on Environment? Are you ready for the question member from law? Members, we're gonna take a brief recess to see what's happening with the mics. The house will stand in recess for two minutes. [51 seconds of silence] [Speaker 3 ]: Check. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: It's on. It's on top mic. [Member from Poltenay]: It's a half mic. It's on. [39 seconds of silence] [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: Remember, can you test the mic? [Member from Bethel]: There Test test test test. [Speaker's Deputy]: Where is he from? Will the house please come to order? Member from Lowell? [Member from Milton]: Please. [Speaker's Deputy]: You may. [Speaker 28 ]: Madam speaker, I'm looking at page four ninety three of today's calendar. Section four, referring to a person shall not carry or possess while in or on a vehicle, and it talks about a rifle, air gun, shotgun, or other projectile implement. Vermont is a constitutional carry state and I'm wondering if this wording would negate our our constitutional carry where a loaded pistol is required by law. [Speaker 27 ]: Thank you, speaker. Yes. That has just been brought to my attention, and it appears that the the language is a bit overly broad and does unintentionally include handguns. And I would suggest that we entertain an amendment for third reading to take care of this problem. [Speaker 28 ]: Madam speaker, would that be the, committee amendment? [Speaker 27 ]: Yes. Presumably. [Speaker 28 ]: Thank you. Madam speaker, also, on page four ninety four, referencing, a section there, again, talking about, a a shall upon demand of an enforcement officer exhibit the firearm for examination to be, to determine compliance with this section. Again, is this without a warrant? Would a warrant be needed for this? And and is this an exclusion for that? [Speaker 27 ]: Madam speaker, if I understand the question correctly, this is, an extension of language that's already in statute. We already require that people in in vehicles, with weapons that are intended for hunting deer, that those weapons remain un unloaded and that we allow and that we require that law enforcement, be able to inspect those weapons to make sure that they already are unloaded. [Speaker 28 ]: Madam speaker, the way that you explained that, again, that would be just for hunting purposes only, Correct? [Speaker 27 ]: Yes. These are considering weapons that are used for hunting purposes. [Speaker 28 ]: Right. But but, again, during it must be during a hunting season or at any time? [Speaker 27 ]: I I believe this is any time. The the rationale behind this section of statute is to prevent the illegal taking of deer. [Speaker 28 ]: Okay. Thank you. Thank you, madam speaker. [Speaker's Deputy]: The question, the question is, shall the bill be amended as recommended by the committee on environment? Are you ready for the question? Member from Newberry. [Member from Newberry]: Regate the presenter, please. [Speaker's Deputy]: Yes. You may. Oh, sorry. The member from Randolph. [Member from Newberry]: I guess my question is it's less what I see in here and what I don't. I'm just kinda curious on definitions. How we treat electric bicycles in these type of instances. They're becoming a pretty popular thing. I'm just curious how how those are treated in the reference of a motorized implement? [Speaker 27 ]: Madam speaker, I do not know the answer to that question. I could come back at third reading with a response. [Member from Newberry]: Very much appreciated. Thank you. [Speaker's Deputy]: The question is, shall the bill be amended as recommended by the committee on environment? Are you ready for the question? If so, all those in favor, please say aye. Aye. All those opposed, please say nay. Nay. The ayes appear to have it. The ayes do have it, and you have amended the bill. Now the question is, shall the bell be read a third time? Are you ready for the question? If so, all those in favor, please say, aye. Aye. All those opposed, please say, nay. Nay. The ayes appear to have it. The ayes do have it. And third reading is ordered. Next is house bill two fifty nine, which is an act relating to preventing workplace violence in hospitals. The bill was referred to the committee on health care, which recommends that the bill be amended as printed in today's calendar. The member from Bristol, rep Cortes, will report for the committee. Please listen to the second reading of the bill. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: H two fifty nine, an act relating to preventing workplace violence and hospitals. [Speaker's Deputy]: The member from Bristol. [Member from Bristol]: Thank you, madam speaker. Over the past decade, the United States and Vermont have experienced a surge in violence against violence against health care workers by patients, family members, visitors, including verbal abuse, intimidation, sexual harassment, physical assault, and assault with body fluids. The Bureau of Labor Statistics documents that health care workers have the highest rate of workplace violence. Statistically, they are five times more likely to be assaulted than any other occupation. From June twenty twenty three through December twenty twenty four, six Vermont hospitals reported eighty nine incidents of workplace violence against health care workers. Nurses experience workplace violence at a rate higher than police and correctional officers. In the United States, the annual turnover rate of nurses is estimated to be between fifteen and thirty six percent due to workplace violence. Vermont's hospital health care work workforce has the highest number in the country of days away from work, job restrictions, or transfer due to workplace violence at a rate of seven point eight per ten thousand workers. Recruiting new nursing staff costs approximately eighty eight thousand dollars per nurse. Examples of health care workplace violence include the body slamming of of a physician by a family member and a nurse in Florida who was recently critically injured by a patient patient who broke every bone in her face. A patient's son attacked an OBGYN because he disagreed with the medication that his physician had prescribed his mother. House health care has heard testimony that has included the experiences of health care workers being punched, slapped, body slammed, kicked, spit on, sexually harassed, sexually assaulted, threatened with death, and stalked. These attacks often lead to traumatic brain injuries, pregnancy loss, PTSD, and the ability inability of the health care worker to continue in their career. Currently, in Vermont, there are no requirements for hospitals to develop workplace by workforce violence prevention programs. There are also no requirements that frontline workers, those at highest risk of being victimized, be part of planning workplace violence prevention programs. Madam Speaker, may I quote from Vermont program for quality and health care? [Speaker's Deputy]: You may. [Member from Bristol]: Vermont program for quality and health care was tasked in act twenty four twenty twenty three, with assessing work workplace violence prevention in in Vermont hospitals. And I quote them, there is variation among Vermont hospitals in their current workplace violence prevention initiatives with gaps in training, data collection, and physical site measures. H two fifty nine will require uniform standards and requirements for developing workplace violence prevention programs based on evidence and best practices. In order to have consistent implementation of best practices to prevent workplace violence and consistent responses and trauma informed responses to workplace violence victims. It will also provide further guidelines about law enforcement's role and relationship with hospital security staff. H two fifty nine will require that each hospital in Vermont develop a security plan including a risk performing a risk assessment, develop incident reporting plan and processes, develop de escalation and defensive training plans. These plans must be reviewed annually and include information gathered by the incident report process also required into h two fifty nine. The plan shall include a policy prohibiting discrimination or retaliating for reporting, participating, or refusing to participate in the investigation or seeking assistance as a victim and must include training in trauma informed care to support victims. It also includes an exemption for the Green Mountain Care Board certificate of need process for costs associated with workplace violence prevention plan and implement implementation, and review costs and a requirement that hospitals include such costs in their annual hospital budget review with the Green Mountain Care Board and for the Green Mountain Care Board to consider such costs in the hospital budget review. It also directs that AHS work with hospitals to identify incentives and funding sources. H two fifty nine is a strike all amended amendment. Starting with section one, is focusing on developing and implementing the, security plan, beginning with establishing a team to provide advice during the development of the plan. And the plan the team must select individuals [Speaker 3 ]: from health care employees, representatives from the designated agency, [Member from Bristol]: and representatives of relevant law enforcement agencies. Relevant law enforcement agencies. The security plan must be based on the results of a security risk assessment that addresses all high risk areas, including the emergency department and all patient direct patient care areas. This risk assessment must be in consultation with medical and nursing directors and those hospital employees supervising other high risk areas of the hospital. The risk assessment should consider overall patient volume, crime rates, and the availability of law enforcement in in each community to respond to violent incidents at the hospital. The security plan shall also include an option for pay employees who provide direct patient care to request an identification badge containing only their first name or their first name and last initial. The security plan shall require at least one hospital employee trained in de escalation strategies to be present at all time in the hospital's emergency department and other direct patient care areas. The plan shall require that an employee trained in trauma informed care and victim support serve as liaison to law enforcement, support victims through the legal process, and ensure that response of incidents of violence prioritize the safety and retention of hospital employees. The plan shall also establish training requirements including culture of safety, the response the response to the presence or use of weapons weapons, defensive tactics, de escalation techniques, appropriate physical restraint and seclusion, crisis intervention, trauma informed care and strategies, clinician well-being practices, presence and intervention of law enforcement, and safely addressing situations involving patients, family members, or other individuals who pose a risk of self harm. It also includes guidelines of when law enforcement should remain with a patient. This hospital, security plan, the hospital shall review and evaluate the security plan annually in conjunction with the data collected in section b three, which is requiring that hospitals have an incident reporting sesh tool. This security plan and annual revisions must be distributed annually to all employees hospital employees, volunteers, board of directors, law enforcement, and any other partners identified by the security plan development team. And that now the, the establishing and utilizing a workplace violence incident reporting system that I mentioned earlier to document, track, and annual analyze and evaluate incident incidents of workplace violence. All hospital employees should be notified about the existence and receive of the reporting system and receive training on how to report incidents. The incident reporting system must track the number of reported incidents and the number of incidents reported to law enforcement. As for the discrimination and retaliation, that would be prohibited under h two fifty nine. As I mentioned earlier, for reporting, for seeking assistance, or for participating or refusing to participate in an investigation related to workplace violence. The hospitals shall post a notice in a conspicuous location indicating that hospital employees do not tolerate an unsafe work environment and must be clear about the serious legal consequences of assaulting The agency of human services shall collaborate to identify incentives, including funding sources and other means to support the development and operation of workplace violence. Section two and section three have to do with the Green Mountain Care Board. Section two excludes, expenditures by a hospital from their certificate of need hospital that are related to the security plan. Section three, hospitals must file with their hospital budget review costs associated with implementing their security plan. Section four, this is about the Green Mountain Care Board, shall take into consideration the costs with associate associated with implementing a security plan in the hospital budget review. Section five, this act shall take effect on July first twenty twenty five. We heard from the VP of government relations of Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Services, members of the Vermont Professional Nursing and Nurse Practitioner Organization Coalition, the executive director of Vermont program for quality and health care, the QI specialist, Vermont program for quality and health care, the direct deputy deputy director of health systems finance, Green Mountain Care Board, troop b commander, Vermont State Police, Department of Public Safety, and legislative council. Madam speaker, your house health care committee voted favorably on the strike all amendment and a vote of vote of ten zero one. And we ask for your support. [Speaker's Deputy]: The question is, shall the bill be amended as recommended by the Committee on Health Care? Are you ready for the question? Member from Northfield. [Member from Northfield]: Madam Speaker, I can't speak strongly enough about how important I think this bill is, how sadly, necessary it is, and how much we need to make progress in this area. However, I do have a couple of concerns, more relating to language or, or clarity on, some of, some of the pieces of the bill and perhaps unintended consequences. First of all, going to financial implications, which really goes to, what's referenced in, section two around budgets and the Green Mountain Care Board. It's certainly important and a positive, inclusion of the fact that of the fact that expenditures should not be a part of the budget assessments and CON, requirements for regulation of hospitals. But we need to keep in mind that that does not, that does not address or change the the fact that this could become an unfan funded mandate. All of our hospitals are struggling, or most of them struggling desperately, running at operating losses. And if there's a mandate that requires expenditure, regardless of the fact that it wouldn't, cause some trouble with the Green Mountain Care Board, it it could still be a burden. This is in particular the concern and and the question I'll have around, the reference to capital investments. And so I'd like to interrogate the member from Bristol about some narrow aspects about that. [Speaker's Deputy]: You may. A member from Bristol is interrogated. [Member from Northfield]: Madam Speaker, I'm wondering if there was discussion or testimony about their the potential for having requirements, because this is a a shall directive, there being any requirements that would would require capital investments? [Member from Bristol]: Madam speaker, no. There there wasn't specifically to that item, and I will say that, the Vermont Association for Hospitals and Health Systems, and everyone who testified as witnesses, were were in full support of this bill. Also, that many hospitals, not all and not all, have a standardized security plan, have some sort of incident reporting and, security plan already in place. [Member from Northfield]: Madam Speaker, was there any testimony on any estimates of, costs that would be required to comply with parts of the plan that might include the need to hire staff or to do construction projects? [Member from Bristol]: No, Madam Speaker. [Member from Northfield]: Thank you, Member Speaker. Thank you to the member. I will have another question, but I want to comment on this area. That is just to note that in terms of the exemption from the CON process, under a bill we just passed, the CON threshold is increased to ten million dollars The prior threshold, I think, was three million dollars And so this is the language here, and the exemption suggests that we think we may there may be a requirement in the bill for that level investment. I can't imagine that being needed, but I just think that we might want to take caution about including language regarding capital investments, and particularly the the CON exclusion, in the sense that it really does imply that we think that that could be a part of the impact of this bill. So that that is a concern, and that may there may be a way to address that before third reading. Madam speaker, my my second concern has to do with part of the content of the bill around the security plan. And I go to to two sections. First of all, on page four ninety six, four b, requirements of the plan. And the third clause that says that the, in response to incidents of violence, the hospital has to prioritize the safety and retention of hospital employees. Obviously, that is a really, really important aspect. But in terms of unintended consequences, I wanna remind the body that last session, we passed a bill, the first sort of major effort to address violence. And it had to do with making it clear that law enforcement could remove a person, could charge a crime and remove a person who had that created that threat as opposed to simply, issuing them a a civil a violation, to respond to later. That, bill, which came out of the judiciary committee, included really significant balancing and looking at the importance of safety, but also the requirement that we, have attention to civil rights of patients. And that that be balanced. And so, I am concerned that saying that it shall prioritize could actually require a plan to include steps, include a process that would would violate what our intent was in the way we structured the legal aspects last session. And in particular, I noted that the list of witnesses did not include, any witnesses who were patient advocates or who were, you know, civil liberty experts who who testified extensively in the judiciary committee, in, two thousand twenty three. So I I think that's a really serious concern in how this bill interacts and and may create unintended consequences. Finally, as part of that madam speaker, on page four ninety seven, subsection six, This part of the bill cross references existing law, identifying what it means that the patient has demonstrated violence or harm to others. I I think that's an incredibly appropriate concept, that the guidelines should include when a law enforcement officer should be asked to stay with the patient, because they've demonstrated violence or harm. But madam speaker, when I checked the cross reference, that piece of statute actually does not at all define or discuss violence or harm. The only thing that that section of law addresses is, when information is permitted to be disclosed to law enforcement because law enforcement is reviewing an alleged crime. Madam Speaker, an alleged crime can cover a very, very broad array. It does not discuss, specific to, violence or, harm to others. And I I think that this is a is a technical gap or not a correct cross citation for identifying the intention behind saying remain with a patient who has demonstrated violence or harm, and then citing something that actually doesn't discuss violence or harm at all. In other words, being pursuant to doesn't really make sense. Again, that may be something more technical that could be addressed, before third reading. And and I just want to, inquire of the, member from Bristol, madam speaker. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: The member from Bristol is interrogated. [Member from Northfield]: Madam speaker, I'm just wondering about clarification regarding that cross citation. And did the committee take testimony or evaluate whether or or why that was the citation to use when saying pursuant to to it in terms of demonstrated violence or harm? [Member from Bristol]: No. We did not, madam speaker. [Member from Northfield]: I thank the member. Madam speaker, I I do want to see this bill move forward. I will vote for it today, But I would hope and I would certainly be, very willing to, help consult or brainstorm. I would hope that there would be some amendments offered tomorrow, to clarify some things that, again might produce unintended consequences. And and I will, await, that for, deciding on, third reading, the the overall balance of the bill. Thank you, Madam Speaker. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: The question is, shall the bill be amended as recommended by the Committee on Health Care? Are you ready for the question? If so, all those in favor, please say aye. All those opposed, please say nay. The ayes appear to have it. The ayes do have it and you have amended the bill. Now the question is, shall the bill be read a third time? Are you ready for that question? If so, all those in favor, please say aye. All those opposed, please say nay. The eyes appear to have it. The eyes do have it. And third reading is ordered. And members the final bill on our action calendar today is House Bill three ninety six, which is an act relating to the creation of the Molly Beattie Distinguished Service Award. Bill is referred to the committee on agriculture, food resiliency, and forestry, which recommends that the bill ought to pass. The member from STOW, representative Lipsky, will speak for the committee. Please less please listen to the second reading of the bill. [Rep. Lipsky from Stowe]: Thank you, madam speaker. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: Please listen to the second reading of the bill. [Clerk or Bill Reader]: H three ninety six, an act relating to the creation of the Molly Beatty Distinguished Service Award. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: And now member from Stowe. [Rep. Lipsky from Stowe]: Apologies. Thank you, madam speaker. Molly Beattie was a pioneering leader in conservation whose dedication to protecting the environment left a lasting impact on Vermont and the nation. As the first woman to lead both the Vermont Department of Forest Parks and Recreation and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, She broke barriers and set powerful example for future generations of environmental leaders. Beatty's conservation philosophy emphasized land and wildlife management in ecosystem terms. By focusing on ecosystems rather than individual species, she championed biodiversity and underscored the interconnectedness of wildlife, habitat health, and human beings. Her legacy reflects the power of thoughtful, science based conservation leadership with long term benefits for both nature and society. From nineteen eighty five to nineteen eighty nine, Beatty served as the commissioner of the Vermont Department of Forest Parks and Recreation, followed by a role as deputy secretary of the Agency of Natural Resources from nineteen eighty nine to nineteen ninety. She later coauthored Working with Your Woodlot, a Landowner's Guide, providing practical guidance for responsible forest management. In nineteen ninety three, Bedi was appointed director of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, where she oversaw the reintroduction of the gray wolf into the American West, the creation of fifteen new wildlife refuges, and the implementation of over a hundred habitat conservation plans. In recognition of her contributions, Congress designated an eight million acre wilderness area in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in her honor. Molly Beattie's life was defined by a deep commitment to protecting the natural world. She not only broke barriers, but also reshaped the approach to environmental stewardship at advocating for conservation strategies that integrate science, policy, and public engagement. Her leadership set a standard for future conservationists and reinforced the essential role of public lands in sustaining ecosystems and communities. To honor her legacy and in recognition of the centennial of the Vermont State Parks, this bill establishes the Molly Beatty Distinguished Service Award. The commissioner of forest parks and recreation shall present this award to a state employee, a retiree, or partner whose contributions uphold Beatty's legacy by advancing conservation, public land accessibility, the quality of recreational experiences, or the sustainability of Vermont's public lands. This award will celebrate individuals who embody the spirit of service and dedication that define Molly Beatty's career, ensuring that her influence continues to inspire those who care for Vermont's natural resources. Madam speaker, the committee heard testimony from the following witnesses. Legislative counsel, office of legislative counsel, commissioner, department of forest parks and recreation, former representative, Washington three. And finally, madam speaker, the committee supported this bill by a vote of five zero three and request the body's support. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: The question is, shall the bill be read a third time? Are you ready for the question? If so, all those in favor, please say aye. All those opposed, please say nay. The eyes appear to have it. The eyes do have it. And third reading is ordered. Members that completes the orders of the day. Are there any announcements? Member from report. [Speaker 29 ]: Madam Speaker, today I have two very special guests here with us today up in the balcony. Nova and Bruce. Nova and Bruce both grew up here in Vermont and they lost their housing to a no cause eviction when their landlord decided to sell the home that they were living in. Bruce is a veteran and lives with disabilities from the time from his time in service. He also currently has lung cancer. Nova is a working Vermoner and Bruce worked his whole life until he couldn't anymore. They've applied for every available housing opportunity, but have not found anywhere to live. If nothing changes, they will live outside beginning April first for the first time in their lives. Nova and Bruce will be around the building today, and I encourage members to say hi. But but in the meantime, I invite all the members to join me in welcoming them to the people's house, thanking Bruce for his selfless service to our country and in recognizing both Nova and Bruce for their courage. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: Will the guest, the member from Bridgeport, please rise and be recognized? Are there any further announcements? Member from Berry City. [Member from Berry City]: Thank you, madam speaker. Today, also up in the balcony, we have Donna who, like myself, celebrated a birthday last week. Though she turned sixty and has managed to hold on to significantly more hair than I have. She and her husband lost their housing when her landlord had to be moved to an assisted living facility, and the house was then sold. They've been looking for housing diligently and have been unable to find any other place to live. Donna is living with disabilities and has had seven spinal surgeries and has severe COPD. She was a restaurant and bar manager, and some of our more tenured members may remember her time, working at J. Morgan's Steakhouse. And she worked her whole life and broke her back while at work. Her husband, Richard, also lives with disabilities, and it took him nine years to get access to Social Security benefits. Similarly, as the guest from Bridgeport, if nothing changes, both Donna and Richard will be sent to sleep outside on April first. Donna has faced adversity with such resolved and strength and deserves to be commended, and I'd ask that you welcome them to the people's house. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: Will the guest and member from Berry City please rise and be recognized? Are there any further announcements? Member from Colchester. [Member from Colchester]: Madam speaker, I have, two guests today in the chamber, Kaylee and her three month old child, Zayante. They live in Colchester, and I first met Kaylee last month when I visited her at the motel that she and her family currently call home. I'm pleased that Kaylee is with us today as I greatly admire her strength. Kaylee grew up in Vermont, and when her mother, with whom she was living, was evicted, she was forced into homelessness. While working full time and at the end of her pregnancy, she reached her eighty day limit in the state's motel voucher system. She was exited from this system. Kaylee and her baby had her baby in Zayante in mid December. Under the winter rules, she was able to regain housing through the motel voucher system temporarily. She has never lived outside, and she's been applying and working very hard to identify any apartment that she and her family might live in. On April first, Kaylee and her three month old baby will have no options left. They'll be faced with living outside under the upcoming expiration of the winter rules. Kaylee is a new mom and one of this in one of the scariest circumstances. As I shared, I greatly admire the strength that she has shown. She'll be at the state house today, and I encourage you to say hello and meet her and her young child, Zayante. Madam speaker, will you help me welcome Kaylee and Zayante, whose attention we may have lost somewhere in the second reading to the chamber. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: Will the guest member from Colchester, please rise and be recognized? Are there any further announcements? Member from Glover. [Member from Glover]: Madam speaker, today we have with us a Dorian who is a single mother living with disabilities. She and her three year old son turned to living in a hotel after they lost their housing to an informal eviction after experiencing domestic and family violence. Adorian has nine years of good rental history, but the moment she discloses she has disability, no one wants to rent to her. She doesn't want to stay long term in the hotel. She is doing everything she can to find housing. There is just nowhere for her to go. She wants her and her child in a safe home with friends and with autism services so that she he has a better foot forward. She has faced what most of us in this room cannot imagine, and I invite you all to join me in commending her for her bravery and welcoming welcoming her to the people's house. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: Will the guest member from Glover please rise and be recognized? Are there any further announcements? Member from Burlington. [Member from Burlington]: Madam speaker, I'm honored to introduce a special guest today. Jessica lost her home in a flood like so many other Vermonters. Followed shortly after by the need to spend six months in a facility receiving treatment for a disability. Jessica lives with a rare auto immune disorder and disabilities. She's applied for every available apartment. Finding that waiting list for affordable housing are extremely long and rents for available units are way outside of her budget. The motel program gives Jessica hope that she'll be able to safely weather this period of personal crisis. She has no family in Vermont and nowhere else to go. Jessica will lose her access to shelter in early April if we do nothing. Let us welcome Jessica and applaud her for facing her challenges with the same courage that we see in our fellow Vermonters every day. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: Will the guests of the member from Burlington, please rise and be recognized. Are there any further announcements? Seeing none, member from Essex Junction. [Speaker's Deputy]: Madam speaker, house stems will caucus ten minutes after adjournment in room eleven. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: Member from Poltenay. [Member from Poltenay]: House Republicans will not be caucusing this morning. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: Member from Burlington. [Member from Burlington]: Madam speaker, house progressives will be caucusing in room forty four at the lunch hour, and we will be joined by guests from Oh, my goodness. Transportation for Vermonters. Thank you. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: Are there any further announcements? See none. Member from Polanyi, can you please offer us a motion to adjourn until Wednesday, March nineteenth at one PM? [Member from Poltenay]: Madam speaker, I make a motion to spot a stand in adjournment until Wednesday, March nineteenth two thousand twenty five at one PM. [Speaker of the House (possibly a Chair)]: You have heard the motion. Are you ready for the question? If so, all those in favor, please say aye. All those opposed, please say nay. The eyes appear to have it. The eyes do have it, and this body stands in adjournment till tomorrow at one PM.
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