Keeping up with the legislative session

Sunlight shines through the woods in West Woodstock. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

As expected, the 2020 Vermont Legislature has spent a ton of time on the state budget, amid the financial pressures of the pandemic. But other bills have also been working their way through the House and Senate. 

A climate change-related bill now awaits the governor's signature, after it received approval from both chambers. The Global Warming Solutions Act would require Vermont to meet targeted reduced carbon emissions, and the bill forms a climate council to create a plan to reduce pollution. Some opponents of the bill, including Gov. Phil Scott, have said the responsibility for that plan should not be placed in the hands of an unelected council. Supporters argue it's time for the state to take bold action on climate change. Lawmakers appear to have the votes to override an expected veto from Scott, according to NBC5.

Also making progress is legislation that would require the state to automatically purge criminal records for people convicted of possessing small amounts of marijuana. Rep. Tom Burditt, of West Rutland, told Vermont Public Radio on Monday that since the state has legalized possession of an ounce or less, criminal records from those convictions should also be expunged. That bill is up for a final vote in the House on Tuesday, according to VPR. 

Another bill which creates a tax-and-regulate system for cannabis was in a House and Senate conference committee as of Monday. 

As this unusual legislative session continues, the above bills are several proposals prioritized by lawmakers. There are clear differences between some lawmakers and the governor on the climate change legislation. Additionally, it will be interesting to see what transpires regarding the tax-and-regulate bill — a topic that has sparked some debate in the past. With several measures nearing the legislative finish line, it appears we have another important week ahead of us. 

— Gareth Henderson