2015-2016 Session

Change Session

Senate Committee on Government Operations Room 4

The Senate Committee on Government Operations has jurisdiction over matters relating to the administration of government and justice; compensation of and retirement benefits for public officials and employees; suffrage; nominations and elections; municipal corporations; military affairs, including veterans and civil defense; public records and open meetings; and reapportionment.

Previous Meetings - Full Report

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

Senate Convenes

Thursday, January 8, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

Joint Assembly

Receive Report of the Canvassing Committee - Governor's Election

1:30 PM

Joint Assembly

Administering Oaths and Governor's Inaugural Message

Friday, January 9, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

To Be Announced

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:30 PM

Organizational Meeting

Committee Discussion

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-1, 2

Meeting Record

1:30 PM

Senate Floor

2:00 PM

Vermont League of Cities & Towns

Overview/updates/changes

Karen Horn, Director, Vermont League of Cities and Towns
Steve Jeffrey, Executive Director, Vermont League of Cities and Towns

2:45 PM

Vermont State Employees Association

Updates/Overview

Ben Palkowski, Legislative Director, VSEA

3:15 PM

15 Minute Break

3:30 PM

Econometric Model

Jason Aronowitz, Fiscal Analyst, Department of Finance & Management
Debbie Damore, Purchasing and Contracting Manager, Department of Buildings & General Services

4:15 PM

Vermont Public Interest Research Group

Paul Burns, Executive Director, Vermont Public Interest Research Group
Julia Michael

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-3

Meeting Record

1:30 PM

Senate Floor

2:00 PM

Governor's 2015 Budget Address

Joint Assembly

3:30 PM

Department of Information & Innovation

Overview/Updates/Changes/IT projects

Richard Boes, Commissioner, Department of Information & Innovation

Friday, January 16, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-4, 5

Meeting Record

11:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:00 PM

Technology

E-911

Steve Whitaker

1:30 PM

Secretary of State's Office

Overview/Updates/Changes

Hon. James Condos, Secretary of State

3:00 PM

Campaign for Vermont

Cyrus Patten, Governmental Affairs Director, Campaign for Vermont

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-6, 7

Meeting Record

1:30 PM

Law Enforcement

Introductions and Overviews of Law Enforcement Issues

Tony Facos, Chief
Mike Major, Captain, Vermont Police Association
Roger Marcoux, President, Vermont Sheriffs Association
George Merkel, Chief of Police, Vergennes
Ed Miller, Vermont Police Association
Maj. William Sheets, Executive Officer, Department of Public Safety
Scott Tucker, Captain, Rutland City Police Department

2:30 PM

ACLU - Vermont Offices

Overview/Updates/Changes

Allen Gilbert, Executive Director, American Civil Liberties Union

3:00 PM

15 Minute Break

3:15 PM

iPad Training

Michael Berry, User Support Specialist, Office of Legislative Council
Albert Coccagna, User Support Specialist, Office of Legislative Council

4:00 PM

Department of Finance & Management

Contracts, Government Accountability

Susan Zeller, Chief Performance Officer, Department of Finance & Management

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-8, 9

Meeting Record

1:30 PM

Senate Floor

2:00 PM

Treasurer's Update

Beth Pearce, State Treasurer, Office of the State Treasurer

3:30 PM

Department of Human Resources

Introductions/Overview/Updates/Changes

Kari Miner, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Human Resources
Maribeth Spellman, Commissioner, Department of Human Resources

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-10, 11, 12

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

Vermont Constitution, Proposal 2(Elections)

Election of Statewide Officers
Majority/Plurality/?

Sen. Bill Doyle, Minority Leader
Paul Gillies, Attorney, Montpelier
Cyrus Patten, Governmental Affairs Director, Campaign for Vermont
Peter Teachout, Professor, Vermont Law School
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

2:30 PM

H.15 - An act relating to approval of amendments to the charter of the Town of Colchester

Rep. Maureen Dakin
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

3:00 PM

15 Minute Break

3:15 PM

Department of Public Safety

Keith Flynn, Commissioner, Department of Public Safety

Friday, January 23, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-13

Meeting Record

11:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:00 PM

S.14 - An act relating to amendments to the marijuana for medical symptom use statutes

Francis "Paco" Aumand, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Public Safety
Michele Childs, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Brooke Jenkins
Virginia Renfrew, VT Cannabis Trade Association
Jeffrey Wallin, Director, Public Safety, Vermont Criminal Information Center

2:30 PM

iPad Training

Michael Berry, User Support Specialist, Office of Legislative Council
Albert Coccagna, User Support Specialist, Office of Legislative Council

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-14, recorded by HG,H&MA

Meeting Record

1:45 PM

S.37 - An act relating to requiring that lobbyists disclose conflicts of interest, to encouraging lobbyists to wear identification, and to creating a pilot project to livestream the proceedings of two committees

Paul Burns, Executive Director, Vermont Public Interest Research Group
Andrew MacLean, Lobbyist, WCAX TV
Steve McCloud, Lobbyist
Sen. Michael Sirotkin, '

2:30 PM

Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Report

Joint Hearing in Room 11 with House General, Housing & Military Affairs to hear VT National Guard's Legislative Report. 2:30 - 4:00pm

Colonel Ellen Abbott, Counsel, Vermont National Guard
Maj Gen Steven Cray, Adjutant General, Vermont National Guard
Angela Lakey, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator
Doris Sumner, Chief Warrant Officer III, State Equal Employer Manager, Vermont National Guard

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-15

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

2:00 PM

Committee Discussion

Rand Report

2:30 PM

Committee Discussion

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-16,17,18

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

Genuine Progress Indicator - GPI

Jon Erickson, Managing Director, Rubenstein School of Environmental and Natural Resources

2:30 PM

Vermont Right to Life v. Sorrell decision

Eve Jacobs-Carnahan, Attorney, Attorney General's Office

3:00 PM

Break

3:15 PM

S.14 - An act relating to amendments to the marijuana for medical symptom use statutes

Michele Childs, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Shayne Lynn, Executive Director, Champlain Valley Dispensary, Inc.
Monique McHenry, Executive Director, Patients Alliance
Virginia Renfrew, Lobbyist, Drug Policy Alliance Network
Jeffrey Wallin, Director, Public Safety, Vermont Criminal Information Center

3:45 PM

Vermont Spray/Neuter Program (VSNIP)

Sean Brown, Deputy Commissioner, Economic Services Division, Department for Children and Families
Sue Skaskiw, Executive Director, VT volunteer Services for Animals Humane Society

Friday, January 30, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-19,20

Meeting Record

11:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:00 PM

S.29 - An act relating to election day registration

Hon. James Condos, Secretary of State
Julia Michel, Energy & Democracy Advocate, VPIRG
John Odum, Montpelier City Clerk
Kate Rader, League of Woman Voters
Will Senning, Elections and Campaign Finance, Secretary of State's Office
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-21, 22, 23

Meeting Record

1:30 PM

S.9 - An act relating to improving Vermont’s system for protecting children from abuse and neglect

Sections 12 & 14

David Cahill, Executive Director, Department of State's Attorneys & Sheriffs
Luke Martland, Director and Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Sen. Kevin Mullin, Assistant Minority Leader, Senate Economic Development, Housing, and General Affairs Committee
Cyrus Patten, Governmental Affairs Director, Campaign for Vermont
Rep. Ann Pugh, Sponsor
Sheila Reed, Associate Director, Voices for Vermont's Children
Matthew Valerio, Defender General, Defender General's Office

3:30 PM

Law Enforcement Report

Rick Gauthier, Executive Director, VT Criminal Justice Training Council
Ed Miller, Vermont Police Association
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-24, 25, 26

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

Open Meeting Law Issue

Helena Gardner, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Steve Jeffrey, Executive Director, Vermont League of Cities and Towns

2:15 PM

Election of Statewide Officials - Constitutional Amendment

Paul Burns, Executive Director, Vermont Public Interest Research Group
Rick Hubbard, Citizen
Thomas Weiss, Citizen

3:15 PM

15 Minute Break

3:30 PM

S.9 - An act relating to improving Vermont’s system for protecting children from abuse and neglect

Sections 12 & 14

Matt Levin, Executive Director, Vermont Early Childhood Alliance
Marshall Pahl, Appellate and Juvenile Defender, Defender General's Office
Leslie Wisdom, General Counsel, Department for Children and Families

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-27, 28, 29

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

State Contracting Policy

Kim Coe, Director, Residential and Community Treatment Programs, Lund Family Center
Debbie Damore, Purchasing and Contracting Manager, Department of Buildings & General Services
Doug Hoffer, State Auditor, State Auditor's Office
Scott Johnson, Executive Director, Lamoille Family Center
Susan Zeller, Chief Performance Officer, Agency of Administration

2:30 PM

H.10 - An act relating to approval of amendments to the charter of the Town of Barre

Rep. Robert LaClair
Cameron Wood, Office of Legislative Council

3:00 PM

S.14 - An act relating to amendments to the marijuana for medical symptom use statutes

Francis "Paco" Aumand, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Public Safety
Michele Childs, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Margaret Coffey, Naturopathic Physician
Shayne Lynn, Executive Director, Champlain Valley Dispensary, Inc.
Monique McHenry, Executive Director, Patients Alliance
Jeffrey Wallin, Director, Public Safety, Vermont Criminal Information Center

Friday, February 6, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-30, 31

Meeting Record

11:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:00 PM

Sunrise Reports

Colin Benjamin, OPR Director, Office of Professional Regulation, Secretary of State's Office
Chris Winters, Deputy Secretary, Secretary of State's Office

2:30 PM

H.17 - An act relating to identification and notification of Public Records Act exemptions in administrative rules

Walk thru of the following bills

Rep. Joanna Cole, Representative
Helena Gardner, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

-

H.7 - An act relating to miscellaneous amendments to laws regarding law enforcement officer certification

Rep. Robert LaClair
Sen. John Rodgers, Senator
Rebecca Wasserman, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-32, 33, 34

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

Election of Governor, Lt. Governor and Treasurer

Proposal 2, 3, & 5

Governor Jim Douglas
Anthony Gierzynski, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, UVM
Paul Giuliani, Attorney
Ben Kinsley, Policy Operations Manager, Campaign for Vermont
Kate Rader, League of Woman Voters
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

2:30 PM

S.9 - An act relating to improving Vermont’s system for protecting children from abuse and neglect

Sections 12 & 14

David Cahill, Executive Director, Department of State's Attorneys & Sheriffs
Luke Martland, Director and Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Beth Nolan, Outreach and Project Coordinator, Voices for Vermont Children
Cyrus Patten, Governmental Affairs Director, Campaign for Vermont
John Treadwell, Assistant Attorney General, Attorney General's Office

3:30 PM

15 Minute Break

3:45 PM

Constitutional Amendment - Proposal 4

Sen. Tim Ashe
William Griffin, Chief Assistant Attorney General, Attorney General's Office
Tom Little, Vice-President and General Counsel, Vermont Student Assistance Corporation
Sen. Michael Sirotkin, '

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-35, 36

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

2:00 PM

S.2 - An act relating to the establishment of a State Latin Motto

To be held in Room 11 -- gathering of 50 - 70 students -- students testifying

Philip Ambrose, UVM
Melissa Chase, Student, Lamoille Union High School
Michael Chernick, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Noel Kramer, Student, Lamoille Union High School
Angela Kubicke, Student
Kimberly McKenna, Student, Lamoille Union High School
Robert Rogers, UVM
Roy Starling, Latin Teacher

3:00 PM

15 Minute Break

3:15 PM

Open Meeting Law Issue

Helena Gardner, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Steve Jeffrey, Executive Director, Vermont League of Cities and Towns
Christopher Winters, Deputy Secretary, Secretary of State's Office

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-37, 38, 39

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

S.28 - An act relating to divesting State retirement funds from the 200 publically traded companies that hold the largest carbon content fossil fuels reserves

350 Vermont

Eric Becker, Clean Yield Asset Management
Isabelle Francke, Student
Nora Hill, Vermont Commons School
Bob Kenny, Goddard President
Matt Patsky, Trillium Investments

2:15 PM

S.57 - An act relating to fees paid to deputy sheriffs and their assistants for transport

Keith Clark, Vermont Sheriffs Association
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

3:00 PM

15 Minute Break

3:15 PM

S.9 - An act relating to improving Vermont’s system for protecting children from abuse and neglect

Sections 12 & 14

Luke Martland, Director and Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Marshall Pahl, Appellate and Juvenile Defender, Defender General's Office

3:45 PM

H.7 - An act relating to miscellaneous amendments to laws regarding law enforcement officer certification

BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Friday, February 13, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-40, 41

Meeting Record

11:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:00 PM

S.14 - An act relating to amendments to the marijuana for medical symptom use statutes

Michele Childs, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

2:00 PM

Status of Hemp in VT

Diane Bothfeld, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture
Clarence Davis, Director of State Relations, University of Vermont
Tim Schmalz, Plant Pathologist, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets

3:00 PM

Current Status of Marijuana in Vermont

Michele Childs, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Barbara Cimaglio, Deputy Commissioner, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program, Dept. of Health
Bobby Sand, Governor’s Liaison to Criminal Justice Programs, Agency of Administration

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-42, 43, 44

Meeting Record

1:30 PM

Potential Savings in Postal

Terry Lamos, Manager, Government Business Services
Wanda Minoli, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Buildings & General Services
Michael Obuchowski, Commissioner, Department of Buildings & General Services
Ed Von Turkovich, Director of Business Development, Department of Buildings & General Services

2:15 PM

S.29 - An act relating to election day registration

Annette Cappy via phone

Annette Cappy, Town Clerk, Brattleboro
Julia Michel, Energy & Democracy Advocate, VPIRG
Karen Richard, Legislative Chair, VT Municipal Clerks & Treasurers Association
Patricia Sears, State President, AARP
Will Senning, Elections and Campaign Finance, Secretary of State's Office

3:45 PM

S.43 - An act relating to the list of delinquent taxpayers

Steve Jeffrey, Executive Director, Vermont League of Cities and Towns

4:15 PM

S.58 - An act relating to requiring that the Defender General receive the same early retirement benefit as a State’s Attorney

Robert Paolini, Executive Director, Vermont Bar Association
Beth Pearce, State Treasurer, Office of the State Treasurer

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 0

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

Local Government Day

Joint Meeting with House Government Operations - to be held in Senate Chambers

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-45, 46, 47

Meeting Record

10:30 AM

Joint Assembly

Election of Sergeant at Arms, Adjutant and Inspector General, and Trustees of the University of Vermont and State Agricultural College

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

S.66 - An act relating to persons who are deaf, DeafBlind, or hard of hearing

Linda Hazard testimony via phone

Karin Edwards, Director, Student Support, Agency of Education
Linda Hazard, Dir., VT Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Program, Department of Health
Ed Paquin, Director, Disability Rights Vermont
Jenny Prosser, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Council
Stuart Sobelski, Hardwick
Susan Wehry, Commissioner, Department of Disabilities, Aging & Independent Living

2:45 PM

S.57 - An act relating to fees paid to deputy sheriffs and their assistants for transport

David Cahill, Executive Director, Department of State's Attorneys & Sheriffs
Sam Hill, Sheriff's Association

3:15 PM

15 Minute Break

3:30 PM

Open Meeting Law Issue

Allen Gilbert, Executive Director, American Civil Liberties Union

4:00 PM

S.76 - An act relating to providing that Vermont hold its presidential primary on the same day as that of New Hampshire

Hon. James Condos, Secretary of State
Sen. Bill Doyle, Minority Leader

Friday, February 20, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-48, 49, 50

Meeting Record

11:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:00 PM

Duncan Goss, Director of Information Technology, Office of Legislative Council
Ed Miller, Lobbyist, Vermont Truck and Bus Association

-

S.93 - An act relating to lobbying disclosures

Andrew MacLean, Lobbyist, MMR Legal Services
Julia Michel, Energy & Democracy Advocate, VPIRG
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

2:00 PM

Marijuana Legalization The Vermont Way

The Supply Architecture

Michele Childs, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Paul Fischer
Keith Flynn, Commissioner, Department of Public Safety
Jean Keiwel
Cindy Leszczak
David Mickenberg, Attorney, Drug Policy Alliance Network
Bobby Sand, Governor’s Liaison to Criminal Justice Programs, Agency of Administration
Stewart Savel
Rick Veitch

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-51, 52, 53

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

Vermont Spray/Neuter Program (VSNIP)

Pamela Kraus, Executive Director, VT-CAN! Spay/Neuter Clinic
Kenneth Schatz, Commissioner, Department for Children and Families
Sue Skaskiw, Director of Information Technology, VT volunteer Services for Animals Humane Society
Magdalena Usategui, Ph.D

2:15 PM

S.43 - An act relating to the list of delinquent taxpayers

Discussion

Steve Jeffrey, Executive Director, Vermont League of Cities and Towns

-

S.58 - An act relating to requiring that the Defender General receive the same early retirement benefit as a State’s Attorney

Discussion

Robert Paolini, Executive Director, Vermont Bar Association

2:30 PM

E-911

Proposal to move to Department of Public Safety

Keith Flynn, Commissioner, Department of Public Safety
Steve Gold, 911 Board
Roger Marcoux, Executive Director of Operations, Lamoille County
David Tucker, Statewide 911 Director, Enhanced 9-1-1 Board
Steve Whitaker

3:30 PM

H.194 - An act relating to approval of amendments to the charter of the Town of St. Johnsbury

Rep. Janssen Willhoit

3:45 PM

Where Can The State Save $$

All Ideas Welcome

Amy Shollenberger, Lobbyist, Parent Child Center Network

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-54, 55

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

2:30 PM

S.66 - An act relating to persons who are deaf, DeafBlind, or hard of hearing

Evelyn Dixon, Parent of Deaf Child, Berlin, VT
Mary Essex, President, VT Association of the Deaf
Ralph Gallo, Deaf Adult, Hartford, VT
Bill Hudson, State Coordinator, Rehab Counselor for the Deaf
Stuart Sobelski
Jo-Anne Unruh, Executive Director, Vermont Council of Special Education Administrators

3:45 PM

Public Records Summer Study Committee

Committee Discussion

Helena Gardner, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

4:15 PM

Results Based Accountability Training

Susan Zeller, Chief Performance Officer, Agency of Administration

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-56, 57, 58

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

2:20 PM

S.93 - An act relating to lobbying disclosures

Discussion; Markup

Hon. James Condos, Secretary of State, Secretary of State's Office
Will Senning, Elections and Campaign Finance, Secretary of State's Office
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

-

Discussion; Markup

2:45 PM

S.20 - An act relating to establishing and regulating dental therapists

Sheila Bannister, Assistant Professor, Vermont Dental Hygienists' Association
Jamie Feehan, Government Relations Director, Primmer Piper Eggleston & Cramer
Ellen Grimes, Doctor, Vermont Technical College
Beth Nolan, Outreach and Project Coordinator, Voices for Vermont Children
Sheila Reed, Associate Director, Voices for Vermont's Children
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

4:30 PM

S.29 - An act relating to election day registration

Morten Brown - testimony via phone

Bobbi Brimblecombe, Town Clerk, Marshfield
Morten Brown, Town Clerk, Maine
Rep. Maureen Dakin

Friday, February 27, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-59, 60

Meeting Record

11:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:00 PM

S.114 - An act relating to the Open Meeting Law

Hon. James Condos, Secretary of State
John Flowers, Senior Reporter, Addison Independent
Allen Gilbert, Executive Director, American Civil Liberties Union
Tom Kearney, Managing Editor, Stowe Reporter and Waterbury Record
Chris Winters, Deputy Secretary, Secretary of State's Office

2:00 PM

Marijuana Legalization The Vermont Way

Michael Badamo
Michael Hogan, Commissioner, Department of Liquor Control
David Mickenberg, Attorney, Drug Policy Alliance Network
Bobby Sand, Governor’s Liaison to Criminal Justice Programs, Agency of Administration
Stewart Savel

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 0

Meeting Record

-

THE VERMONT GENERAL ASSEMBLY IS ON BREAK DURING THE TOWN MEETING RECESS. NO COMMITTEE MEETINGS ARE SCHEDULED.

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-61, 62, 63, 64

Meeting Record

1:15 PM

S.58 - An act relating to requiring that the Defender General receive the same early retirement benefit as a State’s Attorney

Vote

Luke Martland, Director and Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

1:30 PM

S.66 - An act relating to persons who are deaf, DeafBlind, or hard of hearing

Young and Florio testimony via phone

Keri Darling, Director, Deaf Vermonters Advocacy Service
Mary Essex, President, VT Association of the Deaf
Steven Florio, President, NASADHH
Karen Lafayette, Lobbyist, Vermont Coalition for Disability Rights (VCDR)
Nick Lalanne, Education Advocate, VT Association of the Deaf
Rene Pellerin, Deaf Blind, Waterbury
Stuart Sobelski, Education Advocate, VT Association of the Deaf
Sue Tester
Jo-Anne Unruh, Executive Director, Vermont Council of Special Education Administrators
Anna Young, Parent of Deaf Child, Glover

3:00 PM

15 Minute Break

3:15 PM

S.66 - An act relating to persons who are deaf, DeafBlind, or hard of hearing

Continued Discussion

Jenny Prosser, Office of Legislative Council

4:15 PM

S.93 - An act relating to lobbying disclosures

Review Draft; Discussion; Vote

Hon. James Condos, Secretary of State
Michael Duane, Attorney General's Office
Julia Michel, Energy & Democracy Advocate, VPIRG
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-65, 66

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

3:15 PM

S.20 - An act relating to establishing and regulating dental therapists

Dr. Galbraith and Dr. Willard's testimony via phone

Shon DiGualielmo, DDS
Peter Galbraith, DDS
Ellen Grimes, RDH, MA, MPA, Ed.D, Vermont Technical College
David Jordan, Dental Health Access Project, Boston, MA
Dr. Mary Willard, Director, DHAT Educational Program, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium

5:00 PM

S.66 - An act relating to persons who are deaf, DeafBlind, or hard of hearing

Draft 4.3 -- Discussion & Vote

Jenny Prosser, Office of Legislative Council

5:20 PM

S.93 - An act relating to lobbying disclosures

Draft 2.2 -- Discussion & Vote

BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-67, 68, 69

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

S.29 - An act relating to election day registration

Merton Brown's testimony via phone

Merton Brown, Town Clerk, Kennebunk, Maine
Carol Dawes, City Clerk, Barre City
Alison Kaiser, Town Clerk, Stowe
Karen Richards, Town Clerk
Will Senning, Secretary of State's Office

4:00 PM

Discussion on the Following Bills/Topics

-

S.20 - An act relating to establishing and regulating dental therapists

Dr. Jane Grover, Senior Manager, American Dental Association

Friday, March 13, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-70, 71, 72

Meeting Record

11:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:00 PM

Discussion on the Following Bills/Topics

-

S.20 - An act relating to establishing and regulating dental therapists

Will Senning, Secretary of State's Office
Chris Winters, Secretary of State's Office
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

2:30 PM

Marijuana Legalization The Vermont Way

Chris D'Elia, Vermont Bankers' Association
Jake Perkinson, General Counsel, Champlain Valley Dispensary
Robert Ross, Concerned Citizen, Westminster

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-73, 74

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

S.20 - An act relating to establishing and regulating dental therapists

Discussion, Markup & Vote

Dr. Joe Nieters, D.D.S.
Dr. Patrick Rowe, D.D.S.

2:15 PM

15 Minute Break

2:30 PM

S.20 - An act relating to establishing and regulating dental therapists

Continued

Jamie Feehan, Government Relations Director, Primmer Piper Eggleston & Cramer
Ellen Grimes, Vermont Technical College
Chris Winters, Secretary of State's Office
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-75, 76

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

- after the floor

S.114 - An act relating to the Open Meeting Law

Joe Choquette, Lobbyist
Michael Duane, Attorney General's Office
Helena Gardner, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Allen Gilbert, Executive Director, American Civil Liberties Union
Steve Jeffrey, Executive Director, Vermont League of Cities and Towns
Emily Simmons, Vermont School Boards Association
Chris Winters, Secretary of State's Office

4:45 PM

S.93 - An act relating to lobbying disclosures

Reviewing draft 4.1

Julia Michel, Energy & Democracy Advocate, VPIRG
Sen. Michael Sirotkin, '
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-77, 78

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

- after the floor

S.93 - An act relating to lobbying disclosures

Amendment offered by Sen. Sirotkin -- additional testimony welcomed

Paul Burns, Executive Director, Vermont Public Interest Research Group
Andy McLean, Lobbyist, VELCO
Will Senning, Elections and Campaign Finance, Secretary of State's Office
Sen. Michael Sirotkin

-

S.94 - An act relating to appointing municipal clerks and treasurers

Vote

Steve Jeffrey, Executive Director, Vermont League of Cities and Towns
Susan Zeller, Chief Performance Officer, Agency of Administration

Friday, March 20, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-79, 80

Meeting Record

11:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:00 PM

Marijuana Legalization The Vermont Way

Mark Tucci via phone

Lori Augustyniak, Coordinator, Prevention Works! VT
Monique McHenry, Executive Director, VT Patients Alliance
Mark Tucci, Patient

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-81, 82

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

Public Safety Answering Point

Francis "Paco" Aumand, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Public Safety
Lt. Matt Birmingham, Drug Task Force, Vermont State Police
JoaAnne Chadwick, Director of Administration
Keith Flynn, Commissioner, Department of Public Safety
Marie Hayward, Financial Manager III
Colonel Tom L'Esperance, Director, State Police
Terry Lavallee, Communication Program Manager
Capt. Donald Patch

3:00 PM

15 Minute Break

3:15 PM

Public Safety Answering Point

Continuing Testimony with VSEA

Patricia Bennett, Dispatcher, Derby
Sarah Copen, Dispatcher, Williston
Nicholas Sheehan, Dispatcher, Rutland

3:45 PM

Governor's Appointment

Justin Johnson, Secretary, Agency of Administration

4:00 PM

Governor's Appointment

James Reardon, Commissioner, Department of Finance & Management

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-83, 84

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

- after the floor

S.114 - An act relating to the Open Meeting Law

Testimony, Markup & Vote on Draft 1.1

Joe Choquette
Rep. Adam Greshin, House Committee on Ways and Means
Steve Jeffrey, Executive Director, Vermont League of Cities and Towns
Steven Pappas, Editor, The Times Argus
Greg Popa, Publisher, Stowe Reporter and Waterbury Record

3:30 PM

S.124 - An act relating to expanding the scope of practice of Level II certified law enforcement officers

Richard Gauthier, Executive Director, VT Criminal Justice Training Council
Roger Marcoux, Executive Director of Operations, Vermont Sheriffs Association
Ed Miller, Vermont Police Association
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-85, 86

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

- after the floor

Money Savings Ideas

Michael Obuchowski, Commissioner, Department of Buildings & General Services

3:00 PM

S.131 - An act relating to disclosure of a business’s campaign finance expenditures

Sen. Michael Sirotkin
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Friday, March 27, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-87, 88

Meeting Record

11:30 AM

Senate Floor

-15 mins. after the floor

Marijuana Legalization The Vermont Way

Laureen Arena, Concerned Citizen
Ben Battles, Assistant Attorney General, Attorney General's Office
T.J. Donovan, Vermont State's Attorney, Chittenden County State Attorney
Judy Robertson MacIsaac, Member - Steering Committee, VTCC
Mary Alice McKenzie, Executive Director, Burlington Boys and Girls Club
Hinda Miller
Peggy O'Toole

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-89, 90

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:15 PM

S.29 - An act relating to election day registration

Amendment

Sen. Dustin Degree, Member
Will Senning, Elections and Campaign Finance, Secretary of State's Office
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

1:30 PM

H.304 - An act relating to making miscellaneous amendments to Vermont’s retirement laws

-

Explore Idea of Retirement Incentives

Laurie Lamphere, Director, Retirement Division, Treasurer's Office
Michael O'Neil, Director, Division of Fire Safety
Ben Palkowski, Legislative Director, Vermont State Employees Association
Beth Pearce, State Treasurer, Office of the State Treasurer

2:45 PM

Boating Licensing Enforcements - Possible Duplication of Efforts

Ken Denton, Retired Fish & Game Warden
Louis Porter, Commissioner, Department of Fish and Wildlife
John Underhill, Sergeant

3:15 PM

15 Minute Break

3:30 PM

S.124 - An act relating to expanding the scope of practice of Level II certified law enforcement officers

Discussion, Markup & Vote on Draft 2.1

Richard Gauthier, Chair, VT Criminal Justice Training Council
Frank Koss, Chief, Hinesburg
Ed Miller, Lobbyist, Vermont Police Association
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-91, 92

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

- after the floor

Budgetary Issues

-

Vermont Arts Council

Alex Aldrich, Executive Director, Vermont Arts Council
Keith Clark, Vermont Sheriffs Association
Rob Cunningham, Chief Financial Officer, Vermont Public Television
Peter Gilbert, Executive Director, Vermont Humanities Council
Holly Groschner, CEO, Vermont Public Television
Mark Hudson, Executive Director, Vermont Historical Society
Alan Jordan, Executive Director, Vermont Symphony Orchestra

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-93, 94

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

-

S.20 - An act relating to establishing and regulating dental therapists

Discussion regarding Sen. Mullin, Sen. Snelling and Sen. Kitchel Amendments

Sen. Jane Kitchel, Co-sponsor
Sen. Kevin Mullin, Assistant Minority Leader, Senate Economic Development, Housing, and General Affairs Committee
Diane Snelling
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Friday, April 3, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-95, 96

Meeting Record

11:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

Marijuana Legalization The Vermont Way

Thomas Vanacore, Rock Dust Local, LLC
Sen. David Zuckerman, Senator

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-97, 98

Meeting Record

1:30 PM

Public Safety Answering Point (PSAPs)

Patricia Bennett, Dispatcher, Derby
Dale Birmingham, Lieutenant Colonel
Steve Howard, Legislative Director, Vermont State Employees Association
Vincent Illuzzi, Lobbyist, Vermont State Employees Association
Colonel Tom L'Esperance, Director, State Police
Capt. Don Patch, Vermont State Police

2:30 PM

Vermont State Employees Association

Cadillac tax, savings, etc.

Steve Howard, Legislative Director, Vermont State Employees Association
Vincent Illuzzi, Lobbyist, Vermont State Employees Association
Ben Palkowski, Legislative Director, Vermont State Employees Association

3:15 PM

15 Minute Break

3:30 PM

H.128 - An act relating to the use of results-based accountability common language in Vermont law

Markup & Vote

BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

3:45 PM

H.304 - An act relating to making miscellaneous amendments to Vermont’s retirement laws

Markup & Vote

Luke Martland, Director and Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Beth Pearce, State Treasurer, Office of the State Treasurer

4:00 PM

H.320 - An act relating to technical corrections

Walk thru of bill

Jenny Prosser, Office of Legislative Council

4:30 PM

Chairs Meeting

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-99, 100, 101

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

- after the floor

H.282 - An act relating to professions and occupations regulated by the Office of Professional Regulation

Colin Benjamin, Counsel, Office of Professional Regulation, Secretary of State's Office
Chris Winters, Deputy Secretary, Secretary of State's Office

-

S.127 - An act relating to a study regarding massage therapy licensure

Steven Costantino, Commissioner, Department of Vermont Health Access
Terry Holden, Parent of Child with autism
David Powsner, Founding Chair, VT Association for Behavior Analysis
Claudia Inés Pringles, Vermont Autism Task Force
Terry Silver
Maureen Slayton, President, VT Chapter - American Massage Therapy Association
Judith Ursitti, Regional Director, Autism Speaks
Chris Winters, Deputy Secretary, Secretary of State's Office
Chris Winters, Deputy Secretary, Secretary of State's Office
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-102

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

3:00 PM

Department of Buildings and General Services

Money Savings

Terry Lamos, Manager Government Business Services, BGS
Michael Obuchowski, Commissioner, Department of Buildings & General Services

3:15 PM

H.478 - An act relating to approval of the adoption and codification of the charter of the Town of Royalton

Committee Discussion & Vote

Rep. Patti J. Lewis

-

H.268 - An act relating to approval of the adoption and the codification of the charter of the Town of Franklin and of the merger of Franklin Fire District No. 1 into the Town

Committee Discussion & Vote

Rep. Patti J. Lewis

3:30 PM

Department of Buildings and General Services

Testimony continues

Friday, April 10, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-103, 104

Meeting Record

11:30 AM

Senate Floor

Extended Floor Time

2:30 PM

Marijuana Legalization The Vermont Way

Committee Discussion

Michele Childs, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Paul Fischer
Allen Gilbert, Executive Director, American Civil Liberties Union
Michael Hogan, Commissioner, Department of Liquor Control
Nancy Lynch, Tipping Point Solutions
David Mickenberg, Attorney, AARP
Bobby Sand, Governor’s Liaison to Criminal Justice Programs, Agency of Administration
Stewart Savel

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-105, 106

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

H.477 - An act relating to miscellaneous amendments to election law

BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

-

S.131 - An act relating to disclosure of a business’s campaign finance expenditures

Michele Anderson, Legal Counsel, Department of Human Resources
Allen Gilbert, Executive Director, American Civil Liberties Union
Steve Jeffrey, Executive Director, Vermont League of Cities and Towns
Megan Shafritz, Assistant Attorney General, Attorney General's Office

2:45 PM

15 Minute Break

3:00 PM

H.18 - An act relating to Public Records Act exemptions

1 VSA 317(c)(10)

Michael Duane, Director of the General Counsel and Administrative Law Division, Attorney General's Office

4:30 PM

Chairs Meeting

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-107, 108

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

- after the floor

H.282 - An act relating to professions and occupations regulated by the Office of Professional Regulation

Colin Benjamin, Counsel, Office of Professional Regulation, Secretary of State's Office
Michael Gilman, Social Work Advisor
Gabriel Gilman, Counsel, Office of Professional Regulation, Secretary of State's Office
Laura Pelosi, Lobbyist, Vermont Health Care Association
Jo-Anne Unruh, Executive Director, Vermont Council of Special Education Administrators
Chris Winters, Deputy Secretary, Secretary of State's Office

-

S.136 - An act relating to licensing and regulating applied behavior analysts and their assistants

Marilyn Mahusky, Disability Law Project, Vermont Legal Aid
Kirsten Murphy, Parent, Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council
Ed Sbardellati, Senior Clinican, Washington County Mental Health

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-109

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

- after the floor

Department of Children and Families

Discussion regarding possible savings in department

Leo Clark, CFO, Department for Children and Families
Terry Lamos, Central Services Operations Adm., BGS
Michael Obuchowski, Commissioner, Department of Buildings & General Services
Kenneth Schatz, Commissioner, Department for Children and Families
Amy Shollenberger, Lobbyist, Vermont Parent Child Center Network
Ed Von Turkovich, Director of Business Development, Department of Buildings & General Services

Friday, April 17, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-110, 111

Meeting Record

11:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:00 PM

Public Safety Answering Point (PSAPs)

and E-911 discussion

JoaAnne Chadwick, Director of Administration, Department of Public Safety
Marie Hayward, Financial Manager III, Department of Public Safety
Vincent Illuzzi, Lobbyist, Vermont State Employees Association
Roger Marcoux, Executive Director of Operations, Vermont Sheriffs Association

2:30 PM

Marijuana Legalization The Vermont Way

Committee Discussion

Michele Childs, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
David Mickenberg, Attorney
Stewart Savel
Lindsay Wells, Marijuana Program Administrator, Department of Public Safety

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-112, 113

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

Election of Statewide Officials - Constitutional Amendment

Proposal 2, 3, 5

Paul Burns, Executive Director, Vermont Public Interest Research Group
Ben Kinsley, Policy Operations Manager, Campaign for Vermont
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

2:30 PM

H.477 - An act relating to miscellaneous amendments to election law

Julia Barnes, Executive Director, Vermont Democratic Party
Paul Burns, Executive Director, Vermont Public Interest Research Group
Will Senning, Elections and Campaign Finance, Secretary of State's Office

-

Public Financing of Campaigns

3:15 PM

15 Minute Break

3:30 PM

H.477 - An act relating to miscellaneous amendments to election law

Will Senning, Elections and Campaign Finance, Secretary of State's Office

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-114

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

3:00 PM

Budget Savings Discussion

Committee Discussion

Alex Aldrich, Executive Director, Vermont Arts Council
JoaAnne Chadwick, Director of Administration, Department of Public Safety
Peter Gilbert, Executive Director, Vermont Humanities Council
Marie Hayward, Financial Manager III, Department of Public Safety
Joe Merone, Senior Executive Producer, Vermont Public Television
Ben Palkowski, Legislative Director, Vermont State Employees Association
Amy Shollenberger, Lobbyist, Vermont Parent Child Center Network

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-115, 116

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

- after the floor

H.282 - An act relating to professions and occupations regulated by the Office of Professional Regulation

Julie Tessler, Director, Vermont Council of Developmental and Mental Health Services
Chris Winters, Deputy Secretary, Secretary of State's Office

-

S.136 - An act relating to licensing and regulating applied behavior analysts and their assistants

Michael Gilman, Social Work Advisor, Secretary of State's Office
Peter Gregory, Private Citizen
Kirsten Murphy, Parent, Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council
Claudia Inés Pringles, Parent, Vermont Autism Task Force
Julie Tessler, Director, Vermont Council of Developmental and Mental Health Services

3:00 PM

Budget Bill

Stephen Klein, Chief Legislative Fiscal Officer, Joint Fiscal Office
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Friday, April 24, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-117, 118

Meeting Record

11:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:00 PM

H.282 - An act relating to professions and occupations regulated by the Office of Professional Regulation

Committee Discussion & Vote

BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

1:30 PM

Marijuana Legalization The Vermont Way

Kathleen Sims, Citizen

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-119, 120, 121

Meeting Record

1:30 PM

Public Financing of Campaigns

-

Campaign Finance Violations

Meeting will be held in the Ethan Allen Room at the Statehouse

David Cahill, Executive Director, Department of State's Attorneys & Sheriffs
John Franco, Burlington
Phil Scott, Lieutenant Governor
Will Senning, Elections and Campaign Finance, Secretary of State's Office
William Sorrell, Vermont Attorney General, Attorney General's Office
Brady Toensing, Vice Chair, Republican Party
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

3:30 PM

15 Minute Break

3:45 PM

Public Financing of Campaigns

4:15 PM

Senate Ethics Committee Proposal

Meeting will be held in the Ethan Allen Room at the Statehouse

Ben Kinsley, Policy Operations Manager, Campaign for Vermont
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15,122, 123

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

-

H.494 - An act relating to approval of the adoption and codification of the charter of the Town of Weybridge

Committee Discussion & Vote

Rep. Sarah Copeland-Hanzas
Rep. Harvey Smith

-

H.499 - An act relating to approval of the adoption and codification of the charter of the Town of Salisbury

Committee Discussion & Vote

Cameron Wood, Office of Legislative Council

2:30 PM

H.18 - An act relating to Public Records Act exemptions

Walk thru of bill

Helena Gardner, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Steve Jeffrey, Executive Director, Vermont League of Cities and Towns
Margaret Murray, Citizen, Montpelier

Thursday, April 30, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-124

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Senate Floor

11:00 AM

H.18 - An act relating to Public Records Act exemptions

Review of Draft 1.1 -- Discussion & Vote

Helena Gardner, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

Friday, May 1, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-0

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:00 PM

NO COMMITTEE MEETING HELD

Continuation of Senators on the Floor

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-125, 126, 127

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

JRH8 - Joint resolution relating to military suicides

Steve Robertson's testimony via phone

Rep. Mark Higley, House Committee On Government Operations
Steve Robertson, Senior Legislative Assistant for Military and Veterans Affairs, Senator Bernie Sanders
Rep. Vicki Strong, Gold Star Mother

2:30 PM

H.117 - An act relating to telecommunications.

Sen. Mullin and Sen. MacDonald's Amendment

Beth Fastiggi, Vice President Government Relations, Fairpoint Communications
John Hollar, Lobbyist, Fairpoint
Karen Horn, Director, Vermont League of Cities and Towns
Sen. Mark A. MacDonald
Jim Porter, Director of Telecommunications, Public Service Department
Maria Royle, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Irv Thomae, Chairman, EC Fiber
Cameron Wood, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Council

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-128, 129

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

1:45 PM

H.117 - An act relating to telecommunications.

Proposed Amendment to H.117 (Secs. 20 - 25 only)
Walk thru and Committee Discussion

Jamie Feehan, Lobbyist, Independent Telephone Companies
Maria Royle, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Charles Storrow, Lobbyist, AT&T
Irv Thomae, Chairman, EC Fiber

3:15 PM

H.497 - An act relating to approval of amendments to the charter of the Town of Colchester

Rep. Joanna Cole, Representative

-

H.504 - An act relating to approval of the adoption and codification of the charter of the Town of Waitsfield

Rep. Patti J. Lewis
Rep. Patti J. Lewis

Thursday, May 7, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-130

Meeting Record

11:45 AM

S.93 - An act relating to lobbying disclosures

Paul Burns, Executive Director, Vermont Public Interest Research Group
Eve Jacobs-Carnahan, Attorney, Attorney General's Office
Rep. Patricia Komline, House Committee on Ways and Means
Julia Michel, Energy & Democracy Advocate, VPIRG
Will Senning, Elections and Campaign Finance, Secretary of State's Office
Rep. Maida Townsend, Representative, House Committee On Government Operations
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Rep. Kurt Wright, Burlington

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

Friday, May 8, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-0

Meeting Record

10:30 AM

Senate Floor

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

11:00 AM

Senate Floor

-

NO COMMITTEE MEETING HELD

9:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

NO COMMITTEE MEETING HELD

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-0

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

- after the floor

H.508 - An act relating to approval of amendments to the charter of the Town of Middlebury

Cameron Wood, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Council

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-0

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

2:30 PM

Marijuana Legalization The Vermont Way

Michele Childs, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

4:00 PM

Senate Floor

Friday, May 15, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-0

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Senate Floor

11:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

No Committee Meeting Scheduled

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

Marijuana Regulation in Vermont

Committee Discussion

Meg Mott, Speech Matters Program, Marlboro College

10:15 AM

Marijuana Regulation in Vermont

Eli Harrington, Vermontijuana
Francis Janik, Jamaica
Bill Lofy, Vermont Cannabis Collaborative

11:30 AM

Marijuana Regulation in Vermont

Howard Fairman, Vernon

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Marijuana Regulation in Vermont

Emily Amanna
Mark Linkhorst, Cannabis.Pro LLC, Open Source Cannabis Consulting & Industry Development
Robert Melamede
Iana Newton, Brattleboro
Keith Rowe, Parent
Stewart Savel, Brattleboro
Laura Subin, Vermont Coalition to Regulate Marijuana
Julie Tessler, Director, Vermont Council of Developmental and Mental Health Services
Rep. Chip Troiano
Joe Veldon, Owner, Righteous Roots Organics

4:00 PM

Adjourn

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

Marijuana Regulation in Vermont

Committee Discussion

Michele Childs, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
William Loffy, Vermont Cannabis Collaborative
Stewart Savel, Brattleboro
David Silderman, Attorney, Middlebury

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Marijuana Regulation in Vermont

Committee Discussion

Emily Amanna, Athens
Brian Berry, Putney
Michele Childs, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Francis Janik, Jamaica
Louise Kaigle, Shelburne
Connor Kennedy, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the President Pro Tempore
Erik Larow, Stowe
Stewart Savel, Brattleboro
David Silberman, Attorney, Middlebury

4:00 PM

Adjourn

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:00 PM

Priorities for the Session

Committee Discussion

3:00 PM

Break

3:30 PM

Department of Human Resources

Report on Reclassification Project, etc.

Maribeth Spellman, Commissioner, Department of Human Resources

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

DUE TO EXTENSIVE FLOOR TIME NO AFTERNOON COMMITTEE MEETING WILL BE HELD

Thursday, January 7, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

2:00 PM

Governor's State of the State Address

Joint Assembly held in House Chambers

3:30 PM

Vermont State Employees Association

Workplace Safety
Workers Compensation

Peter Danles, Director of Security, Department of Buildings & General Services
Cheri Goldstein, Risk Management Privatization
Kara Haynes, Family Services, DCF
Justin Johnson, Secretary, Agency of Administration
Michael Obuchowski, Commissioner, Department of Buildings & General Services

Friday, January 8, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

11:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

Updates:

VT League of Cities and Town
Office of Secretary of State

Hon. James Condos, Secretary of State
Karen Horn, Director, Vermont League of Cities and Towns
Chris Winters, Deputy Secretary, Secretary of State's Office

2:45 PM

Security Update

Janet Miller, Sergeant-At-Arms

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:00 PM

Government Accountability Report

Review and Adopt --- to be held in Room 10

BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

2:00 PM

Ethics Discussion

Joint hearing with House Government Operations in the Ethan Allen Room
Review of Constitutional/Ethics

BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

3:30 PM

S.184 - An act relating to establishing a State Ethics Commission

James Condos, Secretary of State
Gwynn Zakov, Municipal Policy Advocate, VT League of Cities and Towns

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

1:45 PM

S.234 - An act relating to a candidate’s constitutional qualifications for office

Conor Casey, Executive Director, Democratic Party
James Condos, Secretary of State
Michael Duane, Director of the General Counsel and Administrative Law Division, Attorney General's Office
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

3:00 PM

15 Minute Break

3:15 PM

S.170 - An act relating to the Open Meeting Law

Helena Gardner, Legislative Counsel and Records Officer, Office of Legislative Council
Sarah Merriman, Town Clerk, Middlesex
Gwynn Zakov, Municipal Policy Advocate, VT League of Cities and Towns

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

S.28 - An act relating to divesting State retirement funds from the 200 publically traded companies that hold the largest carbon content fossil fuels reserves

Eric Becker, Clean Yield Asset Management
Matt Considine, Director of Investment, Office of the State Treasurer
Beth Pearce, State Treasurer, Office of the State Treasurer

2:30 PM

S.221 - An act relating to law enforcement officers

-

Clarifying language in Act No. 180 (formerly H. 225 taser bill)

Richard Gauthier, Chair, VT Criminal Justice Training Council
Frank Koss, Chief, Hinesburg
Mike O'Neil, President, VT Troopers Association
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Friday, January 15, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

11:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:00 PM

Vermont National Guard Briefing

Joint hearing with House General to receive VT National Guard annual report on Sexual Assault in the Military
Held in Room 11

Colonel Ellen Abbott, Counsel, Vermont National Guard
Maj Gen Steven Cray, Adjutant General, Vermont National Guard

2:15 PM

S.66 - An act relating to persons who are deaf, DeafBlind, or hard of hearing

Update Report on Administration's Alternative to bill

Mary Essex, President, VT Association of the Deaf
Linda Hazard, Dir., VT Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Program
Bill Hudson, Chair, VT Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Deaf/Blind Advisory Council
Karen Lafayette, Lobbyist, VCDR
Ed Paquin, Director, Disability Rights Vermont

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:30 PM

S.239 - An act relating to public events and tent safety

Michael Desrochers, Deputy Director of Fire Management, Department of Public Safety
Sen. Bill Doyle
David Hall, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

1:45 PM

S.220 - An act relating to the public financing of campaigns

Sen. Philip Baruth, Addison
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

2:00 PM

S.187 - An act relating to suspending public officials with pay by legislative bodies

Sen. Peg Flory
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

2:15 PM

S.166 - An act relating to cross-promoting development incentives and state policy goals

David Hall, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Sen. Michael Sirotkin, '

2:30 PM

S.107 - An act relating to the Agency of Health Care Administration

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Sen. Jane Kitchel

2:45 PM

15 Minute Break

3:00 PM

Department of Public Safety

Trisha Conti, Laboratory Director, Vermont Forensics Laboratory, Department of Public Safety
Michael Desrochers, Deputy Director of Fire Management, Department of Public Safety
Keith Flynn, Commissioner, Department of Public Safety
Dean Hamel, Department of Public Safety
Chris Herrick, Director, DEMHS
Terry LaValley, Communications Program Manager, Department of Public Safety
Maj. William Sheets, Executive Officer, Vermont State Police
Jeffrey Wallin, Director, Department of Public Safety

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

Municipal Concerns with Section 248

Sally Collopy

2:00 PM

PR6 - Elections; Governor; four-year term of office

Diane Snelling
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

2:20 PM

PR1 - Declaration of rights; right to privacy

Sen. Joe Benning
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

2:40 AM

PR4 - General Assembly; legislative reapportionment; Legislative Apportionment Board; limitation on senatorial districts

Sen. Tim Ashe
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

3:00 PM

S.241 - An act relating to regulation of marijuana

- role of municipalities
- Control Board

Karen Horn, Director, Vermont League of Cities and Towns
Gwynn Zakov, Municipal Policy Advocate, VT League of Cities and Towns

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:45 PM

Senate Floor

2:00 PM

Governor's 2016 Budget Address

to be held in House Chambers

3:30 PM

S.221 - An act relating to law enforcement officers

Cara Cookson, Public Policy Director and Victim Assistance Program Coordinator, Center for Crime Victims Services
Tony Facos, Chief, Montpelier Police Department
Auburn Watersong, Associate Director of Public Policy, Network Against Domestic & Sexual Violence

Friday, January 22, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

11:30 PM

Senate Floor

1:00 PM

Presentation of Report by Special Committee on the Utilization of IT in Government

Joint hearing with Senate Institutions and Senate Appropriations
Held in Room 11

John Burton, Member, Special Committee on Utilization of IT in Government
Tim Kenney, Member, Special Committee on Utilization of IT in Government
Michael E. Schirling, Member, Special Committee on Utilization of IT in Government

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

S.114 - An act relating to the Open Meeting Law

Markup; Potential Vote

Helena Gardner, Legislative Counsel and Records Officer, Office of Legislative Council
Gwynn Zakov, Municipal Policy Advocate, VT League of Cities and Towns

2:00 PM

S.187 - An act relating to suspending public officials with pay by legislative bodies

2:45 PM

15 Minute Break

3:00 PM

S.184 - An act relating to establishing a State Ethics Commission

Madeline Motta, Certified Corporate and Ethics Professional, Integritas Consulting
William Sorrell, Vermont Attorney General, Attorney General's Office
Chris Winters, Deputy Secretary, Secretary of State's Office
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Gwynn Zakov, Municipal Policy Advocate, VT League of Cities and Towns

4:30 PM

Chairs' Meeting

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

S.217 - An act relating to the State’s organization of professional regulation

Colin Benjamin, Counsel, Office of Professional Regulation, Secretary of State's Office
Diane Bothfeld, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Michael Desrochers, Deputy Director of Fire Management, Department of Public Safety
Susan Donegan, Commissioner, Department of Financial Regulation
William Goggins, Director of Enforcement, Department of Liquor Control
Chris Winters, Deputy Secretary, Secretary of State's Office
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

3:00 PM

S.241 - An act relating to regulation of marijuana

BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Gwynn Zakov, Municipal Policy Advocate, VT League of Cities and Towns

3:15 PM

S.234 - An act relating to a candidate’s constitutional qualifications for office

Lachlan Francis, Class of 2018, University of Vermont
Garrett Graff
Chris Winters, Deputy Secretary, Secretary of State's Office

4:15 PM

S.198 - An act relating to the Government Accountability Committee and the annual report on the State’s population-level outcomes

Markup & Vote

Diane Snelling
Susan Zeller, Chief Performance Officer, Agency of Administration

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

3:00 PM

Senate Floor

4:00 PM

PR6 - Elections; Governor; four-year term of office

Governor Jim Douglas

Friday, January 29, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

11:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

PR1 - Declaration of rights; right to privacy

Allen Gilbert, Executive Director, American Civil Liberties Union - Vermont

3:00 PM

S.184 - An act relating to establishing a State Ethics Commission

Paul Burns, Executive Director, Vermont Public Interest Research Group
Allen Gilbert, Executive Director, American Civil Liberties Union - Vermont

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:30 PM

PR6 - Elections; Governor; four-year term of office

Frank Bryan , Professor Emeritus, University of Vermont
Madeleine Kunin, Former Governor, State of Vermont
Peter Shumlin, Governor, State of Vermont

3:00 PM

PR4 - General Assembly; legislative reapportionment; Legislative Apportionment Board; limitation on senatorial districts

Tom Little, Vice-President and General Counsel, Vermont Student Assistance Corporation

3:15 PM

S.114 - An act relating to the Open Meeting Law

Vote

Helena Gardner, Legislative Counsel and Records Officer, Office of Legislative Council
Chris Winters, Deputy Secretary, Secretary of State's Office
Gwynn Zakov, Municipal Policy Advocate, VT League of Cities and Towns

3:30 PM

S.221 - An act relating to law enforcement officers

Discussion, Markup, Potential Vote

Lt. Col. Matt Birmingham, Department of Public Safety
Mike O'Neil, President, VT Troopers Association

4:00 PM

S.242 - An act relating to the service of civil process by a constable

Keith Clark, Vermont Sheriffs Association
Cameron Wood, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Council

4:30 PM

Chairs' Meeting

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

Possible lengthy floor time

2:30 PM

S.234 - An act relating to a candidate’s constitutional qualifications for office

Paul Gillies, Attorney

2:45 PM

S.217 - An act relating to the State’s organization of professional regulation

Part II

Colin Benjamin, Counsel, Office of Professional Regulation, Secretary of State's Office
Lisa Durstin, Committee Chair for Legislative Affairs
Amy Fowler, Deputy Secretary for Educator Quality, Agency of Education
Gabriel Gilman, Counsel, Office of Professional Regulation, Secretary of State's Office
Jo-Anne Unruh, Executive Director, Vermont Council of Special Education Administrators
Gail Zatz, Lobbyist, Vermont Speech and Hearing Association

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

2:30 PM

S.220 - An act relating to the public financing of campaigns

Paul Burns, Executive Director, Vermont Public Interest Research Group
Eve Jacobs-Carnahan, Attorney, Attorney General's Office

3:15 PM

Risk Management Privatization

Danielle Lewis, VSEA member, Office of Risk Management
Paul Rousseau, Chief Financial Officer, Agency of Administration
Rebecca White, Director of Operations, Office of Worker's Compensation

4:00 PM

S.28 - An act relating to divesting State retirement funds from the 200 publically traded companies that hold the largest carbon content fossil fuels reserves

Maura Carroll, Executive Director, Vermont League of Cities and Towns
Toby Heaps, CEO & Co-Founder, Corporate Knights
Beth Pearce, State Treasurer, Office of the State Treasurer

Friday, February 5, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

11:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

S.107 - An act relating to the Agency of Health Care Administration

Harry Chen, Commissioner, Vermont Department of Health
Hal Cohen, Secretary, Agency of Human Services

3:30 PM

PR4 - General Assembly; legislative reapportionment; Legislative Apportionment Board; limitation on senatorial districts

Discussion, possible vote

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

S.184 - An act relating to establishing a State Ethics Commission

Peter Levin

1:15 PM

S.217 - An act relating to the State’s organization of professional regulation

Part II

Colin Benjamin, Counsel, Office of Professional Regulation, Secretary of State's Office
Joel Cook, Director, Vermont National Education Association
Lisa Durstin, Speech Language Pathologist
Carol Geery, Director of Special Services, Rutland South Supervisory Union
Jo-Anne Unruh, Executive Director, Vermont Council of Special Education Administrators

2:00 PM

PR1 - Declaration of rights; right to privacy

Susan Barrett, Executive Director, Green Mountain Care Board
Hon Brian Grearson, Chief Superior Judge
Madeleine Mongan, Vice-President, Vermont Medical Society
Chris Rice, Attorney, MMR Legal Services
Kenneth Schatz, Commissioner, Department for Children and Families

2:45 PM

15 Minute Break

3:00 PM

S.220 - An act relating to the public financing of campaigns

Paul Burns, Executive Director, Vermont Public Interest Research Group
Eve Jacobs-Carnahan, Attorney, Attorney General's Office

3:45 PM

H.505 - An act relating to approval of amendments to the charter of the Village of North Bennington

Rep. Timothy R. Corcoran
Janice Lerrigo, Trustee, Village of North Bennington
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

4:30 PM

Chairs' Meeting

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

2:00 PM

Local Government Day

Joint meeting with House Government Operations - held in Senate Chambers

-after Joint Meeting

S.242 - An act relating to the service of civil process by a constable

Keith Clark, Vermont Sheriffs Association
Kevin McLaughlin, Sheriff
Gwynn Zakov, Municipal Policy Advocate, VT League of Cities and Towns

4:00 PM

PR4 - General Assembly; legislative reapportionment; Legislative Apportionment Board; limitation on senatorial districts

Committee Discussion

Tom Little, Vice-President and General Counsel, Vermont Student Assistance Corporation

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

- after the floor

S.28 - An act relating to divesting State retirement funds from the 200 publically traded companies that hold the largest carbon content fossil fuels reserves

Al Boright, Retired, Senior Legislative Counsel
Joe Choquette, Downs Rachlin Martin
Matt Considine, Director of Investment, Office of the State Treasurer
Austin Davis, Policy & Communications Coordinator, 350Vt
Don Hooper, National Wildlife Federation
Deborah Markowitz, Secretary, Agency of Natural Resources
Luke Martland, Director and Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Mike O'Neil, President, VT Troopers Association
Beth Pearce, State Treasurer, Office of the State Treasurer
Ben Walsh, Climate & Energy Program Director, Vermont Public Interest Research Group

4:00 PM

15 Minute Break

4:15 PM

S.234 - An act relating to a candidate’s constitutional qualifications for office

BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Friday, February 12, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

11:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:00 PM

S.221 - An act relating to law enforcement officers

Bill Bohnyak, Sheriff, Vermont Sheriffs Association
Susan Cherry, Co-Chair, Community Justice Network of VT
Keith Clark, Vermont Sheriffs Association
Michael Davidson, Law Enforcement Officer, Rutland
Richard Gauthier, Chair, VT Criminal Justice Training Council
Gwynn Zakov, Municipal Policy Advocate, VT League of Cities and Towns

2:30 PM

S.184 - An act relating to establishing a State Ethics Commission

Michele Anderson, Legal Counsel, Department of Human Resources
Cindy Bruzzese, Director, Vermont Ethics Network
Claudette Sortino, VT League of Women Voters

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

S.221 - An act relating to law enforcement officers

Michael Davidson, Law Enforcement Unit, Department of Liquor Control
Tony Facos, Chief, Montpelier Police Department
Allen Gilbert, Executive Director, American Civil Liberties Union - Vermont
Michael O'Neil, Director, Division of Fire Safety
Kelly Price, Senior State Game Warden, Vermont Fish and Wildlife LE
Maj. William Sheets, Support Services, Department of Public Safety
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Gwynn Zakov, Municipal Policy Advocate, VT League of Cities and Towns

-

S.242 - An act relating to the service of civil process by a constable

David Cahill, Executive Director, Department of State's, Sheriff's and Special Investigative Units
Capt. Timothy Clouatre, Vermont State Police
Michael Desrochers, Deputy Director of Fire Management, Department of Public Safety
Richard Gauthier, Chair, VT Criminal Justice Training Council
Robert Paolini, Executive Director, Vermont Bar Association
Maj. William Sheets, Vermont State Police
Rebecca Wasserman, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Cameron Wood, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Council
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

4:30 PM

Chairs Meeting

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

-15 mins after floor

S.217 - An act relating to the State’s organization of professional regulation

Colin Benjamin, Director, Office of Professional Regulation, Secretary of State's Office
Joel Cook, Director, Vermont National Education Association
Donarae Dawson, President, Vermont Council of Special Education Administrators
Lisa Durstin, Speech Language Pathologist
Amy Fowler, Deputy Secretary for Educator Quality, Agency of Education
Ryan Kriger, Assistant Attorney General, Attorney General's Office
Wendy Morgan, Assistant Attorney General, Attorney General's Office
Leigh Stockton, Speech-Language Pathologists, Waitsfield Elementary School
Wendy Teller-Elsberg, Speech-Language Pathologists, Dothan Brook School
Jo-Anne Unruh, Executive Director, Vermont Council of Special Education Administrators
Chris Winters, Deputy Secretary, Secretary of State's Office
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

-15 mins after floor

S.107 - An act relating to the Agency of Health Care Administration

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Harry Chen, Commissioner, Vermont Department of Health

3:30 PM

S.184 - An act relating to establishing a State Ethics Commission

Joe Choquette, Lobbyist, Vermont Press Association
Margaret Murray, Citizen, Montpelier
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Friday, February 19, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

11:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:00 PM

S.28 - An act relating to divesting State retirement funds from the 200 publically traded companies that hold the largest carbon content fossil fuels reserves

Joint Meeting with House Government Operations - to be held in Room 11

Keith Brainard, Research Director, National Association of State Retirement Administrators
Chris D'Elia, President, Vermont Bankers' Association
Michael Dworkin, Director of the Institute for Energy and the Environment, Vermont Law School
Nate Hausman, VT Chapter of the Sierra Club
Robb Kidd, Program Manager, VT Sierra Club Conservation Program
Hank Kim, Executive Director, National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems
Nancy Lynch, Executive Director, VSEA
Bill McKibben, Scholar, author, and activist, Middlebury College
Beth Pearce, State Treasurer, Office of the State Treasurer
Jack Robinson, Trillium Assets
Ed Stanak, President, District Environmental Commission

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

S.220 - An act relating to the public financing of campaigns

Paul Burns, Executive Director, Vermont Public Interest Research Group
Conor Casey, Legislative Liaison, Democratic Party
James Condos, Secretary of State
Eve Jacobs-Carnahan, Attorney, Attorney General's Office

2:45 PM

15 Minute Break

3:00 PM

S.234 - An act relating to a candidate’s constitutional qualifications for office

BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

3:30 PM

S.184 - An act relating to establishing a State Ethics Commission

BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

-

COMMITTEE MEETING CANCELED

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

- after the floor

Vermont State Employees Association

Discussion regarding personal security and defense

Michael Arace, Correctional Facility Shift Supervisor, VSEA Bargain Unit, Brattleboro, VT
Steve Howard, Legislative Director, Vermont State Employees Association

-

S.184 - An act relating to establishing a State Ethics Commission

BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Susanne Young, Deputy Attorney General, Attorney General's Office

Friday, February 26, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

11:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:00 PM

S.220 - An act relating to the public financing of campaigns

Paul Burns, Executive Director, Vermont Public Interest Research Group
Conor Casey, Legislative Liaison, Democratic Party
Will Senning, Elections and Campaign Finance, Secretary of State's Office
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

2:00 PM

S.184 - An act relating to establishing a State Ethics Commission

Marshall Pahl, Appellate and Juvenile Defender, Defender General's Office
Chris Winters, Deputy Secretary, Secretary of State's Office
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Monday, February 29, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

-

The Vermont General Assembly is on break during the Town Meeting recess. No Committee Meetings are Scheduled.

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

S.220 - An act relating to the public financing of campaigns

Conor Casey, Legislative Liaison, Democratic Party
Eve Jacobs-Carnahan, Attorney, Attorney General's Office
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

1:30 PM

S.28 - An act relating to divesting State retirement funds from the 200 publically traded companies that hold the largest carbon content fossil fuels reserves

Selene Colburn, Burlington City Council
Austin Davis, Policy & Communications Coordinator, 350Vt
Nancy Lynch, Legislative Director, VSEA
Luke Martland, Director and Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Beth Pearce, State Treasurer, Office of the State Treasurer

3:00 PM

15 Minute Break

3:15 PM

S.184 - An act relating to establishing a State Ethics Commission

BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Susanne Young, Deputy Attorney General, Attorney General's Office

4:30 PM

Chairs' Meeting

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

-15 mins after floor

S.107 - An act relating to the Agency of Health Care Administration

Markup & Vote

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Paul Dragon, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Human Services

3:00 PM

S.221 - An act relating to law enforcement officers

Markup & Vote

Keith Flynn, Commissioner, Department of Public Safety
Richard Gauthier, Chair, VT Criminal Justice Training Council
Allen Gilbert, Executive Director, American Civil Liberties Union - Vermont
Vincent Illuzzi, Lobbyist, VSEA
Michael O'Neil, Director, Division of Fire Safety
Kelley Price, VSEA Non-Management Unit Member, Senior State Game Warden - Brattleboro
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Gwynn Zakov, Municipal Policy Advocate, VT League of Cities and Towns

-

S.242 - An act relating to the service of civil process by a constable

Cameron Wood, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Council

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

-15 mins after floor

Continued Discussion On Any Unfinished Bills

-

S.28 - An act relating to divesting State retirement funds from the 200 publically traded companies that hold the largest carbon content fossil fuels reserves

Committee Discussion

Michele Anderson, Legal Counsel, Department of Human Resources
Paul Burns, Executive Director, Vermont Public Interest Research Group
Eve Jacobs-Carnahan, Attorney, Attorney General's Office
Chris Winters, Deputy Secretary, Secretary of State's Office
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Friday, March 11, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:45 PM

Continued Discussion On Unfinished Bills

-

S.28 - An act relating to divesting State retirement funds from the 200 publically traded companies that hold the largest carbon content fossil fuels reserves

Committee Discussion

Paul Burns, Executive Director, Vermont Public Interest Research Group
James Condos, Secretary of State
Will Senning, Elections and Campaign Finance, Secretary of State's Office
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Gwynn Zakov, Municipal Policy Advocate, VT League of Cities and Towns

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

S.184 - An act relating to establishing a State Ethics Commission

Michele Anderson, Legal Counsel, Department of Human Resources
Paul Burns, Executive Director, Vermont Public Interest Research Group
James Condos, Secretary of State
Eve Jacobs-Carnahan, Attorney, Attorney General's Office
Madeline Motta, Certified Corporate and Ethics Professional, Integritas Consulting
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Susanne Young, Deputy Attorney General, Attorney General's Office
Gwynn Zakov, Municipal Policy Advocate, VT League of Cities and Towns

4:30 PM

Chairs Meeting

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

Floor time expected to run until 3:00pm

3:00 PM

S.28 - An act relating to divesting State retirement funds from the 200 publically traded companies that hold the largest carbon content fossil fuels reserves

-

S.184 - An act relating to establishing a State Ethics Commission

Committee Discussion

Allen Gilbert, Executive Director, American Civil Liberties Union - Vermont
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

Possible long floor time

2:15 PM

S.184 - An act relating to establishing a State Ethics Commission

BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Susanne Young, Deputy Attorney General, Attorney General's Office

Friday, March 18, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

11:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:15 PM

S.184 - An act relating to establishing a State Ethics Commission

Karen L. Richards, Executive Director, Vermont Human Rights Commission
Will Senning, Elections and Campaign Finance, Secretary of State's Office
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Susanne Young, Deputy Attorney General, Attorney General's Office

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

H.8 - An act relating to the oversight of the transfer of military equipment to law enforcement agencies

Bill Bohnyak, Sheriff, Vermont Sheriffs Association
Capt. Timothy Clouatre, Vermont State Police
Allen Gilbert, Executive Director, American Civil Liberties Union - Vermont
Abby Shepard, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Council

1:45 PM

H.278 - An act relating to selection of the Adjutant and Inspector General

Rep. Charles Conquest, Orange-Caledonia
Damien Leonard, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

2:30 PM

H.434 - An act relating to law enforcement and fire service training safety

Michael Desrochers, Deputy Director of Fire Management, Department of Public Safety
Rep. Michael Marcotte, House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development
Maj. William Sheets, Executive Officer, Vermont State Police
Cameron Wood, Office of Legislative Council

3:05 AM

S.220 - An act relating to the public financing of campaigns

Amendment

Sen. David Zuckerman, Senate Committee on Agriculture

3:15 PM

15 Minute Break

3:30 PM

H.458 - An act relating to automatic voter registration through motor vehicle driver’s license applications

Rep. Christopher Pearson, House Committee on Health Care
Cameron Wood, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Council

4:30 PM

Chairs' Meeting

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

2:50 PM

H.530 - An act relating to categorization of State contracts for service

Rep. Dennis J. Devereux, House Committee On Government Operations
Vincent Illuzzi, Lobbyist, VSEA
Susan Zeller, Chief Performance Officer, Agency of Administration

-

H.355 - An act relating to licensing and regulating foresters

Colin Benjamin, Counsel, Office of Professional Regulation, Secretary of State's Office
Rep. Joanna Cole
Steve McLeod, Executive Director, Vermont Traditions Coalition
Michael Snyder, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

12:15 PM

S.220 - An act relating to the public financing of campaigns

Sen. Zuckerman's Amendment

Will Senning, Elections and Campaign Finance, Secretary of State's Office
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Sen. David Zuckerman, Senate Committee on Agriculture

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

-15 mins after the floor

S.184 - An act relating to establishing a State Ethics Commission

Allen Gilbert, Executive Director, American Civil Liberties Union - Vermont
Chris Winters, Deputy Secretary, Secretary of State's Office
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Friday, March 25, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

H.845 - An act relating to legislative review of certain report requirements

Rep. Joanna Cole
Cameron Wood, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Council

1:30 PM

H.765 - An act relating to technical corrections

Rep. Ronald E. Hubert, House Committee On Government Operations
Abby Shepard, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Council

2:15 PM

Report on Election Day Voter Registration

Karen Richard, Legislative Chair, VT Municipal Clerks & Treasurers Association
Will Senning, Elections and Campaign Finance, Secretary of State's Office
Heather Shouldice, Lobbyist, Vermont Municipal Clerks' & Treasurers' Association

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

S.184 - An act relating to establishing a State Ethics Commission

Paul Burns, Executive Director, Vermont Public Interest Research Group
Allen Gilbert, Executive Director, American Civil Liberties Union - Vermont
Eve Jacobs-Carnahan, Attorney, Attorney General's Office
Will Senning, Elections and Campaign Finance, Secretary of State's Office
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

2:00 PM

Risk Management Discussion

Lori Clark, Workers' Compensation Adjuster, Office of Risk Management
Michael Clasen, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Administration
Cheri Goldstein, Risk Management Privatization, Office of Risk Management
Rebecca White, Director of Operations, Office of Worker's Compensation

-

H.530 - An act relating to categorization of State contracts for service

Michele Anderson, Legal Counsel, Department of Human Resources
Jaye Johnson, Assistant Attorney General, Attorney General's Office
Luke Martland, Director and Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Susan Zeller, Chief Performance Officer, Agency of Administration

2:45 PM

Break

3:00 PM

H.278 - An act relating to selection of the Adjutant and Inspector General

Possible option of gubernatorial appointment

Maj Gen Steven Cray, Adjutant General, Vermont National Guard

4:30 PM

S.184 - An act relating to establishing a State Ethics Commission

Committee Discussion of Draft 10.1 -- VOTE

BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

-after the floor

H.458 - An act relating to automatic voter registration through motor vehicle driver’s license applications

James Condos, Secretary of State
Will Senning, Elections and Campaign Finance, Secretary of State's Office
Cameron Wood, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Council

Thursday, March 31, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

H.458 - An act relating to automatic voter registration through motor vehicle driver’s license applications

Draft 3.1 - VOTE

Chauncey Liese, Chief of Driver Improvement, Department of Motor Vehicles
Chris Winters, Deputy Secretary, Secretary of State's Office
Cameron Wood, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Council

2:30 PM

Senate Floor

-

H.640 - An act relating to expenses for the repair of town cemeteries

Karen Horn, Director, Vermont League of Cities and Towns
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Friday, April 1, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

H.355 - An act relating to licensing and regulating foresters

Colin Benjamin, Counsel, Office of Professional Regulation, Secretary of State's Office
Richard Carbonetti, ME Licensed Forester 348, NH Licensed Forester 243, LandVest, Timberland Division
Nicholas Ecker-Racz, Glover
John Fogarty, Fogarty Forestry
Lynn Levine, Forest Care, Dummerston
John McClain, New England Forestry Consultants
Alan Robertson, Vice President, Vermont Woodlands Association
Bruce Shields, Landowner & Director, VT Forest Products Association
Cameron Wood, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Council

3:15 PM

S.184 - An act relating to establishing a State Ethics Commission

Erik FitzPatrick, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Allen Gilbert, Executive Director, American Civil Liberties Union - Vermont
Megan Noonan, Government Reform Associate, VPIRG
Susanne Young, Deputy Attorney General, Attorney General's Office

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

H.249 - An act relating to intermunicipal services.

Walk thru of bill by drafter

Peter Gregory, Executive Director, Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission
Karen Horn, Director, Vermont League of Cities and Towns
Thomas Kennedy, Executive Director, Southern Windsor County Regional Planning Commission
Cameron Wood, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Council

2:15 PM

H.434 - An act relating to law enforcement and fire service training safety

BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

2:45 PM

Break

3:00 PM

H.845 - An act relating to legislative review of certain report requirements

Cameron Wood, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Council

3:15 PM

H.530 - An act relating to categorization of State contracts for service

VOTE

Michele Anderson, Legal Counsel, Department of Human Resources
Nancy Lynch, Executive Director, VSEA
Rebecca Wasserman, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Susan Zeller, Chief Performance Officer, Agency of Administration

4:00 PM

Hydroelectric Dams on Connecticut River

Joint Hearing with Senate Finance -- Room 11

Aaron Adler, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Sen. Ann Cummings
Vincent Illuzzi, Former State Senator
Justin Johnson, Secretary, Agency of Administration
Beth Pearce, State Treasurer, Office of the State Treasurer
Richard Saudek
Rebecca Wasserman, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

12:30 PM

H.458 - An act relating to automatic voter registration through motor vehicle driver’s license applications

Draft 1.1

Rep. Linda J. Martin, Wolcott
Karen Richard, Town Clerk - Treasurer, Colchester Town Clerk's Office
Will Senning, Elections and Campaign Finance, Secretary of State's Office
Chris Winters, Deputy Secretary, Secretary of State's Office
Cameron Wood, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Council
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

-after the floor

S.217 - An act relating to the State’s organization of professional regulation

Part I

Michael Desrochers, Deputy Director of Fire Management, Department of Public Safety
Gary Kessler, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Liquor Control
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

-

H.562 - An act relating to professions and occupations regulated by the Office of Professional Regulation and to the review of professional regulation

Colin Benjamin, Director, Office of Professional Regulation, Secretary of State's Office
Chris Winters, Deputy Secretary, Secretary of State's Office
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

3:30 PM

H.458 - An act relating to automatic voter registration through motor vehicle driver’s license applications

Karen Richard, Town Clerk - Treasurer, Colchester Town Clerk's Office
Will Senning, Elections and Campaign Finance, Secretary of State's Office
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

5:00 PM

Adjourn

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

2:15 PM

H.640 - An act relating to expenses for the repair of town cemeteries

VOTE

Rep. Dennis J. Devereux, House Committee On Government Operations
Karen Horn, Director, Vermont League of Cities and Towns
Heather Shouldice, Lobbyist, VMCTA
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

3:00 PM

H.629 - An act relating to a study committee to examine laws related to the administration and issuance of vital records

VOTE

Rep. Dennis J. Devereux, House Committee On Government Operations
David Englander, Senior Policy and Legal Advisor, Vermont Department of Health
Helena Gardner, Legislative Counsel and Records Officer, Office of Legislative Council
Heather Shouldice, Lobbyist, VMCTA
Chris Winters, Deputy Secretary, Secretary of State's Office

Friday, April 8, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

PR1 - Declaration of rights; right to privacy

VOTE

Ben Battles, Assistant Attorney General, Attorney General's Office
Chris D'Elia, President, Vermont Bankers' Association
Peter Teachout, Professor, Vermont Law School
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

2:00 PM

H.130 - An act relating to law enforcement, 911 call taking, dispatch, and training safety

Keith Flynn, Commissioner, Department of Public Safety
Richard Gauthier, Chair, VT Criminal Justice Training Council
Vincent Illuzzi, Lobbyist, VSEA
Elizabeth Novotny, Councel, Vermont Police Association
Michael O'Neil, Director, Division of Fire Safety
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Gwynn Zakov, Municipal Policy Advocate, VT League of Cities and Towns

3:30 PM

H.765 - An act relating to technical corrections

Markup & Vote

Abby Shepard, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Council

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

H.249 - An act relating to intermunicipal services.

Markup & Vote - Draft 1.1

Cameron Wood, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Council

1:30 PM

H.434 - An act relating to law enforcement and fire service training safety

Including Risk Management
Markup & Vote

Michael Desrochers, Deputy Director of Fire Management, Department of Public Safety
Damien Leonard, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

2:00 PM

H.519 - An act relating to approval of the adoption and codification of the charter of the Town of Brandon

Vote

Rep. Butch Shaw, Pittsford

3:00 PM

Break

3:30 PM

H.111 - An act relating to the removal of grievance decisions from the Vermont Labor Relations Board’s website

Walk thru of bill by drafter

Michele Anderson, Legal Counsel, Department of Human Resources
Luke Martland, Director and Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

3:45 PM

H.845 - An act relating to legislative review of certain report requirements

Markup & Vote -- Draft 1.3 (Strike All Amendment)

Cameron Wood, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Council

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

-after the floor

H.206 - An act relating to regulating notaries public

Walk thru of bill by drafter

Jack Anderson, Assistant Judge, Windsor Superior Court
Teri Corsones, Clerk of the Court, Rutland County
Robert Paolini, Executive Director, Vermont Bar Association
Kal Tabbara, President, American Association of Notaries
Chris Winters, Deputy Secretary, Secretary of State's Office

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

-after the floor

H.562 - An act relating to professions and occupations regulated by the Office of Professional Regulation and to the review of professional regulation

(S.217) Part II

Colin Benjamin, Counsel, Office of Professional Regulation, Secretary of State's Office
Joel Cook, Director, Vermont National Education Association
Greg Glennon, General Counsel, Agency of Education
Nicole Mace, Executive Director, Vermont School Boards Association
William Mathis, Managing Director, State Board of Education
Chris Winters, Deputy Secretary, Secretary of State's Office
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Friday, April 15, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:30 PM

H.130 - An act relating to law enforcement, 911 call taking, dispatch, and training safety

Richard Gauthier, Director, VT Criminal Justice Training Council
Vincent Illuzzi, Lobbyist, VSEA
David Mickenberg, Attorney, VT Troopers Association
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

2:15 PM

S.184 - An act relating to establishing a State Ethics Commission

Draft 1.1

BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

2:30 PM

Current Services Budget Discussion

Debbie Ingram, Executive Director, Vermont Interfaith Action
Earl Kooperkamp, Rev., Vermont Interfaith Action Board

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

-after the floor

H.355 - An act relating to licensing and regulating foresters

HELD IN ROOM 10

Norm Arsenault, Vermont Forester, Former U. S. Senate Forestry Committee Staff Person
Stuart Bevin, Stillwater Forestry of Central Vermont
Putnam Blodgett, President, Vermont Woodlands Association
Ken Davis, Logger, Davis Contracting Service
Nicholas Ecker-Racz, Glover
Jamey Fidel, Forest Program Director, Vermont Natural Resources Council
Jerry Fielder, Logger, Addison County
Mike Green, Consulting Forester, Lamoille County
William Guenther, Windham County Forester, Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation
Steve Hardy, Vermont Forest Products Association
Robbo Holleran, Director, Vermont Forest Products Association
Bruce Limlaw, Owner, Limlaw Pulpwood & Chipping
Ward Mann, Procurement Forester/Log Buyer, Allard Lumber Co. Windham County
Bill Sayre, Chair, Vermont Forest Products Association
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

S.184 - An act relating to establishing a State Ethics Commission

Sen. Sirotkin's Amendment

Sen. Michael Sirotkin, Senate Committee on Finance

9:45 AM

PR1 - Declaration of rights; right to privacy

David Cahill, Executive Director, Windsor County
Elizabeth Novotny, Councel, Vermont Police Association

10:30 AM

H.863 - An act relating to making miscellaneous amendments to Vermont’s retirement laws

VOTE

Michael Clasen, Deputy Treasurer, Office of the State Treasurer
Laurie Lamphere, Director, Retirement Division, Treasurer's Office
Beth Pearce, State Treasurer, Office of the State Treasurer

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

- after the floor

H.111 - An act relating to the removal of grievance decisions from the Vermont Labor Relations Board’s website

Markup & Vote

Damien Leonard, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.130 - An act relating to law enforcement, 911 call taking, dispatch, and training safety

Keith Flynn, Commissioner, Department of Public Safety
Richard Gauthier, Chair, VT Criminal Justice Training Council
Elizabeth Novotny, Vermont Police Association
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

10:00 AM

H.562 - An act relating to professions and occupations regulated by the Office of Professional Regulation and to the review of professional regulation

Colin Benjamin, Counsel, Office of Professional Regulation, Secretary of State's Office
Jeff Fannon, General Counsel, Vermont National Education Association
Greg Glennon, General Counsel, Agency of Education
Virginia Renfrew, Lobbyist, Zatz and Renfrew
Chris Winters, Deputy Secretary, Secretary of State's Office
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

-after the floor

H.562 - An act relating to professions and occupations regulated by the Office of Professional Regulation and to the review of professional regulation

BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Friday, April 22, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Senate Floor

10:30 AM

H.130 - An act relating to law enforcement, 911 call taking, dispatch, and training safety

VOTE

10:45 AM

H.562 - An act relating to professions and occupations regulated by the Office of Professional Regulation and to the review of professional regulation

Colin Benjamin, Counsel, Office of Professional Regulation, Secretary of State's Office
Amy Fowler, Deputy Secretary for Educator Quality, Agency of Education
Rebecca Holcombe, Secretary, Agency of Education

1:30 PM

H.278 - An act relating to selection of the Adjutant and Inspector General

Damien Leonard, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

1:45 PM

H.111 - An act relating to the removal of grievance decisions from the Vermont Labor Relations Board’s website

VOTE

Rep. William Canfield, Fair Haven
Damien Leonard, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Rep. Gabrielle Lucke, Sponsor
Tim Noonan, Executive Director, Labor Relations Board

Monday, April 25, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

No Committee Meetings Scheduled

2:00 PM

Senate Floor

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

S.114 - An act relating to the Open Meeting Law

Discuss House Amendment

Karen Horn, Director, Vermont League of Cities and Towns
Chris Winters, Deputy Secretary, Secretary of State's Office
Gwynn Zakov, Municipal Policy Advocate, VT League of Cities and Towns

-

H.278 - An act relating to selection of the Adjutant and Inspector General

Committee Discussion -- VOTE -- Draft 1.1

Colin Benjamin, Director, Office of Professional Regulation, Secretary of State's Office
Joel Cook, Director, Vermont National Education Association
Amy Fowler, Deputy Secretary for Educator Quality, Agency of Education
Steve McLeod, Executive Director, Vermont Forest Products Association
Virginia Renfrew, Lobbyist, Zatz and Renfrew
Michael Snyder, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
Chris Winters, Deputy Secretary, Secretary of State's Office
Cameron Wood, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Council

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

4:20 PM

H.562 - An act relating to professions and occupations regulated by the Office of Professional Regulation and to the review of professional regulation

VOTE -- Draft 2.1

Amy Fowler, Deputy Secretary for Educator Quality, Agency of Education
Rebecca Holcombe, Secretary, Agency of Education
Chris Winters, Deputy Secretary, Secretary of State's Office
Cameron Wood, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Council

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

H.881 - An act relating to approval of the adoption and codification of the charter of the Town of Charlotte

Vote

Rep. Patti J. Lewis
Cameron Wood, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Council

-

H.882 - An act relating to approval of amendments to the charter of the City of Burlington

Vote

Rep. Joan G. Lenes, Shelburne
Rep. Kathryn Webb
Cameron Wood, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Council
Cameron Wood, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Council
Cameron Wood, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Council

1:30 PM

Senate Floor

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

H.355 - An act relating to licensing and regulating foresters

Proposed Amendments

Colin Benjamin, Director, Office of Professional Regulation, Secretary of State's Office
Steve McLeod, Executive Director, Vermont Forest Products Association
Michael Snyder, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
Cameron Wood, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Council

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

Friday, April 29, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

H.355 - An act relating to licensing and regulating foresters

Draft No. 1.3

Colin Benjamin, Director, Office of Professional Regulation, Secretary of State's Office
Steve McLeod, Executive Director, Vermont Forest Products Association
Cameron Wood, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Council

11:30 AM

Senate Floor

Monday, May 2, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:30 PM

Senate Floor

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

Divestiture Report

To be held in Room 10

Beth Pearce, State Treasurer, Office of the State Treasurer

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

H.883 - An act relating to approval of amendments to the charter of the City of Winooski

Rep. Diana Gonzalez
Cameron Wood, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Council

-

H.880 - An act relating to approval of the adoption and codification of the charter of the Town of Bridport

Rep. Mollie S. Burke, Brattleboro
Cameron Wood, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Council
Cameron Wood, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Council
Cameron Wood, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Council
Rep. Samuel Young

10:15 AM

Sunrise Review

Home Improvement Contractors

Tess Kennedy, Lobbyist, Associated General Contractors of Vermont
Janet Murnane, Assistant Attorney General, Attorney General's Office
Chris Winters, Deputy Secretary, Secretary of State's Office

11:30 AM

City of Montpelier Charter

John Hollar, City of Montpelier
Cameron Wood, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Council

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

Thursday, May 5, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Potential Sunrise of Home Contractors

Committee Discussion

11:00 AM

Senate Floor

Friday, May 6, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

JRH28 - Joint resolution supporting the posthumous awarding of the Congressional Medal of Honor to Civil War Brigadier General George Jerrison Stannard

Michael Chernick, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Howard Coffin, Historian

11:00 AM

Senate Floor

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