Week 10 Legislative highlights
Posted over 3 years ago by Meredith Roberts
ANA-VT has its finger on the pulse of
Vermont’s legislative happenings because nurses have power!
Legislative Highlights Week 10 (Mar. 8, 2022 – Mar. 11, 2022)
(Week 9 was Town Meeting break week)
Highlights of Interest to Nurses
Senate Committee on Health and Welfare Room 17 and Zoom
https://legislature.vermont.gov/committee/streaming/senate-health-and-welfare
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
9:00 AM S. 72 - An act relating to the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children
Walk-through by counsel
- Michele Childs, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
- Patricia Casanova, LICSW, VT Deputy Compact Administrator ICPC/ICJ, Human Trafficking Consultant, Department for Children and Families - Invited
10:30 AM S. 204 - An act relating to licensure of freestanding birth centers
Mark-up and possible vote
- Jennifer Carbee, Director and Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
11:15 AM S. 90 - An act relating to establishing an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis registry
Mark-up, testimony, and possible vote
- Katie McLinn, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
- Karin Hammer-Williamson, Care Services Coordinator- Vermont, The ALS Association Northern New England Chapter
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
9:00 AM S. 285 - An act relating to expanding the Blueprint for Health and access to home- and community-based services
Mark-up, testimony, and possible vote
- Jennifer Carbee, Director and Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
- Patrick Flood, Citizen, Woodbury, VT
- Devon Green, Vice President of Government Relations, Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems
- Rebecca Copans, Government and Media Affairs, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont
- Robin Lunge, J.D., M.H.C.D.S., Board Member, Green Mountain Care Board
- Mary Kate Mohlman, Director, Vermont Public Policy, Bi-State Primary Care Association
10:30 AM S. 195 - An act relating to the certification of mental health peer support specialists
S.197 - An act relating to the Coordinated Mental Health Crisis Response Working Group
Mark-up, testimony, and possible vote on mental health bills
- Katie McLinn, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
- Emily Hawes, Commissioner, Department of Mental Health
- Laurel Omland, MS,NCC, Director, Child, Adolescent, and Family Unit, Vermont Department of Mental Health
Thursday, March 10, 2022
8:30 AM Committee Discussion - possible votes on various bills
9:00 AM S. 285 - An act relating to expanding the Blueprint for Health and access to home- and community-based services
Mark-up and possible vote
- Jennifer Carbee, Director and Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
H. 239 - An act relating to enrollment in Medicare supplemental insurance policies
Mark-up and possible vote
- Jennifer Carbee, Director and Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
House Committee on Health Care Room 45 and Zoom
at https://legislature.vermont.gov/committee/streaming/house-health-care
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
9:00 AM H. 279 - An act relating to miscellaneous changes affecting the duties of the Department of Vermont Health Access
- Nissa James, Ph.D., Health Care Director, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)
- Lisa Hurteau, Clinical Pharmacist, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)
10:00 AM House Floor
After the Floor: Caucuses
1:00 PM H. 287 - An act relating to patient financial assistance policies and medical debt protection
- Devon Green, Vice President of Government Relations, Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems
- Michael Fisher, Chief Health Care Advocate, Office of the Health Care Advocate, Vermont Legal Aid
H.498 - An act relating to the Green Mountain Care Board’s duties and reappointment processes
Walk-through and testimony
- Jennifer Carbee, Director and Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
- Robin Lunge, J.D., M.H.C.D.S., Board Member, Green Mountain Care Board
- Michael Barber, General Counsel, Green Mountain Care Board
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
9:00 AM H. 266 - An act relating to an incremental approach to health insurance coverage for hearing aids
Testimony and committee discussion
- Sara Teachout, Director, Government, Public and Media Relations, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont
- Charles Storrow, Lobbyist, MVP Healthcare
- Nissa James, Ph.D., Health Care Director, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)
- Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
1:00 PM H. 266 - An act relating to an incremental approach to health insurance coverage for hearing aids
Committee discussion and possible vote
Thursday, March 10, 2022
9:00 AM H. 353 - An act relating to pharmacy benefit management
Testimony and committee discussion
- Sara Teachout, Director, Government, Public and Media Relations, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont
- Charles Storrow, Lobbyist, MVP Healthcare
- Sam Hallemeier, Director of State Affairs, Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA)
- Jeff Hochberg, President, Vermont Retail Druggists
- Jill Abrams, Assistant Attorney General, Director, Consumer Protection Division, Attorney General's Office - Invited
1:00 PM H. 353 - An act relating to pharmacy benefit management
House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development Room 35 and Zoom
https://legislature.vermont.gov/committee/streaming/house-commerce-and-economic-development
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
9:00 AM H. 377 - An act relating to the creation of a public-private partnership with Advance Vermont to increase postsecondary attainment in Vermont
- Heather Bouchey, Ph.D., Deputy Secretary, Agency of Education
- Sarah Buxton, State Director of Workforce Development, Department of Labor
- Tom Cheney, Executive Director, Advance Vermont
1:00 PM H. 512 - An act relating to modernizing land records and notarial acts law
Mark-up and possible vote
- Tucker Anderson, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
- Amerin Aborjaily, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
- Chris Winters, Deputy Secretary of State, Secretary of State's Office
- Tanya Marshall, State Archivist and Director, VT State Archives & Records Administration, Secretary of State's Office
- Charles Storrow, Lobbyist, MVP Healthcare
- Andrew Mikell, State Manager, VT Attorneys Title Corp.
- Chris D'Elia, President, Vermont Bankers' Association
- Teri Corsones, Executive Director, Vermont Bar Association
- Carol Dawes, Clerk-Treasurer, Barre City
- Gwynn Zakov, Municipal Policy Advocate, Vermont League of Cities and Towns
3:00 PM H. 703 - An act relating to promoting workforce development
- Amy Shollenberger, Lobbyist, Action Circles
- David Hall, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
4:00 PM H. 517 - An act relating to the Vermont National Guard Tuition Benefit Program
Committee Discussion
- James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
- Lisa Hango, Sponsor, Franklin-5
- Mat Barewicz, Economic & Labor Market Information Director, Department of Labor
- Ken Gragg, Deputy Adjutant General, Vermont National Guard
- Carolyn Weir, Executive Director, The McClure Foundation
- Marilyn Cargill, Vice President, Financial Aid Services, Marketing and Research, Vermont Student Assistance Corporation
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
9:00 AM H. 703 - An act relating to promoting workforce development
- Tracy Dolan, Director, State Refugee Office, Agency of Human Services
10:00 AM H. 703 - An act relating to promoting workforce development
- Scott Giles, President, Vermont Student Assistance Corporation
- Marilyn Cargill, Vice President, Financial Aid Services, Marketing and Research, Vermont Student Assistance Corporation
11:00 AM H. 703 - An act relating to promoting workforce development
- Linda Rossi, State Director, VT Small Business Development Center
- Ross Gibson, Council Director, Board of the Vermont State Council (SHRM)
1:00 PM H. 703 - An act relating to promoting workforce development
Building Funds Proposal
- David Hall, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
- Gwen Bailey-Rowe, Assistant Director for Adult Education, North Country Career Center
- Josh Hanford, Commissioner, Department of Housing and Community Development
- Gus Seelig, Executive Director, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
- Jennifer Hollar, Director of Policy and Special Projects, VT Housing & Conservation Board
Thursday March 10, 2022
1:00 PM H. 703 - An act relating to promoting workforce development
- Committee Discussion
- David Hall, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Friday, March 11, 2022
9:30 AM House Floor
10 mins after floor: H. 703 - An act relating to promoting workforce development
Committee Discussion
House Committee on Education Room 9 and Zoom
https://legislature.vermont.gov/committee/streaming/house-education
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
1:00 PM S. 100 - An act relating to universal school breakfast and the creation of the Task Force on Universal School Lunch
- Troy Jackson, Senator, Maine Legislature
- Matt Pouliot, Senator, Maine Legislature
- Rosie Krueger, State Director of Child Nutrition Programs, Agency of Education - Invited
- Brad James, Finance Manager, Agency of Education - Invited
- Daniel French, Ed.D., Secretary, Agency of Education – Invited
- Heather Bouchey, Ph.D., Deputy Secretary, Agency of Education – Invited
Thursday, March 10, 2022
9:00 AM S. 100 - An act relating to universal school breakfast and the creation of the Task Force on Universal School Lunch
- Jay Nichols, Executive Director, Vermont Principals' Association - Invited
- Jeffrey Francis, Executive Director, Vermont Superintendents Association - Invited
- Sue Ceglowski, Executive Director, Vermont School Boards Association - Invited
- Jeff Fannon, Executive Director, Vermont National Education Association - Invited
1:00 PM S. 100 - An act relating to universal school breakfast and the creation of the Task Force on Universal School Lunch
House Committee on General, Housing, and Military Affairs Room 42 and Zoom
https://legislature.vermont.gov/committee/streaming/house-general-housing-and-military-affairs
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
1:00 PM H. 244 - An act relating to authorizing the natural organic reduction of human remains
Discussion and possible vote
- Katie McLinn, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
2:15 PM H. 329 - An act relating to amending the prohibitions against discrimination
Discussion and possible vote
- Damien Leonard, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Thursday, March 10, 2022
9:00 AM H. 96 - An act relating to creating the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Development Task Force
Discussion and possible vote
- Damien Leonard, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
1:00 PM H. 329 - An act relating to amending the prohibitions against discrimination
Discussion and possible vote
- Damien Leonard, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
2:00 PM22-0616 - An act relating to miscellaneous amendments to alcoholic beverage laws
Discussion and possible vote or may continue Friday
Tucker Anderson, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
House Committee on Government Operations Room 11 and Zoom
https://legislature.vermont.gov/committee/streaming/house-government-operations
Thursday, March 10, 2022
9:00 AM 22-0609 - An act relating to final district lines for the reapportionment of the House of Representatives
- Amerin Aborjaily, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
10:00 AM H. 548 - An act relating to miscellaneous cannabis establishment procedures
Mark-up and vote
- Michele Childs, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
11:00 AM 22-0609 - An act relating to final district lines for the reapportionment of the House of Representatives
- Amerin Aborjaily, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
1:00 PM H. 661 - An act relating to licensure of mental health professionals
- Lauren Hibbert, Director, Office of Professional Regulation, Secretary of State's Office - Invited
- Linda Li, President, NASW Vermont Chapter, Community Health Center of Burlington - Invited
- Lynn Stanley, Director, National Association of Social Workers, VT Chapter - ZOOM
- Sarah Launderville, Executive Director, Vermont Center for Independent Living - Invited
- Xusana Davis, Executive Director of Racial Equity, Agency of Administration - ZOOM
- Phil Prothero, Executive Director, Vermont Mental Health Counselors Association - Invited
- Carol McGranaghan, Chair, Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs - Invited
- Dana Kaplan, Executive Director, Outright Vermont - Invited
- Jacob Bogre, Executive Director, Association of Africans Living in Vermont - Invited
2:00 PM 22-0609 - An act relating to final district lines for the reapportionment of the House of Representatives
- Amerin Aborjaily, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
More discussion after Floor Friday
House Committee on Human Services Room 46 and Zoom
https://legislature.vermont.gov/committee/streaming/house-human-services
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
1:00 PM H. 711 - An act relating to the creation of the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee and the Opioid Abatement Special Fund
Section 1, Advisory Council
- Grace Keller, Safe Recovery Program Coordinator, Howard Center
- Peter Espenshade, President, Vermont Association for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery - Invited
- Wendy Koenig, Federal and State Relations and Legislative Liaison, University of Vermont - Invited
- Joyce McKeeman, President, Vermont Association of County Judges
- Joshua Diamond, Deputy Attorney General, Attorney General's Office
- Monica Caserta Hutt, Chief Prevention Officer, Office of Governor
3:15 PM H. 711 - An act relating to the creation of the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee and the Opioid Abatement Special Fund
Review of new draft
- Monica Caserta Hutt, Chief Prevention Officer, Office of Governor
- Joshua Diamond, Deputy Attorney General, Attorney General's Office
Wednesday March 9, 2022
1:00 PM H. 711 - An act relating to the creation of the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee and the Opioid Abatement Special Fund
New draft and possible vote
- Katie McLinn, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
1:30 PM Opioid Overdose Crisis Response
Individual member reports
Committee discussion on components of draft bill
Thursday, March 10, 2022
8:30 AM Opioid Overdose Crisis Response
draft of bill
- Katie McLinn, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
10:30 AM H. 464 - An act relating to the medical review process in the Reach Up program and Postsecondary Education Program eligibility
- Amy Rose, Policy Associate, Voices for Vermont's Children
- Karen Lafayette, Lobbyist, Vermont Low Income Advocacy Council - Invited
1:00 PM H. 464 - An act relating to the medical review process in the Reach Up program and Postsecondary Education Program eligibility
Discussion of H.464 and Opioid Overdose Crisis Response Bill
Friday, March 11, 2022
8:30 AM Opioid Overdose Crisis Response
Possible vote on bill
1:00 PM H. 464 - An act relating to the medical review process in the Reach Up program and Postsecondary Education Program eligibility
Committee discussion and vote
House Committee on Natural Resources, Fish, and Wildlife Room EA and Zoom
https://legislature.vermont.gov/committee/streaming/house-natural-resources-fish-and-wildlife.
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
1:15 PM H. 606 - An act relating to community resilience and biodiversity protection
Possible Vote
- Ellen Czajkowski, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
2:15 PM H. 115 - An act relating to household products containing hazardous substances
Possible Vote
- Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
9:00 AM H. 523 - An act relating to reducing hydrofluorocarbon emissions
Introduction and walk-through
- Curt McCormack, Sponsor
- Wayne Weikel, Director of Government Affairs, Alliance of Automotive Innovation
- Bridget Morris, Lobbyist, Alliance for Automotive Innovation
- Marilyn Miller, Executive Director, Vermont Vehicle and Automotive Distributors Association
- Allison Maginot, Senior Director of Government Affairs, Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute
- Christina Theodoridi, Policy Advocate, Natural Resources Defense Council
- Ellen Czajkowski, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
- Peter Walke, Commissioner, Department of Environmental Conservation, Agency of Natural Resources - Invited
Senate Committee on Appropriations Room 5 and Zoom
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
2:00 PM 22-0443 - An act relating to the fiscal year 2023 Governor's recommended budget
Secretary of State
- James Condos, Vermont Secretary of State, Secretary of State's Office
- Chris Winters, Deputy Secretary of State, Secretary of State's Office
- Stacey Drinkwine, Financial Director, Secretary of State's Office
- Michelle Eno, Administrative Services Manager, Secretary of State's Office
Vermont State Auditor
- Doug Hoffer, State Auditor, State Auditor's Office
- Tim Ashe, Deputy State Auditor, State Auditor's Office
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
1:00 PM Senate Convenes
22-0443 - An act relating to the fiscal year 2023 Governor's recommended budget
Lt. Governor's Office
- Molly Gray, Vermont Lieutenant Governor
- Holly S. Anderson, Chief Financial Officer, Financial Services Division, Agency of Administration
- Brenda Berry, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Agency of Administration
3:00 PM 22-0443 - An act relating to the fiscal year 2023 Governor's recommended budget
Department of Financial Regulation
- Michael Pieciak, Commissioner, Department of Financial Regulation
- Emily Kisicki, Director of Policy, Department of Financial Regulation
- David Cameron, Administrative Services Director, Department of Financial Regulation
More discussion and testimony on the budget through Friday
Senate Committee on Education Room 28 and Zoom
https://legislature.vermont.gov/committee/streaming/senate-education
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
1:30 PM S. 162 - An act relating to the collective bargaining rights of teachers
- Jay Nichols, Executive Director, Vermont Principals' Association
- Jeff Fannon, Executive Director, Vermont National Education Association
- Jeffrey Francis, Executive Director, Vermont Superintendents Association - Invited
- Sue Ceglowski, Executive Director, Vermont School Boards Association - Invited
2:30 PM S.197 - An act relating to the Coordinated Mental Health Crisis Response Working Group
- Sarah Clark, Deputy Fiscal Officer, Joint Fiscal Office
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
1:30 PM S. 211 - An act relating to creating the Vermont Teaching Careers Study Committee
Committee discussion
- James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
2:00 PM S. 162 - An act relating to the collective bargaining rights of teachers
Mark-up and possible vote
- James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
2:30 PM Afterschool Programs
Update
- Holly Morehouse, Executive Director, Vermont Afterschool, Inc.
Thursday, March 10, 2022
3:00 PM COVID-19 Update Related to Schools
Daniel French, Ed.D., Secretary, Agency of Education - Invited
3:30 PM PCB Testing in Schools
Committee Discussion
- Peter Walke, Commissioner, Department of Environmental Conservation, Agency of Natural Resources
- Patricia Coppolino, Senior Environmental Program Manager, Department of Environmental Conservation, Agency of Natural Resources
Friday, March 11, 2022
1:30 PM H. 456 - An act relating to establishing strategic goals and reporting requirements for the Vermont State Colleges
- James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel