Vermont Business MagazineThe House gave preliminary approval to ethics legislation Monday (S8). The bill debated on the floor establishes a State Ethics Commission and standards of governmental ethical conduct. The bill creates new requirements for personal financial disclosure, including for the official or lawmaker's domestic partner. The legislation is also intended to reduce the "revolving door" between lobbyists and government officials, as they hop back and forth between public and private jobs. An elected official would have to wait a year to become alobbyist.
Another provision installs guidelines and restrictions on contractors who do work with the government. This is a direct result of Governor Phil Scott's former construction company (DuBois Construction of Middlesex) doing business with and bidding on state contracts, while he was both a state senator and as a candidate for governor. He divested from his firm before he was sworn in.
“In a time of ethical uncertainty in government, it is critical that we increase transparency and ensure that Vermonters have a full picture of who represents them,” said House Government Operations ChairMaida Townsend in a statement in support of S8. “This bill is a step forward and will provide clear guidelines for legislators and executive officers.”
There was concern from some lawmakers that the candidate financial disclosure portion of the bill, especially as it involves reporting requirements for domestic partners, could dissuade potential candidates from running for office.
The Supreme Court chief justice will appoint the chair. Theother members(none of whom can be registered lobbyists or an elected or appointed government officialthemselves)will come from:League of Women Voters of Vermont; Vermont Society of Certified Public Accountants; Vermont Bar Association; and the Vermont Human Resource Association. The Society of CPAs and the Bar Association both hire lobbyists.
On Monday the House also preliminarily approved a bill expanding patient access to Vermont’s Medical Marijuana Registry. This bill eliminates the requirement that patients, when referred to a specialist by their health care provider, would have a three-month professional relationship with the specialist as well. Three additional diseases were added to the "qualifying conditions" and, subject to meeting the criteria will allow up to 8 more dispensaries in the State. "Many Vermonters benefit from the using cannabis in managing their symptoms. These carefully crafted changes will allow them to get the relief they need from their debilitating disease,” said House Human Services Chair, Ann Pugh.
The Legislature is moving forward with the goal of adjournment this week. “We are prioritizing legislation that ensures Vermonters are on the path forward to a healthy future and strong economy,” said House Speaker Mitzi Johnson in a statement. “Tomorrow (Tuesday), we will be taking up paid family leave insurance and the economic development bill. Paid family leave is a crucial insurance plan for Vermonters. This bill will bridge the economic gap new parents and caretakers of elderly parents face when they are forced to choose between caring for a new child or a loved one and earning a paycheck. S.135, the economic development bill, contains important economic development legislation to build a strong future, including voluntary retirement savings mechanisms and downtown infrastructure and community development tools.”
Among other notable legislation that moved forward Monay, the House passed a resolution calling on Vermonters to denounce hatred and to support and respect marginalized communities. Vermont has a proud motto of “freedom and unity.” The resolution is designed to uphold this tradition and encouraged the General Assembly to protect and preserve laws that foster equality among all persons.The resolution passed on a vote of 134-7.
Source: Speaker 5.1.2017