Statehouse

Scott Signs First New Gun Control Measure Since 2018

By Anne Wallace Allen on March 25, 2022 at 7:09PM

Scott last signed gun control measures in 2018 that expanded background checks for weapons purchasers, raised the legal age to buy a gun to 21 and banned the sale of high-capacity magazines. Baruth plans to continue his work on gun control, including seeking to establish a 48-hour waiting period for all firearms purchases, which he said would be instrumental in reducing the incidence of suicide.

Scott, Lawmakers in Stalemate Over Housing Proposals

By Colin Flanders on March 22, 2022 at 7:32PM

Lawmakers say they have done just that, pointing to last year’s $190 million investment in affordable housing as well as a $55 million line item in the recently-passed budget adjustment act that will help the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board to expand shelter capacity and build more housing. But Scott also wanted the mid-year budget bill to contain the two spending proposals now slapped onto the registry bills, which would have allocated the funds more quickly.

Map of New Legislative Districts Advances in the House

By Kevin McCallum on March 10, 2022 at 7:34PM

The committee attempted to ensure that the new districts — 68 with one member and 41 with two — represent as close to 4,287 people as possible, a tricky and inherently imperfect mathematical and cartographical exercise. The committee tried to balance the need for equal-size districts with other considerations, including that districts be reasonably compact and take into account geography and jurisdictional boundaries like school districts and county borders.

Scott Blocks Brattleboro's Bid to Lower the Voting Age

By Kevin McCallum on February 28, 2022 at 5:16PM

The legislature — and governor — must approve all changes to municipal charters before the rules can take effect. Lawmakers did so on February 11.

Scott Appointee Would Be First Woman of Color on Vermont Supreme Court

By Derek Brouwer on February 25, 2022 at 10:33AM

The governor selected Waples, of Hinesburg, from a list prepared by a judicial nominating commission. If confirmed by state lawmakers, she will serve a six-year term before facing a retention vote by the General Assembly.

Rep. Tim Briglin (D-Thetford) on the House floor in 2020

House Committee Approves Bill That Takes Aim at Fossil Fuels

By Kevin McCallum on February 24, 2022 at 5:14PM

Following the collapse of a multi-state effort to reduce transportation emissions, the clean heat standard is considered by supporters to be the state’s best shot at cutting emissions 15 percent by 2025, 40 percent by 2030 and 80 percent by 2050. “Right now, this is the highest impact, most important policy recommendation that Vermont can move on to meet our climate responsibilities,” said Jared Duval, a member of the Climate Council and expert in climate emissions.

Scott Vetoes Gun Bill, Offers Compromise to Close 'Charleston Loophole'

By Kevin McCallum on February 22, 2022 at 1:23PM

Closing the “Charleston loophole” has been a top priority for gun control advocates for several years. The gap in gun regulations is how a 21-year-old white supremacist was able to buy the .45-caliber pistol that he used to kill nine members of a Bible study group at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, S.C., in 2015.

Burlington's Just Cause Eviction Bill Clears House — With Changes

By Courtney Lamdin on February 18, 2022 at 1:17PM

Tom Proctor, campaign director for Rights & Democracy's Just Cause Coalition, cheered Friday's vote as a show of "collective people power." "I am immensely proud of everyone who has worked so hard to get us this far," Proctor said in a statement, noting that tenants, activists and lawmakers support the just cause effort.

Secretary of State Jim Condos Won't Seek Reelection

By Kevin McCallum on February 15, 2022 at 3:20PM

Paul Burns, executive director of the Vermont Public Interest Research Group, praised Condos’ tenure. “Jim Condos leaves a legacy of pro-democracy reform.

Leaky Roofs, Moldy Windows: State Library Department Seeks $15.9M for Repairs

By Anne Wallace Allen on February 14, 2022 at 6:05PM

The proposal outlined by McMurdo wouldn’t address the larger issue of how public libraries are supported in the future. Unrath noted that the care and upkeep of small-town library buildings has taken on greater importance in recent years.

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