Legislature Makes Progress on Liquor Law Modernization

April 7, 2023

Legislature Makes Progress on Liquor Law Modernization

For business owners who are depending on immediate action to ensure they can continue to operate, the Senate’s immediate attention to H.288 issue is essential. The bill was previously passed by the House without contest. The Vermont Chamber testified that the liquor liability legislation be met with the same swift action in the Senate.

Testimony in the Senate Judiciary Committee will continue next week. H.288 would amend the statute by updating Vermont’s dram shop laws to be in line with neighboring control states such as Maine which contains two concepts of liability, one for the negligent service of alcoholic beverages and the other for the reckless service of alcohol. The Vermont Chamber is also advocating for removing the landlord from the chain of liability.

April 7, 2023

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Data Privacy Bill Requires Further Research to Understand Impact on Businesses

February 27, 2024April 7, 2023

Data Privacy Bill Requires Further Research to Understand Impact on Businesses

Members of the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee raised concerns about the structure of a sweeping consumer privacy bill. While legislators are in support of the concept, it’s likely the legislation will not move forward in its current form. The language of H.121 is largely unworkable, raising questions on the ability of small businesses to comply if it were to become law. Instead, the Vermont Chamber will work with legislators on reframing a strong consumer privacy bill that will not lead to unintended consequences for Vermont businesses.

The Vermont Chamber will continue to encourage legislators to thoroughly study and understand this complex issue and consider legislation passed in other states in which data privacy laws balance the protection of consumer privacy with manageable regulation on businesses.

April 7, 2023

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Will the House Make Meaningful Progress on Housing Legislation?

April 7, 2023

Will the House Make Meaningful Progress on Housing Legislation?

The House took up the Senate’s housing bill this week starting in the House General and Housing Committee. The committee will not be reviewing any provisions related to municipal zoning and Act 250 and will instead focus on housing-specific programs. This would mean a review of changes to state and municipal bylaws will be done in the House Energy and Environment Committee, which historically has been reluctant to address Act 250 barriers. The Vermont Chamber continues to be a leader on the need for bold leadership to reduce barriers to the creation of housing.

Megan Sullivan, VP of Government Affairs for the Vermont Chamber presented to the Rural Caucus, advocating for solutions that make balanced reforms to state and local regulations and alleviate zoning barriers. Additionally, Kevin Chu, Executive Director of the Vermont Futures Project, presented at a Social Equity Caucus on Vermont’s demographic challenges and the role of housing in ensuring an economically secure, sustainable, and equitable future for Vermont.

April 7, 2023

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Legislative Intern Spotlight: Lucy Heisey

April 7, 2023

Legislative Intern Spotlight: Lucy Heisey

Name: Lucy Heisey

College: University of Vermont

Field of Study: Political Science Major, French Minor

Anticipated Graduation: 2023

Hometown: Rye, NH

“I have previously worked as a legislative fellow for a State Representative in Massachusetts. I am really looking forward to experiencing the state government process from another perspective. The Vermont State House is incredibly open and the team at the Vermont Chamber has been so welcoming. This combination has deﬁnitely boosted my networking skills and conﬁdence in a professional environment.

I received my paralegal certiﬁcation from Boston University in the summer of 2022. After graduation, I plan to use this certiﬁcate along with my public policy experience to work somewhere in the legal or government ﬁelds.

I’m incredibly grateful for this internship opportunity. Throughout my time at UVM most of my research has focused on local government in Vermont. I’m so lucky that I am able to learn about the state government during my last semester. All of my experience has taught me how unique politics is in Vermont and how hands-on it really is. I look forward to taking the skills and connections gained here with me after graduation.”

Contact Information:

Email – lucy.heisey@uvm.edu

Linkedin

April 7, 2023

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