[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6625183,"mediaKeyId","2762633-d8fe5c11c403c7e914b99ca38d463c11","parentId",2762633,"title","Senate amends economic and workforce bill, strips appropriations and advances S.122 to third reading","audioSeconds",1919,"startMs",466000,"endMs",2385000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2762633-d8fe5c11c403c7e914b99ca38d463c11&start=466&end=2385","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2762633-d8fe5c11c403c7e914b99ca38d463c11/thumbnail_466000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6625183/Vermont/Senate-amends-economic-and-workforce-bill-strips-appropriations-and-advances-S122-to-third-reading","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6625183-c732f3bf99956ee9cea0dff7e7895e25/orig.mp4?Expires=1771002334&Signature=kEhBPzWWBAEIq8xUGn8VTaO6D6Su7L0OnQKBw9UkEAEuDvPgqG2x33IP2rBOR5NEnbmWNxrlFAwlFZJp1iNDeVELFx6J24Z4j7-FdK0qxNyM2oP87gjHo2g7ugCmJSsczyPT8EdFPlu6irfPxBgvqobbRWL9Ist8o995kyGfqh~990ED4Byxl3-lKijkiCFm-IaiJNHbYMW3MfylZE5f9mx0BrbvFo~xaTJ8zDZeDJR8RWcOAS-Q44Om5Mw0xdLJPD6K2JktzvM4hZpfLXVcQEAv0le1Oc7uX~DzeMmYrz8DMO7CEN6Wx9KpiBJslq9Y9lB17YlPsikz0US71JMEqA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Vermont Legislature","date","2025-03-25T15:53:56.237Z","article","The Vermont Senate on a voice vote accepted a substitute amendment to S.122 on March 25 that strikes or makes contingent the bill's spending provisions and ordered the measure read a third time.

Senator Clarkson of Windsor, sponsor of S.122, described the bill as focused \"primarily [on] increasing our supports for Vermont's small business sector,\" saying the measure would invest in existing programs rather than create numerous new ones. The bill as introduced would raise the annual Vermont Downtown and Village Tax Credit from $3 million to $5 million and make targeted investments in small-business technical assistance, legal clinics, outreach to businesses of color, microbusiness development, coaching, the Vermont Arts Council, and an effort to expand trade and film/media opportunities.

The Senate Appropriations Committee offered a substitute amendment that removes appropriations language from sections 1 through 5 and other spending subsections, leaving program language contingent on future budget appropriations. Senator Perchlik of Washington, reporting for Appropriations, said the amendment \"strikes all the expenditures and appropriations that are in the bill\" while preserving program text as contingent on funding. The Senate adopted the substitute amendment by voice vote and then ordered the bill read a third time.

Clarkson outlined major elements of the bill on the floor: increasing downtown and village tax credits, boosting capacity at the Vermont Small Business Development Center with an additional $300,000 request, $300,000 for the Vermont Small Business Law Center (to meet demand after its federal funding ends in 2026), expanded support for the Vermont Professionals of Color Network, a resource guide and centralized information hub for entrepreneurs, microbusiness development funding, coaching through the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund and Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center, and support for the Vermont Arts Council including a $1,071,800 match to draw down federal National Endowment for the Arts funds.

The bill also would create a Vermont Ireland Trade Commission, a 10-member pilot commission housed in the treasurer's office with members appointed by the governor, speaker and committee on committees, and establish a task force to study a convention center and major performance venue. Clarkson said the film- and media-related provision would create an online database of Vermont film and creative-media assets with $120,000 appropriated in fiscal 2026 to the Vermont Arts Council to build and maintain it and a part-time staff position to serve as a point of contact.

Members pressed sponsors on details during floor discussion. A senator from Addison said she preferred the bill without the appropriations, noting the state's limited fiscal capacity; another asked why the Ireland commission included six legislative appointees on a 10-member panel. Clarkson responded that the appointees named by the speaker and committee on committees need not be legislators and were expected to have business, trade or international experience. The Appropriations report clarified removal of per-diem payments and reimbursements from commissioner compensation language where those items carried expenditures.

Committee reports recorded favorable recommendations before the Appropriations substitute: the Finance Committee recommended passage; the Appropriations Committee recommended the substitute amendment. Committee vote tallies reported in the transcript included a 7-0-0 vote in Finance and various committee tallies on amendments reported by Appropriations (committee straw poll noted 7-0-0 for the substitute amendment).

The Senate adopted the Appropriations substitute amendment and then ordered third reading of S.122. Because appropriations were removed on the floor, the bill's program text remains but its implementation is contingent on future appropriations and budget processes.

If enacted as amended, the bill would leave many programmatic directives intact but dependent on funding decisions made in the budget process; sponsors and members noted the House could further alter details during its consideration.

Ending: The Senate\u0000action advances S.122 to third reading with the spending elements removed or made contingent; the bill still contains multiple programmatic directives affecting downtown revitalization, small-business supports, arts and trade development, and studies for a convention center and trade commission.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Session, Part 2 - March 25, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Vermont Senate on a voice vote accepted a substitute amendment to S.122 on March 25 that strips or makes contingent the bill\nppropriations and ordered the economic and workforce measure to third reading.","taxTitle","SENATE, Committees, Legislative , Vermont","taxId",29455,"location","Vermont","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6625164,"Senate adopts resolution allowing Green Mountain Boys and Girls State to use Senate facilities June 26",0,5765000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2762633-d8fe5c11c403c7e914b99ca38d463c11&start=5765&end=5765","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2762633-d8fe5c11c403c7e914b99ca38d463c11/thumbnail_5765000.jpg","/articles/6625164/Vermont/Senate-adopts-resolution-allowing-Green-Mountain-Boys-and-Girls-State-to-use-Senate-facilities-June-26","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6625164-794244bf06a330a87aa2c3eb9f902622/orig.mp4?Expires=1771002334&Signature=VpQ3aNhBrDSa3kdnrJBV9B-0urvpU9IkZUnfhOoD31-T-TfvsxtZfogLioE8NXM~YJvAWQOu9oTr3o2RF0AXuLUdRDNpd~Kk0AE09XcWw~vDPk~iwxFKO1uaLN4Cna19wcIDi5Uru1CJ8ifmkbH1GkDSbcVo3d0LoYLaOIro6KHvLWi7C37grbmPIOsw0SHlaAQbwjFf4pOb0lcUQAQ4WCR5cQQ73S8PH5ulf35iwdx8J3MywHNKYJgirWCjh5nGtReUsSoUCzaIUvyxq00pv3EI3U~dUpHZMlaO5j4xJZ21M0S5IztQOrMiESndmDJOQNTgKJCCgoKRyuZaXHY1GA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Vermont Senate adopted JRH 3 by voice vote on March 25, concurring with the House in authorizing the Green Mountain Boys State and Green Mountain Girls State educational programs to use Senate facilities on June 26, 2025.

The resolution was read as set forth in the prior day's journal and the Senate voted in concurrence by voice vote.

Ending: The adopted joint resolution authorizes the two civic-education programs to use Senate facilities on the specified date.","The Senate adopted JRH 3, a joint resolution authorizing Green Mountain Boys State and Green Mountain Girls State to use the Senate Chamber facilities on June 26, and concurred with the House.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6625169,"Senators discuss tinted-window enforcement tools; S.123 ordered to third reading",171,85000,256000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2762633-d8fe5c11c403c7e914b99ca38d463c11&start=85&end=256","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2762633-d8fe5c11c403c7e914b99ca38d463c11/thumbnail_85000.jpg","/articles/6625169/Vermont/Senators-discuss-tinted-window-enforcement-tools-S123-ordered-to-third-reading","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6625169-821d4ec64ad3ebb0ac99c4a6283668bd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771002334&Signature=XSvZvwcoSAocFCP7kIn-igd1ppZQ8nGF~mzilVo-AsrNWYyk~6lRj2jWdPK2Yu~0Hxt-7rMYF1-NIjz1CaJQwY~2W~8JDmCpnvetuMVYBfpQqsHZkYCDozjZPimraq7mJOvCFCpaNOfK~30vGtenjIhiGue7C~JentWztxH2OJ5KbFieuycHJMuhmiRIl-mU0H08vaHtRVIQfuMwAZGM9AARcbLa6wPq1pR8jEPQuEkS9pPcvFNjtbapC31CUxKgkyTCRSwIVcwVNWr1s2ixMMQ3f2ar64u8ISO83rduQW4~MBpQVRB-pRLM7Y4h9hQAl1hOsGdpu8siLCUzNi3sYQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During floor consideration on March 25, senators raised enforcement questions about the tinted-window language in S.123 and whether state inspectors have equipment to measure allowable light transmittance.

Senator Gulick of Chittenden thanked the Senate Transportation Committee for addressing tinted windows, saying constituents who are cyclists, e-bikers and pedestrians are often \"scared\" when they cannot see drivers and make eye contact. Gulick asked whether the state had the equipment needed to measure tint levels.

A senator reporting for the Transportation Committee said measurement devices are inexpensive, noting other states use small light-transmission meters available for roughly $49 and that multiple state troopers in New York carry them in patrol cars. The senator said devices would be obtainable \"once the inspection manual gets updated.\" Following the brief discussion the Senate ordered S.123 to third reading by voice vote.

Ending: The floor exchange established that measurement equipment is inexpensive and readily available; implementation will depend on updates to inspection manuals and agency procedures.","The Senate briefly considered enforcement provisions related to a tinted-window requirement in S.123. Senators discussed availability and low cost of measurement devices and then ordered S.123 read a third time.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6625172,"Senate orders third reading of S.18 to license freestanding birth centers and exempt them from certificate-of-need",800,4105000,4905000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2762633-d8fe5c11c403c7e914b99ca38d463c11&start=4105&end=4905","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2762633-d8fe5c11c403c7e914b99ca38d463c11/thumbnail_4105000.jpg","/articles/6625172/Vermont/Senate-orders-third-reading-of-S18-to-license-freestanding-birth-centers-and-exempt-them-from-certificate-of-need","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6625172-f8b292a93817055b9c4f7fd73aecfef1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771002334&Signature=AoZVb78m2Sw4O7jxpoXkzV-myDud3XOSfbtJ-JhiPeuIQitkr7DsHKjP~iN8IiFu6eByj02hwvyaROf8KdeW1m7A1XWCS7H5pTxPMwOLOnUhzyK7oaL6nNjPgRjY~R8HeDjomGbI4XW~aW0vnUi6-WL8Zcy9CXZZTeAdresHtNiQBOsYbTz3fp4nEsTVArbvmufOa-JmLILYUfKCGUZph-ye4cxTyOL~fbXdRidzB5mRWU8fUru3kjuS6yzQn8bqaqZ4HAdGMn-2oKUrV2~io2F~MGWK~SjOe5pwk3fhkK797aveiT1nocmfIvi6MmdqUwHVyHeWFbJ~l4go5fLscg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Vermont Senate on March 25 adopted committee recommendations and ordered third reading of S.18, a bill to license freestanding birth centers in the state.

Senator Gulick of Chittenden, reporting for the Committee on Health and Welfare, explained that S.18 creates a licensure framework for freestanding birth centers\u0000health-care facilities that provide childbirth services in a midwifery and wellness model but are not hospitals. Gulick said national medical organizations and the White House maternal-health blueprint endorse birth centers as a safe, evidence-based option for low-risk pregnant people and that neighboring states already allow them.

The bill sets a $250 initial and renewal application fee, requires Department of Health licensure consistent with board rules, sets inspection and records requirements, establishes an appeals and revocation process, and directs the Department of Health to adopt rules for licensure. S.18 also seeks an exemption from certificate-of-need requirements for birth centers to reduce a barrier to openings. The Appropriations Committee reported a nominal fee-based fiscal effect on licensing and noted that, over the long term, birth centers could lower Medicaid costs by providing lower-cost birth-site options.

Gulick cited Blue Cross Blue Shield data in committee indicating average costs: a vaginal birth at the University of Vermont Medical Center at $17,100 versus $2,870 at a freestanding birth center. The bill requires insurers to cover prenatal, maternity, postpartum and newborn services at licensed birth centers, including facility fees, and directs the Agency of Human Services to seek necessary federal approvals for plan amendments (Medicaid) where applicable.

Committee votes were unanimous in favor: Health and Welfare reported the measure favorably (5-0-0), Finance voted 7-0-0 on the fee and Appropriations reported support (7-0-0). The Senate amended as recommended by Health and Welfare and ordered third reading.

Ending: With unanimous committee support and the Appropriations report noting potential long-range Medicaid savings, S.18 moves to third reading; sponsors and advocates said licensure aims to expand options and retain midwifery workforce in Vermont.","S.18, which would establish licensure for freestanding birth centers in Vermont, passed committee steps on March 25 and was ordered to third reading. Sponsors said licensure will expand care options, lower costs for some births and stem workforce loss to neighboring states.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6625177,"Senate advances S.125 to bolster workers' compensation and expand collective-bargaining roles; appropriations for labor-board staffing removed",296,3570000,3866000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2762633-d8fe5c11c403c7e914b99ca38d463c11&start=3570&end=3866","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2762633-d8fe5c11c403c7e914b99ca38d463c11/thumbnail_3570000.jpg","/articles/6625177/Vermont/Senate-advances-S125-to-bolster-workers-compensation-and-expand-collective-bargaining-roles-appropriations-for-labor-board-staffing-removed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6625177-f56fe287528607e0e00422ae570651d5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771002334&Signature=hmFjP03GnG0WqJgkuFoGJzFUcGBBBkLtym7ILtWjfj5wNwH8ypEJK3RuF9ghoJkpSSyZ59a1AzpnWkT9Gw8GFVdyePC2gC9-clPUhAGZonwtvXQCtfakgny87d8CUr5YOTLBApOkSbgQ0qtBJuHD2Hfga68IaWiVWQNS7gWtEJfn2EIs~aY85udHqZYZeQW2yRUddtWsK5U5WFkVFsVKtPA~Xzrpv8CRb4Uh1CAh7xdIqfOo-oYQOvY-JiG2L98ASCW8iEfudA9bs1AY0dqXAMdt8vTfhbeW7-wEauT6QTOUAq9jTKn77Bm-ecsZr9Y2~bnF6ohwR27hlh~4jmKr~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Vermont Senate advanced S.125 to third reading after committee reports and floor consideration on March 25. The bill makes changes to workers' compensation processes and permits additional public employees to unionize while proposing a staffing appropriation for the Vermont Labor Relations Board.

Senator Rahm Hinsdale of Chittenden, sponsor and floor presenter for S.125, described the bill as \"an important and balanced bill that strengthens both workers' compensation protections and collective bargaining rights in Vermont,\" noting updates including expanded access to medical case management, a process for workers to request case management, language-access requirements for non-English-speaking injured workers, and stepped penalties for late wage-replacement payments.

On collective-bargaining matters, S.125 allows certain supervisors in the judicial branch to organize and seeks $250,000 from the general fund to augment staffing at the Vermont Labor Relations Board, which the sponsor said currently operates with just 1.5 employees. Senator Watson of Washington, reporting for Appropriations, said the Appropriations Committee voted to remove section 6 (the appropriation for board staffing) from the bill; that committee vote was 7-0-0.

Hinsdale said the bill also sets an effective date of July 1, 2025, and that the committee heard from legislative counsel, labor attorneys, insurers, the Vermont Labor Relations Board, the Vermont State Employees Association, and the Department of Labor (which took a neutral stance). The Senate adopted the committee-recommended amendment and then ordered third reading of S.125.

Ending: With the staffing appropriation removed on the floor, S.125 proceeds to third reading with its statutory changes intact; the question of additional funding for the VLRB will now depend on separate budget action.","S.125, which updates workers' compensation procedures and expands collective-bargaining rights in state government, cleared committee reviews and was ordered to third reading after the Appropriations Committee removed a requested appropriation for the Vermont Labor Relations Board.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Senate amends economic and workforce bill, strips appropriations and advances S.122 to third reading

Senate adopts resolution allowing Green Mountain Boys and Girls State to use Senate facilities June 26

Senators discuss tinted-window enforcement tools; S.123 ordered to third reading

Senate orders third reading of S.18 to license freestanding birth centers and exempt them from certificate-of-need

Senate advances S.125 to bolster workers' compensation and expand collective-bargaining roles; appropriations for labor-board staffing removed