House passes sister-state program and Medicaid doula coverage, sends climate cost-recovery bill to Judiciary

The House on the floor passed two Senate measures in concurrence and referred a third to committee during a morning session that included ceremonial resolutions and guest introductions.

Members approved S.30, an act to create a sister-state program, by voice vote after the third reading. The chamber then took up S.109, an act to provide Medicaid coverage for doula services; the member from Barnett asked for clarification about private-sector activity on such services, noting that "Blue Cross and Blue Shield does have a pilot program studying about providing doula services for their customers." The House passed S.109 in concurrence by voice vote.

Later, the House addressed S.259, an act relating to climate change cost recovery. The member from Middlebury moved to commit S.259 to the Judiciary Committee; the motion carried by voice vote and the measure was formally referred to Judiciary rather than being passed on the floor.

In other business, the chamber read and adopted HCR 202 recognizing Este Smith of Brattleboro on her centennial birthday and HCR 204 honoring Jaden Coppins of Colchester for winning the individual title at the inaugural New England Girls Wrestling Championship. Several members introduced guests and constituents to the gallery.

Votes at a glance: S.30 (sister-state program) passed in concurrence (voice vote). S.109 (Medicaid coverage for doula services) passed in concurrence (voice vote). S.259 (climate change cost recovery) committed to the Judiciary Committee (motion carried by voice vote).

The House recessed for caucuses and lunch and planned to return to the floor at 1 p.m.