Committee sets hearings on ADS, Public Service and consolidated copper‑to‑fiber bill; H527 and H710 on the docket
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Summary
The House Energy and Digital Infrastructure Committee posted a busy week: finishing testimony on H527, hearing the Agency of Digital Services, Public Service, community broadband, CUDs, E‑911 board and a consolidated bill to move copper to fiber, with potential votes later in the week.
The House Energy and Digital Infrastructure Committee outlined a packed schedule for the coming days, with several policy and budget items planned for testimony and possible votes.
Chair (unnamed in this segment) said the committee will finish testimony on H527 tomorrow, hear from Will Dodge, then move into committee discussion and language review. The committee also plans to consider a consolidated bill intended to accelerate moving copper infrastructure to fiber and to clarify public‑notification requirements for that transition.
The committee invited a range of participants: consolidated service providers, smaller telecoms, Community Utility Districts (CUDs), the broadband board, and Green Mountain Power. The E‑911 board is scheduled to appear, and the Department of Public Service will present its budget and a separate technical corrections bill request that includes the telecom plan cadence change.
Committee staff said there may be a potential Friday vote on H527 if members have enough information; otherwise the measure will remain under further review. Members were also scheduled to consider H710 — a bill defining a single‑plant standard — and invited Renewable Energy Vermont to provide feedback.
Next steps: multiple agency appearances are scheduled this week; staff will circulate any revised bill text (the committee expects Ellen to walk members through amended H527 language) and notify members of vote warnings if a vote is likely.
