Commerce committee to begin S71 review; members debate definitions, data-minimization and ACCD payment mechanics

The Vermont House Committee on Commerce & Economic Development said it will begin consideration of S71 starting April 24, 2026, with staff preparing a strike-all amendment and walking the committee through the bill line-by-line.

Members discussed harmonizing definitions, noting the draft will include some definitions carried over from Connecticut and prior "kids code" language but that some Connecticut definitions or cross-references may not apply and will be removed or revised. The committee indicated staff (identified in the transcript as Rick) will review cross-references and clean up the draft.

Committee members said they are not adopting Connecticut's specific data-minimization change; instead they plan a different targeted-advertising approach intended to be more business-friendly and stated they will solicit feedback from stakeholders. A member summarized an implementation detail discussed for related programs and invoices: ACCD will review project invoices and under the payment approach discussed would base disbursements on a percentage of the invoice, which affects cash flow (the transcript contrasts 20% with a proposed 50% forward payment figure as an example). The committee noted that Jonathan told them the relevant department understands the intent and can implement the RID piece of S327 without statute change, though the language remains "messy."

Members said they expect a tight schedule for S71 work, with roughly one to one-and-a-half weeks to act before committees shut down around May 8; staff will aim to provide an amendment either the evening of April 23 or the morning of April 24 for a walk-through after the floor session.

The meeting was interrupted near the end by a building evacuation announcement.