Vermont Legislature SmartTranscripts:

[Speaker Jill Krowinski]: Will the house please come to order and members kindly take their seats. Good afternoon. The devotional today will be led by pastor Erin Clark of Capital Ministries in Montpelier.

[Pastor Erin Clark]: Good afternoon. As some of you might be thinking, what is it? Chimney sweeping season or something? What's with all these ashes? Right? I don't know. But if you don't know about it, it's Ash Wednesday today, which is the beginning of Lent. Now Lent, this is a good time for Vermonters across Vermont. People are gathering and they are putting on their heads symbols of repentance, the ashes, and beginning to fast. And they're finding fasting from all kinds of things, whether it be things like, you might be fasting from burgers or meat, or if you're real vermada, maple syrup. Not so much of a real vermada, I guess. I don't know. Some people from front porch forum. Some people are kind of sick about hearing about the cat that went missing in the neighborhood. I hear some of you are fasting from things like, proposing new bills. I hope that one's true. No. Just kidding. But what kind of fast does God actually want? That's the question. In the days of the prophet Isaiah, the whole nation was fasting. Yet God called it unacceptable. They were doing things like seeking their own pleasure while oppressing the workers. They were fasting while quarreling and fighting and hitting with a wicked fist. He says that kind of fast is not acceptable to me. So instead, God describes his acceptable fast in Isaiah 58. It says, is not this the fast that I choose? To loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free. I think about a a friend of mine, a pastor, Steven Tendo in New Hampshire, who's being held. But is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house? If you take away the pointing of the finger in speaking wickedness, then, Vermont, shall your light rise in the darkness? You shall raise up the foundations of many generations. You shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in. What a promise. He goes on, if you turn back from doing your pleasure on my holy day and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy day of the Lord honorable, if you honor it, not going your own ways or seeking your own pleasure or talking idly, then you shall take delight in the Lord. And I'll make you ride on the heights of the earth. I'll feed you with the heritage of your father Jacob, the mouth of the Lord has spoken. That's his law. That's his acceptable fast. It's of justice and of worship. Now where there's a law though, there is a fulfillment. Where there's fulfillment, there's hope. Christ himself, he fulfilled that acceptable fast of his father during his ministry on earth. He went about proclaiming good news to the poor, liberty to the captives, setting at liberty the oppressed. And so he went about healing people, but he also went to the cross bearing the burdens of those who are oppressed on his body on the cross. And so for each of us, there are true fast to seek this season, not just giving up things, but asking more importantly, what task of justice and worship am I called to take up? So as you go about the business of the people, what is that acceptable fast your call to this year? May God direct us toward it, and may we all have courage. Thank you so much for having me. God bless you.

[Speaker Jill Krowinski]: Members, we have five house bills for introduction today. The first is house bill nine zero five, which is an act relating to miscellaneous amendments to the prohibitions on discrimination introduced by representatives Lamont of Morrist own and Burrows of West Windsor. Please listen to the first reading of the bill.

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: H nine zero five, an act relating to miscellaneous amendments to the prohibitions on discrimination.

[Speaker Jill Krowinski]: Now the bill has been read the first time and is referred to the committee on general and housing. House bill nine zero six is an act relating to reimbursing municipalities for services that address the impact of homelessness introduced by representative Goodnow of Brattleboro and others. Please listen to the first reading of the bill.

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: H nine zero six, an act relating to reimbursing municipalities for services that address the impact of homelessness.

[Speaker Jill Krowinski]: Now the bill has been read the first time and is referred to the committee on human services. House bill nine zero seven is an act relating to legislative review of reporting requirements introduced by the committee on government operations and military affairs. Please listen to the first reading of the bill.

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: H nine zero seven, an act relating to legislative review of reporting requirements.

[Speaker Jill Krowinski]: Now the bill has been read the first time and as a committee bill, it is placed on the calendar for notice on the next legislative day pursuant to house rule 48. House bill nine zero eight is an act relating to establishing a statewide Parkinson's disease registry introduced by representative Critchlow of Colchester and others. Please listen to the first reading of the bill.

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: H nine zero eight, an act relating to establishing a statewide Parkinson's disease registry.

[Speaker Jill Krowinski]: Now the bill has been read the first time and is referred to the committee on human services. And finally, house bill nine zero nine is an act relating to a monument to former governor Philip Hoff introduced by representative Goodnow of Brattleboro and others. Please listen to the first reading of the bill.

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: H nine zero nine, an act relating to a monument to former governor Philip Huff.

[Speaker Jill Krowinski]: Now the bill has been read the first time and is referred to the committee on corrections and institutions. Members, we also have one senate bill for referral today. Senate bill two zero nine is an act relating to prohibiting civil arrest in sensitive locations introduced by senator senator and others. Please listen to the first reading of the bill.

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: S two zero nine, an act relating to prohibiting civil arrest in sensitive locations.

[Speaker Jill Krowinski]: Now the bill has been read the first time and is referred to the committee on judiciary. Members we have a bill on the notice calendar requiring referral to money committee pursuant to house rule 35A. House bill seven fifty seven is an act relating to manufactured homes and limited equity cooperative affecting the revenue of the state. The bill is referred to the committee on ways and means. Members earlier today, we had two committees report bills that required referral to a money committee pursuant to house rule 35 a pending their entry on the notice calendar. The first, the committee on environment reported favorable with an amendment to house bill six thirty two which is an act relating to miscellaneous environmental amendments. And the second, the committee on education reported favorably on house bill eight zero two, which is an act relating to adjusting the census grant for inflation. Both of these bills affect the revenue of the state and therefore they are referred to the committee on ways and means. We now have a joint senate resolution to take up at this time. JRS 41 is a joint resolution relating to weekend endurement on 02/20/2026. It was offered by senator Bartholomew and was read and adopted on the part of the senate. Please listen to the reading of the resolution.

[House Assistant/Reading Clerk]: JRS 41, joint resolution relating to weekend adjournment on 02/20/2026, resolved by the senate and house of representatives that when the two houses adjourn on Friday, 02/20/2026, be to meet again no later than Tuesday, 02/24/2026.

[Speaker Jill Krowinski]: Now you've heard the reading of the resolution, and the question is, shall the house adopt the resolution in concurrence? Are you ready for the question? If so, all those in favor, please say aye. Aye. All those opposed, please say nay. The ayes appear to have it. The ayes do have it, and the resolution is adopted in concurrence. Members, we have received requests to read three house concurrent resolutions that the house and senate adopted pursuant to this consent calendar. The first is h c r one ninety five, which is a house concurrent resolution designating February 2026 as school board appreciation month in Vermont. Please listen to the reading of the resolution.

[House Assistant Clerk (Reading)]: Whereas perhaps no other category of elected officials is subject to more exacting scrutiny than locally elected school board members. And whereas service on a local school board involves working directly with students, parents, teachers, support staff, administrators, and the broader tax paying public. And whereas on behalf of their respective districts, school board members must design sustainable budgets which provide the best educational opportunities for students while addressing the realities of the district's financial limitations, goals that can be in conflict, and whereas navigating this challenge is a major civic responsibility that dedicated school board members perform as they carefully weigh all the factors involved in reaching the consequential decisions that affect their communities. And whereas the still uncertain ramifications arising from the general assembly's adoption of the twenty twenty five acts and resolves number 73, the recently enacted public education governance legislation will pose new challenges for school board members across the state. And whereas school board members are elected officials who receive far less appreciation and thanks than they merit for their demanding and essential public service. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the senate and house of representatives that the general assembly designates February 2026 as school board appreciation month in Vermont and be it further resolved that the secretary of state be directed to send a copy of this resolution to the Vermont School Board Association.

[Speaker Jill Krowinski]: Next is H C R 201, which is a house concurrent resolution congratulating the five six Saint Albans Steelers on winning the inaugural Northern Vermont Youth Football League five six championship. Please listen to the reading of the resolution.

[House Assistant Clerk (Reading)]: Whereas fifth and sixth grade football enthusiasts residing in the municipalities of Saint Albans City, Saint Albans Town, Alberg, Bakersfield, Ennisburg, Fairfield, Georgia, Sheldon, and Swanton enjoyed the 2025 as members of the five six Saint Albans Steelers. And the over the course of the twenty twenty five twenty five regular season, the team compiled an extraordinary undefeated record, entitling the squad to compete compete in the North Northern Vermont Youth Football League's initial five six championship contest against the Chittenden South Buccaneers. And whereas the Steelers quickly proved their worthiness scoring the opening touchdown in the first quarter, In the second quarter, the buccaneers scored a touchdown plus a point after concluding the first half holding a seven six lead. And whereas after a third scoreless third quarter, Saint Albans executed a long touchdown run, regaining a twelve seven lead. And later in the fourth quarter, a Steeler intercepted the ball and ran long into Chittenden South territory, which frames Saint Albans final touchdown for its great 18 to seven victory in an amazing nine zero season record. And whereas the talented five six steelers were lee Levi, Chiara Vale, Drew Stewart, Max Montagna, Owen Dyke, Chandler Clark, Brody Robert, Spencer Stebbins, Camden Conlon, Lincoln Sullivan, Marcus Taylor, Jackson Stewart, Reed Wilbur, Drake Gervais, Alden Benoit, Ryan Leclerc, Caden Bushey, Camden Jean, Nathaniel Tree, Beau Vining, Zeno Hatten, Isaac Feltus, Carmelo Hardy, Raymond Christian, Riker Johnson, Preston McCarthy, Carter Longley, Elias M. Hugh, Elijah Boomhauer, Paxton Norris, Emmett Dustin, Nathaniel Pinkham, Henry Torengo, Conor King, Hunter Gagne, Liam Shay, Chase Corcoran, Deacon Weld, Luke Harrison, Aiden Burkhardt, Grayson Davis, Jayden Mann, Colton Hamilton, and Holden Lambert. And whereas head coach Sean Stebbins and assistant coaches Colin McCarthy, Brian Christians, Jim Trebe, and Tom Feltus were outstanding mentors for the team. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the senate and house of representatives that the general assembly congratulates the five six Saint Albans Steelers on winning the inaugural Northern Vermont youth football five league five six championship. And be it further resolved that the secretary of state be directed to send a copy of this resolution to the five six Saint Albans Steelers.

[Speaker Jill Krowinski]: And finally, h c r two zero two is a house concurrent resolution congratulating the seven eight Saint Albans Steelers on winning the twenty twenty five Northern Vermont Youth Football League Division one championship. Please listen to the reading of the resolution.

[House Assistant Clerk (Reading)]: Whereas the seven eight Saint Albans Steelers consisted of players from the Franklin County communities of Saint Albans City, Saint Albans Town, Alberg, Ennisburg, Fairfield, Sheldon, and Swanton. And whereas the six seeded Steelers battled through the playoffs to earn a championship game birth against their top ranked and undefeated seven eight Rutland Raiders. And whereas after an intensive first half, the steelers were slightly trailing nineteen seven. But in the second half, Saint Albans defensive performance was superb, preventing additional Rutland scoring while the Steelers tied the game, sending the contest into overtime. And whereas as the overtime commenced, the Steelers score scored a touchdown on their first possession and successfully converted the point after then drew on their proven defensive prowess to twice halt the Raiders from crossing the goal line, clinching a Saint Albans twenty six nineteen victory and its first division one title since 1988. And whereas the thrilled steelers were Jack Montana, Zach Montana Litchfield, Caleb Routin, Jacob Brown, Javian Stewart, Lewis Myers, Dream Stewart, Quentin Luna, Ela McGinnis, Kingston Gomez, Grayson Saint Francis, Silas Reed, Case Reynolds, Matthias McConnell, Finn Howe Harrigan, Maddox Rabtoy, John Garrett, Eric Wagner, Ozzy Blackburn, Brody Aiken, Thor Clark, Jacob Ewald, Lane Patnode, Braden, Casey Villente, Sawyer Smith, Reed Odell, Tanner Limog, Isaac Caro, Elias Bruley, Hunter Graham, Matthew Persons, Drake Sheber, Blake Patel, and Lincoln Cain. And whereas head coach Nick Norris and assistant coaches Ben Patnoed, Chris Norris, Joe Montana, Brad Ravlin, Lou Luke Harrigan, Jerome Stewart, and Frank Wagner were thrilled with the team's success. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the senate and house of representatives that the general assembly congratulates the seven eight Saint Albans Steelers on winning the twenty twenty five Northern Vermont Youth Football League division one championship and be it further resolved, the secretary of state be directed to send a copy of this resolution to the seven eight Saint Albans Steelers.

[Speaker Jill Krowinski]: Are there any announcements? Member from Ferrisburg.

[Unidentified Member from Ferrisburgh]: Thank you, madam speaker. I'd like to introduce you, madam speaker, to our devotional speaker this morning as well as to the rest of the body. Pastor Erin Clark is a Montpelier resident where he lives with his wife and three children, all ages four and under. He serves as the pastor here locally at Crossroads Christian Church in East Montpelier and leads the Vermont Capital Ministries where he hosts legislators bible studies, which meets Wednesday nights right up here in the upper chamber behind the balcony on the right hand side. You're welcome to join us on Wednesdays at noon. Also like to note that he also will be hosting the next ice cream social on March 11 after we return from the town meeting break. So you're all welcome to join us that day on March 11. So please help me welcome pastor Erin Clark.

[Speaker Jill Krowinski]: Will the guest member from Ferrisburg please rise and be recognized? Member from Williston.

[Unidentified Member from Williston]: Thank you, madam speaker. We just heard a resolution recognizing February as Vermont School Board Appreciation Month. And I just wanna say as a former school board member myself, I tend to avoid generalizations, but I feel confident saying it's always more work than you think. And when people step forward and say, yeah, I might wanna do that, I think they're often told, it's really easy. It's like one or two meetings a month, you know, no big deal. And I assure you it's more than that. And it's something that I think most school board members would say you actually grow to love, and it's quite an honor to serve our public schools. So I I just wanna mention some guests we have here in the chamber. All school boards in Vermont or most school boards in Vermont are supported by the Vermont School Boards Association. They provide vital training and guidance and, recommended policies and model policies and all sorts of things that school boards really couldn't function without. So I want to recognize, VSBA executive committee member Nancy Russell, the small and mighty staff at the VSBA Sue, Sandra, Debbie, and Mark, two of whom are also school board members, as well as Washington Central School Board member Ursula Stanley. Please help me welcome them.

[Speaker Jill Krowinski]: Will the guest and the member from Wilson please rise and be recognized? Are there any further announcements? Member from Saint Albans City.

[Unidentified Member from Saint Albans City]: Thank you, madam speaker. I'd like to introduce the players, coaches, and families of, the Saint Albans Steelers grade five sixteen, which did win the inaugural Northern Vermont Youth Football League Championship, as well as those of the grade seven eight St. Albans Steelers who won the Northern Vermont Youth Football League one Championship, which for the first time since 1988. If you could please please help me introduce them to the to the people's house.

[Speaker Jill Krowinski]: Will the guest member from Saint Albans City please rise and be recognized? Member from Essex.

[Unidentified Member from Essex]: Thank you, madam speaker. I wanted to have the body please help me welcome a young Essex student. He's a sophomore at Essex High School and he was invited to come here a few weeks ago by a teacher to attend a press conference. And apparently, he just fell in love with the place and decided he needed more time among all of us. He spent the day in and out of the judiciary committee listening to testimony, and he has stayed and joined us in the gallery. His name is David David Geary, and he is an amazing sophomore with a bright future ahead of him. So if you could please help us welcome him today.

[Speaker Jill Krowinski]: Will the guest member from Essex please rise and be recognized? Are there any further announcements? Member from Brattleboro.

[Unidentified Member from Brattleboro]: Thank you, madam speaker. Tomorrow is faith climate action day, and we will have faith leaders from across Vermont joining us for lunch, the Climate Solutions Caucus. This collection of organizations describes themselves as living our faith through our actions, standing for ecological justice for all. Today will end with a multi faith vigil for the earth, including an invocation, singing, and candle lighting from 04:30 to five. Everyone is invited to our caucus at noon and to this event. Thank you.

[Speaker Jill Krowinski]: Are there any further announcements? Members, before we gavel into orders of the day, we have a bill on the notice calendar that the senate proposal of amendment to house bill seven ninety, which is the fiscal year twenty twenty six budget adjustment act and the recommendation from the committee on appropriations that the house refused to concur and request a committee of conference, with the time sensitivity and with that we'll member from Pulte. Can you please offer us a motion to suspend our rules to take up for immediate consideration off the notice calendar house bill seven ninety which is a act relating to fiscal year twenty twenty six budget adjustments for the purpose of requesting a committee of conference.

[Representative Patricia McCoy (Poultney)]: Madam speaker, I make a motion to suspend rules in order to take up off the notice calendar H seven ninety in order to, appoint a committee of conference.

[Speaker Jill Krowinski]: The member from Pulte moves that we suspend our rules to take up house bill seven ninety for immediate consideration. Are you ready for the question? If so, all those in favor, please say aye. Aye. All those opposed, please say nay. The ayes appear to have it. The ayes do have it, and you have suspended rules to take up house bill seven seven ninety for immediate consideration. House bill seven ninety is an act relating to fiscal year twenty twenty six budget adjustments. The senate passed the bill in concurrence with the proposal of amendment that is printed in today's notice calendar. Member from Middlebury.

[Representative Robin Scheu (Middlebury)]: Madam speaker, the house appropriations committee has reviewed the changes the senate made to age seven ninety, the budget adjustment act. While the senate agreed with most of the items that we approved in our version of the budget adjustment, there were several areas where they made changes that warrant further discussion. For example, they made a couple of significant changes to the $50,000,000 we appropriated last year for the emergency board to respond to federal actions. One is related to changes in how we look at it and possibly support the public housing authorities and section eight housing and another expands the use of these funds. There are additionally questions about developmental services payment reform and some small changes to Meals on Wheels in the Vermont Food Bank appropriations. As we would like to have further discussions about these differences, your house appropriations committee on a straw poll of eleven zero zero voted to not concur with the senate and to request that a committee of conference be formed to address these issues. Thank you.

[Speaker Jill Krowinski]: The member from Middlebury moves that the house refused to concur in the senate proposal of amendment and that a committee of conference be appointed. Are you ready for the question? If so, all those in favor, please say aye. Aye. All those opposed, please say nay. The ayes appear to have it. The ayes do have it and you have refused to concur in the senate proposal of amendment and requested a committee of conference. Pursuant to your action, the chair appoints the following members to serve on the part of the house. The member from Middlebury, representative Shy, the member from Linden, representative Feltus, and the member from Burlington, representative Bloomley. Member from Holtney, can you please offer us a motion to suspend our rules to message our action on house bill seven ninety to the senate forthwith?

[Representative Patricia McCoy (Poultney)]: Madam speaker, I make a motion to suspend rules in order to message our actions on h seven ninety to the senate forthwith.

[Speaker Jill Krowinski]: The member from Pultely moves that we suspend our rules to message our action on house bill seven ninety to the senate forthwith. Are you ready for the question? If so, all those in favor, please say aye. Aye. All those opposed, please say nay. The ayes appear to have it. The ayes do have it and you have suspended rules, message, or action on house bill seven ninety to the senate forthwith. Are there any further announcements? Seeing none. Orders of the day. Members, we have one bill on our action calendar today. House bill seven ten is an act relating to defining electricity electricity electricity generating facilities. The bill was referred to the committee on energy and digital infrastructure which recommends that the bill be amended as printed in today's calendar. The member from Burlington, representative Klepner, will speak for the committee. Please listen to the second reading of the bill.

[House Assistant/Reading Clerk]: Page seven ten. An act relating to defining electricity generating facilities.

[Speaker Jill Krowinski]: Member from Burlington.

[Representative Bram Kleppner (Burlington)]: Madam speaker, Title 30 VSA Section 8,002 regulates renewable energy in Vermont. House Bill seven ten amends that section by changing one definition. Over the last twenty years or so to secure the benefits of having multiple locations across Vermont producing clean electricity, the PUC has developed rules for deploying solar in Vermont. Those rules created the net metering program with a maximum facility size of 500 kilowatts, the standard offer program with a maximum facility size of 2,200 kilowatts, and the tier two program with a maximum size for a single facility of 5,000 kilowatts. To prevent anyone from taking unfair advantage of these programs, the PUC developed a rule for whether two solar fields next to each other could be counted as separate facilities or had to be counted as a single facility. That rule is called the single plant rule, and that is the subject of this bill. As an as an example of what the single plant rule was designed to prevent, someone might build a 200 kilowatt facility, which is larger than the max for a net metering facility. But they might say it's not one facility. It's actually three facilities, each of 400 kilowatts, which each are then below the minimum and allow them to take unfair advantage of the net metering program. The single plant rule was I'm sorry. To prevent this, the original PUC single plant rule stated that any facilities on the same or adjacent parcels using the same technology, for instance, all solar, regardless of whether parts of them were built at different times, on different parcels, by different people, under different programs, had to count as a single facility if they shared any infrastructure, if they shared an access road or utility poles, etcetera. The single plant rule was effective at preventing people from taking unfair advantage of any of our solar programs, but it had an unintended consequence, and that unintended consequence was that that rule sometimes prevented communities that had settled on an ideal location for solar from building more solar at the same location, which they had already decided was where they wanted solar to be. For instance, imagine there is an abandoned gravel pit half a mile off the road. The community decides that's a perfect place for solar. It's out of sight. It's on unused land. It's already disturbed. It's not taking up agricultural land. So they find a developer to build a 500 kilowatt net metering facility in the gravel pit. The developer builds a half mile access road up to it, builds the facility, puts utility poles the half mile back down to the distribution line, and the place where the power flows from a facility into the grid is called the point of interconnection. So the developer connects at the point of interconnection, the electrons start flowing, and everybody's happy. Now in our little scenario, because of the good work this body has done making it easier to build housing, this community grows, and they need more electricity. And they wanna site a 5,000 kilowatt facility in that same gravel pit behind the net metering facility. Under current rules, that community would have to build another solar access another access road to the solar site right next to the existing access road and put another row of utility poles right next to the existing row of utility poles because they can't share the same infrastructure. Clearly, forcing developers to build unnecessary roads and put in unnecessary poles and add unnecessary cost to ratepayers was not the goal of the PUC's rule. Your Committee on Energy and Digital Infrastructure took extensive testimony on the single plant rule last year, which led us to request that the PUC conduct a process, over the summer and fall to engage all stakeholders and develop a new single plant rule, which would continue to prevent anyone from taking advantage of the program but would allow communities to add solar to sites that they had already decided were the sites where they wanted the solar. We asked the PUC to deliver that new definition to us before the start of this 2026 session, and H710, the bill before us, simply replaces the old definition of single plant with the definition that the PUC recommended to us. The revised single plant rule prevents anyone from gaming the system by stating very simply that the total amount of net metering solar built on a single parcel or on adjacent parcels cannot exceed the 500 kilowatt limit for a single net metering facility, and the same for the standard offer. A standard offer facility on a single parcel or adjacent parcels cannot exceed the 2,200 kilowatt max for a single standard offer facility. To avoid screening out projects that the community wants, the new rule allows two adjacent facilities to be counted as two separate facilities as long as they have separate points of interconnection, to the grid. In our example, the community can now build that 5,000 kilowatt facility in the gravel pit that they want to without having to build an extra access road or put in useless redundant utility poles as long as the power coming from the two facilities, when it reaches the road, connects to the grid in two separate points of interconnection. We'll now take a short walk through this short bill, which is published in today's action calendar on page four seventy nine. On the top of page four seventy nine, section 18 strikes out the old definition of a single plant, then follows the new definition saying any electric generating facilities using the same technology on one parcel or adjacent parcels are one plant with certain exceptions. The first two exceptions, are unchanged. Section a is the exception for single family home rooftop or backyard net meter to raise. Subsection B, again, exception which existed already, is the exception for larger net metered arrays that serve, say, the residents of an adjacent apartment building. Subsection C is the new exception and says that net metering, standard offer, and tier two facilities on the same or adjacent parcels can count as separate facilities as long as they have separate points of interconnection. With the new guardrails mentioned earlier that the total of net metering facilities on the same or adjacent parcels does not exceed 500 kilowatts, the total for standard offer facilities on the same or adjacent parcels does not exceed 2,200 kilowatts. The new rule further states and adds a further guardrail that you cannot cite both a standard offer facility and a net metering facility on the same or adjacent parcels. Then we have definitions of four terms used in the bill. And finally, this change will be effective on 07/01/2026. Madam speaker, in addition to last year's extensive testimony, your committee on energy and digital infrastructure took testimony on this bill this year across several hearings from the general counsel to the Public Utilities Commission, staff attorney for the Public Utilities Commission, the Office of Legislative Council, and from Renewable Energy Vermont, the trade association for Vermont Renewable Energy Companies. House bill seven ten passed out of committee on a vote of six three zero, and we ask for the body's support. Thank you.

[Speaker Jill Krowinski]: The question is, shall the bill be amended as recommended by the committee on energy and digital infrastructure? Infrastructure. Are you ready for the question? If so, all those in oh, member from Cabot.

[Unidentified Member from Cabot]: Thank you, madam speaker. May I interrogate the reporter of the bill?

[Speaker Jill Krowinski]: The member from Burlington is interrogated.

[Unidentified Member from Cabot]: Madam speaker, if an existing plant plans to add another electrical generating facility, will the owner need to apply to the PUC for a certificate of public good for the new facility?

[Representative Bram Kleppner (Burlington)]: If the owner of a facility is expanding the capacity of an existing facility, yes, they do need to apply for an amendment to their certificate of public good.

[Unidentified Member from Cabot]: Thank you. One more question. Is there a cap on the total size of multiple electricity generating facilities?

[Representative Bram Kleppner (Burlington)]: There is not a cap in statute, but the PUC will make a determination whether that is in the public's interest or not.

[Unidentified Member from Cabot]: Thank you.

[Speaker Jill Krowinski]: The question is, shall the bill be amended as recommended by the committee on energy and digital infrastructure? Are you ready for the question? If so, all those in favor, please say aye. Aye. All those opposed, please say nay. Aye. The ayes appear to have it. The ayes do have it, and you have amended the bill. Now the question is, shall the bill be read a third time? Are you ready for that question? Member from Essex Junction?

[Representative Karen Dolan (Essex Junction)]: Madam speaker, h seven ten promotes smart solar. It will make it easier and cheaper to put solar arrays in the places where they already exist and in the places where communities want them. For those reasons, I ask that when the vote is taken, it be taken by roll.

[Speaker Jill Krowinski]: The member from Essex Junction requests that when the vote is taken, be taken by roll. Is the member sustained? The member is sustained. When the vote is taken, it will be taken by roll. The question is, shall the bill be read a third time? Are you ready for the question? Member from Northfield.

[Representative Anne B. Donahue (Northfield)]: Madam speaker, may I interrogate the presenter of the bill?

[Speaker Jill Krowinski]: The member from Burlington is interrogated.

[Representative Anne B. Donahue (Northfield)]: Madam speaker, I appreciated the very clear understanding that was provided in terms of the impact on solar power, and that's been referenced by others. So I just wanna clarify because as I read this, it applies to any any plant that generates electricity from renewable energy, including wind, hydro, water, biomass. Are any of those other forms affected by this bill in terms of the change in the in the exceptions other than what you described regarding solar.

[Representative Bram Kleppner (Burlington)]: May I confer with counsel?

[Speaker Jill Krowinski]: Counsel, stand in recess for a couple minutes. Will the house please come to order and members kindly take their seats? Will the house please come to order? Member from Burlington.

[Representative Bram Kleppner (Burlington)]: Thank you thank you for that recess. Yes. This bill does apply to other renewable sources such as hydro and wind.

[Representative Anne B. Donahue (Northfield)]: So, madam speaker, just for clarification, we got a good definition a good explanation of what the effect is of the change in in, definition for solar power. What effect does it have for other types of the the change in definition. What effect does it have for other types of generation?

[Representative Bram Kleppner (Burlington)]: The effects are the same on other types of generation, which is to say if there is a 500 kilowatt wind facility and, there's interest in adding a tier two facility. Those now, are allowed to share infrastructure if there's an access road to the site where the wind and the hydro is. And the same proposal applies that they are required to have separate points of interconnection, and the total, regardless of technology, cannot exceed the limits, for each of the three programs.

[Unidentified Member from Burlington]: I thank the member.

[Speaker Jill Krowinski]: The question is, shall the bill be read a third time? Member from Franklin.

[Representative Wayne Laroche (Franklin)]: May I interrogate the presenter of the bill?

[Speaker Jill Krowinski]: The member from Burlington is interrogated.

[Representative Wayne Laroche (Franklin)]: Will this have any impact on the licensing or any of our major hydroelectric plants?

[Representative Bram Kleppner (Burlington)]: Thank you for that excellent question, member. May I confirm with counsel? The

[Speaker Jill Krowinski]: House will stand at ease for a moment. Will the house please come to order and members kindly take their seats? Will the house please come to order? Member from Burlington. This

[Representative Bram Kleppner (Burlington)]: bill will have no effect on the licensing or regulation of large hydro.

[Unidentified Member (brief acknowledgment)]: Thank you, madam speaker.

[Speaker Jill Krowinski]: The question is, shall the bill be read a third time? Are you ready for the question? If so, will the clerk please call the roll?

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: Arsenault of Williston. Yes. Two minutes.

[Speaker Jill Krowinski]: Will the house please come to order and members kindly take their seats? Will the house please come to order? I would like to remind members that we are in the middle of a roll call vote. Members and guests are prohibited from using computers, phones or any type of an electronic device. Please refrain from the passing of notes and conversation during the roll call. And when the clerk calls your name, please answer in a loud and clear voice so the clerk can accurately record your votes. The question is, shall the bill be read a third time? Will the clerk please continue to call the roll?

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: Austin of Colchester. Bailey of Hyde Park. Bartholomew of Heartland.

[Representative John L. Bartholomew (Hartland)]: Yes.

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: Bartley of Fairfax. Yes. Rebecca Winooski. Byrong of Vergens.

[Representative Matthew Birong (Vergennes)]: Yes.

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: Bishop of Colchester.

[Representative Doug Bishop (Colchester)]: Yes.

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: Black of Essex. Yes. Bloomley of Burlington. Yes. Boston of Westminster.

[Representative Michelle Bos-Lun (Westminster)]: Yes.

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: Bosch of Clarendon. Putnam Barry City.

[Pastor Erin Clark]: Yes.

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: Boyden of Cambridge. Yes. Brady Williston. Yes. Branagan of Georgia. Yes. Brown of Richmond. Yes. Burditt of West Rutland. Burkhardt Brattleboro?

[Unidentified Member from Burlington]: Yes.

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: Burrows of West Windsor? Burditt Cabot?

[Unidentified Member (brief acknowledgment)]: Campbell,

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: Saint Johnsbury? Canfield of Fairhaven? Yes. Carris Duncan and Whitingham? Yes. Casey Montpelier?

[Representative Bram Kleppner (Burlington)]: Yes.

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: Casey Hubbardton? No. Chapin East Montpelier? Charlton Chester? Yes. Christie of Hartford? Yes. Gina of Burlington?

[Representative Brian Cina (Burlington)]: Yes.

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: Crawford and Cavendish?

[Unidentified Member (Vote explanation in support of H.710)]: Yes.

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: Cola Parkford? Conlon of Cornwall?

[Representative Peter Conlon (Cornwall)]: Yes.

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: Cooper Ponnel? Yes. Corcoran of Eddington? No. Critchlow of Colchester? Yes. Demar of Ennisburg? No. Dickinson of St. Albans Town? Dobrovich of Williamstown? Dodge of Essex? Yes. Dolan of Essex Junction? Yes. Dolgin of St. Johnsbury? No. Donahue of Northfield?

[Representative Anne B. Donahue (Northfield)]: Yes.

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: Duke of Burlington?

[Representative Abbey Duke (Burlington)]: Yes.

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: Durfee of Shefsbury? Yes. Eastes Of Guilford? Yes. Emmons of Springfield? Yes. Feltus of Linden? Galfetti at Barrytown? No. Garifano of Essex?

[Representative Golrang 'Rey' Garofano (Essex)]: Yes.

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: Woman of Rockingham? Yes. Good no. Brattleboro?

[Representative Ian Goodnow (Brattleboro)]: Yes.

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: Ghostland of Northfield? Groening of Jericho? Yes. Greer of Bennington?

[Representative William 'Will' Greer (Bennington)]: Yes.

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: Greg Burkhardt of Fairfield?

[Representative Bram Kleppner (Burlington)]: Yes.

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: Henggo, Burke Sheer? Yes. Hartwell of Glover? Harvey of Castleton? Yes. Hedrick of Burlington? Yes. Higley of Lowell? No. Holcomb of Norwich? Yes. Cooper of Randolph?

[Representative Bram Kleppner (Burlington)]: Yes.

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: Cooper of Burlington? Potenavessica Junction? Yes. Howard of Rutland City?

[Representative Mary E. Howard (Rutland City)]: Yes.

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: Helen of Rutland Town? No. Lloyd of Hartford? Hunter Manchester? James Manchester?

[Representative Kathleen James (Manchester)]: Yes. And I'd like to sign that up.

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: Kasenska, Burke? Yes. Keyser, Rutland City? No. Kimball Woodstock? Yes. Klepner, Burlington?

[Representative Bram Kleppner (Burlington)]: Yes.

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: Kornheiser, Bratiboru? Yes. Cresno, South Burlington? Leber, Morgan? No. Mollie of Shelburne? Yes. Alona, South Burlington? L'Amato Morristown. Yes. The rush of Franklin. Yes. Lipsky of Stowe. Yes. Logan of Burlington.

[House Assistant Clerk (Reading)]: Yes.

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: Long and Uffin. Yes. Leaders of Lincoln. Yes. Uno, St. Albans City. McGuire, Veltan City. No. Mollie of Pittsburgh. Mark out of Coventry. Yes. Madison of Thetford. Yes. McKenna Montpelier. McCoy Pultney. Yes. McFawn of Barrytown. McGillibrport. Yes. Michalisa Milton.

[Unidentified Member from Cabot]: Yes.

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: Mollie of Callis. Meniere of South Burlington? Yes. Morganella Milton?

[Representative Bram Kleppner (Burlington)]: Yes.

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: Morgan Emma Milton?

[Pastor Erin Clark]: Yes.

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: Morrissey of Bennington? Laura Weston?

[Unidentified Member from Cabot]: Yes.

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: Rokey or Putney? Yes. Nelson of Derby? No. Nielsen of Brandon? No. Niagara Of Bennington?

[Representative Michael Nigro (Bennington)]: Yes.

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: Martha Farrisburg? Mollie S. Woolkit. Yes. Nugent of South Burlington. Yes. O'Brien of Tunbridge.

[Representative John O’Brien (Tunbridge)]: Yes.

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: O'Brien Burlington. Yes. Sheldon. No. Olson at Starksboro. Page in Newport City? No. Parsons in Newbury? Pizzo of Colchester? Yes. Pinson Aldo Dorset? Yes. Doctor. Heinzberg? Yes. Powers of Waterford? No. Priestly of Badford? Yes. Bridget Burditt Pollack? Yes. Wendy of Linden? No. Rachel's in Burlington? Yes. Secwitz Randolph? Shia Middlebury? Yes. Sheldon of Middlebury? Yes. Sebeli of Dobrovich? Yes. Southworth Of Walden? No. Squirrel of Underhill? Yes. Steady in Milton?

[Representative Brenda Steady (Milton)]: Yes.

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: Stevens Waterbury?

[Pastor Erin Clark]: Yes.

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: Stone Burlington?

[Representative Mary-Katherine Stone (Burlington)]: Yes.

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: Sweeney of Shelburn?

[Pastor Erin Clark]: Yes.

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: Taghla Villa Carrint? No. Taylor Milton? Yes. Taylor Vanden? Yes. Thomas Tomlinson of Anusky? Yes. Torrey Of Mortown?

[Speaker Jill Krowinski]: Yes.

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: Walker Swanton? No. Wams at Zacaberry City?

[Representative Edward 'Teddy' Waszazak (Barre City)]: Yes.

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: Waters Evans of Charlotte? Yes. Wells Of Brownington?

[Representative Bram Kleppner (Burlington)]: No.

[House Clerk (BetsyAnn Wrask)]: White Owatesfield? Yes. What about Bethel? Winter Ludlow? No. Wood Of Waterbury? Yacobonia Morristown? Bailey of Hyde Park. Burrows of West Windsor. Christie of Hartford. Cooper, Burlington, Hoyte of Hartford, Cresno, South Burlington, Malay, Pittsburgh, and Parsons of Newport City or excuse me, Parsons of Newberry, Woodabathol, and Woodabatery.

[Speaker Jill Krowinski]: For purpose of vote explanation, member from Manchester.

[Representative Kathleen James (Manchester)]: Madam speaker, Vermont law currently makes it harder to build renewable projects next to each other than in an undisturbed field.

[Representative Kathleen James (Manchester)]: I vote yes to support solar smart growth and to make renewable power more affordable for ratepayers. H seven ten helps us site solar in

[Representative Kathleen James (Manchester)]: the places where we want it.

[Speaker Jill Krowinski]: Member from Pulteney.

[Representative Patricia McCoy (Poultney)]: Madam speaker, while I voted yes for the bill, I am concerned that we are defining electricity generating technology as a method or system used to convert energy from one form into electric power, which includes wind, hydropower or water, solar, or biomass. I believe nuclear should also be included. We will allow the installation of electricity generating technology on acres and acres and acres using solar, hydro, biomass, and wind. In the meantime, these very same acres and acres cannot be used to build much needed housing. I wish we put as much energy into making it easier to develop housing.

[Unidentified Member (Vote explanation in support of H.710)]: Madam speaker, may I explain my vote?

[Speaker Jill Krowinski]: You may.

[Unidentified Member (Vote explanation in support of H.710)]: I voted yes because if we can open up more land easier for renewable energy, this should prove that we can more easily open up more land for housing with less regulation.

[Speaker Jill Krowinski]: Please listen to the results of your vote. Those voting yes, 108. Those voting no, 30. The ayes have it, and third reading is ordered. Members, that completes the orders of the day. Are there any announcements? Member from Weitzfield.

[Unidentified Member from Waitsfield]: Madam speaker, I would just like to remind the body that at 05:00 today in Room 11, the women's caucus has invited, representatives from Vermont Works for Women, the Vermont Women's Fund, and the Vermont Commission on Women to share a report entitled Women Work and Wages. And immediately following this presentation, there will be a reception in the Cedar Creek Room, and all are invited.

[Speaker Jill Krowinski]: Member from Burlington.

[Unidentified Member from Burlington]: Madam speaker, tonight with the VYO, the Vermont Youth Orchestra will be playing here in the chamber at 07:30 for farmers' night. There will be a flute choir, a what oh, the brass quintet is gonna be playing Shakira and Shostakovich. There's also gonna be a lot of other cool numbers, but that's just a fun plug. See you here at 07:30.

[Speaker Jill Krowinski]: Member from Westminster.

[Representative Michelle Bos-Lun (Westminster)]: Thank you, madam speaker. I was a social studies teacher before I was a legislator, so I'm gonna take a second day to, inform you about a cultural event that's happening today around the world. It's the first day of LoSar, which is the bit the beginning of the Tibetan New Year, which is the biggest celebration for Tibetans and, Tibetan Buddhists around the world. It's a huge festival time in Tibet, in Nepal, in Bhutan, and in parts of India, And also around the world where Tibetans are living in exile which actually includes in our state. There's a relatively large population in the Burlington area. So if you know any Tibetans, wish them losar tashi delek.

[Speaker Jill Krowinski]: Are there any further announcements? The chair has a reminder for our schedule tomorrow. Members, we will be here at 9AM for the House and Senate Joint Caucus of the Whole on the State of the Guard. Following that, the House will officially convene at 09:45 and we will be hearing resolutions and announcements and then stand in recess until 03:30. And following that, the two chambers will meet in a joint assembly here at 10:30 to elect a new adjutant and inspector general and the Vermont State College's, legislative trustees. So 09:00, 09:45, 10:30, and then back here at 03:30PM. Are there any further announcements? Seeing none, member from Pulte Knee, can you please offer us a motion to adjourn until Thursday, February 19 at 09:45AM?

[Representative Patricia McCoy (Poultney)]: Madam speaker, I make a motion this body stand in adjournment until Thursday, 02/19/2026 at 09:45AM.

[Speaker Jill Krowinski]: You have heard the motion. Are you ready for the question? If so, all those in favor please say aye. Aye. All those opposed please say nay. The ayes appear to have it, the ayes do have it and this body stands in adjournment until tomorrow at 09:45