Vermont Legislature SmartTranscripts:

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Will the house please come to order and members kindly take their seats. Good morning. Good morning. Devotional today will be led by Ryan and Leo Miller who are singers from Williston.

[Ryan Miller (Guest singer, Williston)]: Good morning. That's fun. My wife, the representative from Williston, Arsenault, has been asking us to sing for a while. I was reluctant. I mean, this is kind of a weird gig. Right? But as many of you know by now, my wife can be very persuasive. Really, it was a tough assignment to come up with something that can sing to to this audience. And after months of listening, I had an idea the other day. It's a song by an artist named Daniel Johnston. If you don't know, Daniel Johnston, was an outsider artist from Austin who started in the eighties. He was bipolar, schizophrenic, and existed at the far end of what we now know as the spectrum before many of us even knew what that word meant. He made cassette tapes at his house, where he lived with his parents. He pressed play and record on the same time that the tape recorder, and he sold the cassettes on the street in Austin with hand drawn art. These recordings were single take, full of hisses, and on an out of tune piano. He had a very high pitched and warbly voice. He was shaky. He was not an American idol. But this unusual seeming man, caulking tapes on 6th Street, turned out to be a generational songwriter. His songs are almost childlike, hilarious, full of innocence, vulnerability, but also wisdom and profound beauty. And here's the thread I see between Daniel and the work done in this building. Despite a world that can often be ugly, cruel, unfair, and quick to judge, many of you in this building right now have chosen to lead with nuance, imagination, and optimism. You strive to be stewards of what is beautiful and vulnerable in our state, and you do, at your best, you seek to protect that. So while on the surface this is a love song, I think it too is also a story of hope and a simple reminder that something magical can result by first believing in it. And also, this is the first time, my kid and I have ever performed together in public too. Ready? True love will find you in the end.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Will you please rise as page Tamsen Wilson of Manchester leads us in the pledge of allegiance.

[Tamsen Wilson (House Page, Manchester)]: I pledge allegiance to the flag of The United States Of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Members, we have a bill on the notice calendar requiring referral to a money committee pursuant to house rule 35A. That is senate bill two thirty two and act relating to public libraries and the department of libraries. Carrying an appropriation, the bill is referred to the committee on appropriations. We have a joint house resolution to take up at this time. JRH 10 is a joint resolution authorizing the 2026 Green Mountain Girls State Educational Program to use the state house. Please listen to the reading of the resolution by title only.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (Clerk of the Vermont House of Representatives)]: JRH 10, joint resolution authorizing the twenty twenty six Green Mountain Girls State Educational Program to use the state house.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Now this resolution has been read and is placed on the calendar for action on the next legislative day pursuant to house rule 52. Members, we've received requests to read three house concurrent resolutions that the house and senate adopted pursuant to the consent calendar. The first is HCR two twelve which is a house concurrent resolution honoring the amazing Brooks Memorial Library director Star Latrunca. Please listen to the reading of the resolution.

[House Reading Clerk (name not specified)]: For us, Star Latrunca, a 1980 University of California Berkeley graduate and former children's librarian at that city's public library had a eyed Bridal borough as a potential home for her family. And whereas after working in California, she became the youth services outreach manager at the four county library system in Binghamton, New York. And whereas a decade ago, her dream career opportunity became available and the ideal match between the Brooks Memorial Library and Star Electronica as the library's new director came to fruition. And whereas as the Brooks new librarian, she immediately immersed herself in the Brattleboro community, gaining valuable insight into why Brattleboro is a special place. And whereas Electronica has nurtured a broad library encompassing informative and stimulating books and serials as well as sundry other items ranging from Broaderboro Museum passes to snowshoes, has been a powerful champion against censorship and has curated an enticing menu of speakers and diverse programs for the public's edification and enjoyment. And whereas technology has greatly changed the role of a public library in the twenty first century, a custom customized online database has replaced the historic card catalog. Numerous digital resources are now essential for daily living, and Star Electronica has ensured that there's inner Internet access for all patrons. And whereas the Brooks Memorial Library continually confronts the demanding realities of homelessness and addiction in Brattleboro. And under Star Electronica's thoughtful leadership, these challenges have been addressed compassionately and creatively. And whereas in April 2026, Star Electronica, whose career achievements include working with staff and trustees to secure a federal grant for important capital improvements and her prominent national roles in children's librarianship and on book award panels will conclude a superb tenure as Brooks Memorial Library Director. Now, be it resolved by the senate and house of representatives that the general assembly honors the amazing Brooks Memorial Library director, Electronica, and be it further resolved that the secretary of state be directed to send a copy of this resolution to Star Electronica and the Brooks Memorial Library.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Next is HCR two sixty four, which is a house concurrent resolution congratulating the 2026 Richard High School Rockets Division four championship girls basketball team. Please listen to the reading of the resolution.

[House Reading Clerk (name not specified)]: Whereas from 2022 through 2025, division four girls basketball championships with the exclusive domain of the rest West Rutland Rutland High School Golden Horde. But in 2026, the Richford Rockets dethroned the long standing queens of the court, demonstrating consistent defensive and timely offensive skills. And whereas the championship game played at the Barrie Auditorium opened as a match between two seemingly evenly matched teams. As the rockets concluded the first quarter holding a narrow nine to eight lead, but this perception quickly evaporated in the second quarter as the rockets overwhelmed rest West Rutland on the scoring board, reaching the halftime break well ahead 24 to 11. And whereas success in maintaining a strong lead continued into the second half as Richard recorded the first 13 points, and the Rockets top scorer tallied 28 points including a stunning 13 out of 15 successful free throw shots, and all these factors contributed to the Franklin County School convincing forty three twenty three victory in the first division for titles since 2015. And whereas the focus student athletes who turned the historical page on the division for girls basketball where Adi Shagun, Mia Saint Pierre, Brooklyn Leturno, Caitlin Doe, Claire Vengert, Sofia Derbe, Justice Stewart, and Erin Raymond. And whereas head coach Andrew Derbe and his great assistant coaches Mike Gervais and Randy Chagon built effective strategies for the rocket's stunning season finale. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the senate and house of representatives that the general assembly congratulates the 2026 Richford High School Rockets division four championship girls basketball team. And be it further resolved that the secretary of state be directed to send a copy of this resolution to the Richford High School.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: And finally, HCR two sixty five is a house concurrent resolution congratulating Ryan and Gabrielle Viens on their life saving rescue support for Grand Isle County Sheriff's Department sergeant Nicholas Pillsbury. Please listen to the reading of the resolution.

[House Reading Clerk (name not specified)]: Whereas on 03/04/2026, the quick and effective response of two off duty South Hero volunteer firefighters, husband and wife, Ryan and Gabriel Viens, provided crucial to the rescue of Grand Isle County Sheriff Department sergeant sergeant Nicholas Pillsbury. And whereas as Grand Isle County Sheriff Ray Allen related the story at approximately 08:15PM, sergeant Nicholas Pillsbury conducted a traffic stop on Route 2 in South Hero based on the stop sign violation. And whereas, once sergeant Nick Nicholas Pillsbury stopped the vehicle, the driver immediately pulled away, executed a u-turn, and drove straight at the law enforcement officer who was standing at the side of his cruiser. And upon impact, sergeant Nicholas Pillsbury was dragged under the vehicle as it headed off the road. And whereas a tree located in the property of Ryan and Gabriel Viens halted the vehicle's trajectory, and whereas both Ryan and Gabriel Viens heard the crash and raced to the site where Ryan Viens prevented the operator from backing the vehicle off the property, and he saw simultaneously heard sergeant Nicholas Pillsbury's yells for help from underneath the vehicle. And whereas, Ryan Bien's dashed off to call for assistance while Gabriel Bien's remained with sergeant Nicholas Pillsbury. And once the emergency services crew arrived to oversee the extraction operation, both assisted in this time sensitive effort. And whereas there is no doubt sergeant Nicholas Pillsbury rescue would not have occurred as rapidly and possibly not at all had Ryan and Gabrielle Viends not immediately responded to the crash as sergeant Nicholas Pillsbury was not visible to the rescuers nor continuously conscious. And whereas in recognition of Ryan and Gabrielle Vien's superb responsiveness throughout this public safety emergency, Grand Isle County Sheriff Ray Allen has recommended that they be awarded the state lifesaver of the year award. Now therefore be it resolved by the senate and house of representatives that the general assembly congratulates Ryan and Gabriel Deans on their lifesaving rescue support for the Grand Isle County Sheriff's Department sergeant Nicholas Pillsbury. And be it further resolved that this secretary of state be directed to send a copy of this resolution to Ryan and Gabrielle Viens.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Are there any announcements? Member from Brattleboro.

[Representative Mollie S. Burke (Brattleboro)]: Thank you, madam speaker. Madam speaker, we heard the reading of the resolution honoring Star Electronica on her retirement from Brooks Memorial Library in Brattleboro. It's hard for a formal resolution to capture the essence of our now retiring library director. Star appropriately named has delighted Brattleboro citizens with her engaging manner, her compassion, and her unique fashion sense. She's like a charming character in a children's book or a brave teen of high moral character in a young adult novel or a woman worthy of her own biography for work welcoming disadvantaged and homeless individuals into the protective space of her library. She has brought a spirit of joy to all. She is beloved beloved. And madam speaker, if you would indulge us with a few more remarks.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Member from Brattleboro.

[Representative Emilie Kornheiser (Brattleboro)]: I appreciate that my colleague from Brattleboro highlighted both the storybook spirit of our star, but also the serious municipal leader who cares for her staff, the integrity of a community institution, and the dignity of everyone she encounters. She has a spicy spirit and a spicier sense of fashion. And while we're devastated that she's stepping away from the library, I'm glad that we'll have some more time to go on walks, enjoy the seasons, and do whatever else she fancies because she deserves it after a career so generously shared.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Member from Brattleboro.

[Representative Mollie S. Burke (Brattleboro)]: We are honored today to have Starla Tronica in the chamber along with her husband John and two of her three children, Ramona from Greenfield, Massachusetts and Sam from Long Beach, California. Also here is our state librarian, Kathryn Del Neo with assistant librarians Tom McMurdo and Jeanette Schaefer. Also a number of town officials including our town manager, select board member, former library director, current staff members along with directors and friends of the library. We all love Star, and please welcome her and her entourage to the People's House.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Will the guest member from Brattleboro please rise and be recognized? Member from Burlington.

[Representative Kate Logan (Burlington)]: Thank you, madam speaker. Madam speaker, today is youth homelessness awareness day in the State House. I wanna take a moment to recognize a group of Vermonters who work whose work is both urgent and too often unseen. The partners across our state who are working every day to end youth homelessness. You may not know that just last year in June, 590 youth from ages 13 to 24 were experiencing homelessness in Vermont. Some with their families, but nearly 75% on their own and with their own children. First, I want to recognize the members of the committee to end youth homelessness of which I'm a proud, co chair. We are a joint committee of the Chittenden County Homelessness Alliance and the Vermont Balance of State Continuum of Care. This is a statewide collaboration of homeless service providers and youth advocates who are working together to ensure that no young person in Vermont falls through the cracks. Their leadership helps guide our policy, our investments, and our shared vision for a system that actually works for youth. I also want to recognize the frontline providers, many of whom are here today, some of whom received federal funding through the Vermont Coalition of Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs where I have served since 2022 along with representative Miguel. BCrip was founded in 1981 to ensure that our small rural communities had the funding and peer support to run programming for homeless youth. Along with agencies that receive other state funding or have raised their own funding across rural communities and small towns, these organizations are doing the hard relationship based work of helping young people find stability, safety, and a path forward. They're stretching every dollar and showing us what effective youth centered care looks like. Today, we have staff from Elevate Youth Services, Spectrum Youth and Family Services, Northwest Counseling and Support Services, Northwest Kingdom Youth Services, Northeast Kingdom Community Action, and Interaction of Brattleboro with us. I want to especially recognize a young person with lived experience of homelessness who has joined us today. Your presence here matters. Your voice helps ground this work in reality, and it reminds us that our decisions in this chamber have real and long term consequences for real people. And finally, I wanna recognize my home agency, Elevate You Services based in Washington County, which houses b crip and supports this statewide effort. Their leadership and coordination make this work possible. Together, we're proving that when we invest in young people, center their voices, and work collaboratively, we can end youth homelessness in Vermont. Madam speaker, I would ask my colleagues in the house to join me in welcoming our guests.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Will the guest member from Burlington please rise and be recognized? Member from Williston.

[Representative Angela Arsenault (Williston)]: Thank you, madam speaker. I thought I would know what to say, but it's I figured out it's quite hard to introduce the love of your life and a piece of your heart who walks around independently from you in this world, but always connected. So I will just say thank you to both of them, both for their song, but also for sharing their beauty, which I'm so thrilled everyone got to see a little piece of today because I truly believe it's what allows me to do the work that I do here, that, I go home to, a house full of song and artistry and creativity, and it really I feel like this work grounds me, and what they bring to my life helps me fly. And I I truly couldn't do this without them, so I ask the body to help me welcome them to the people's house.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Will the family of the member from Wilson please rise and be recognized? Member from Berkshire.

[Representative Lisa Hango (Berkshire)]: Thank you, madam speaker. We just heard the reading of the resolution congratulating the Richard Rockets girls basketball team for winning the division four state title. They triumphed over the West Rutland team that has been a successful contender for many years in the 15 since my daughter was freshman rocket. So it was particularly meaningful for me to share their excitement via email on their long bus ride home to our corner of Franklin County. The team and their coaches are here with us today. And on behalf of my district mate, the representative from Franklin, and my myself, we ask that you give them a warm welcome to the people's house. They are seated in the balcony.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Will the guests and the member from Berkshire please rise and be recognized? Are there any further announcements? Member from Milton.

[Representative Jonathan Cooper (Bennington/Pownal)]: Madam

[Representative Michael Morgan (Milton)]: speaker, we've also just heard a reading of a resolution recognizing Gabrielle and Ryan Viens for their timely and professional efforts that very likely saved the life of Grand Isle Sheriff's Department's sergeant Nicholas Pillsbury. Their swift response to the scene and their quick on their feet thinking saved the vehicle that he was pinned under from doing further physical harm to sergeant Pillsbury. Gabriel and Ryan's cool under pressure actions directly made a serious impact on sergeant Pillsbury's well-being. We have a number of first responders from the our district and state partners are here with us today. I'll do a quick introduction on them. We have from public Department of Public Safety Commissioner Jen Morrison and deputy commissioner Dan Batesy, Milton Police Chief Frank Scalise, and fire lieutenant Steve Burke from Milton. South Hero firefighters, we have chief Patrick Robinson. We have assistant chief Matthew Reed and his wife Becky Rellie. We have North Hero fire chief Michael Murdock. And from the Grand Isle Sheriff's Department, have sheriff Ray Allen, Corcoran Carrie Ondalay, deputy Blaine Moscher, sergeant Jason Esmeger, deputy Rob Shell, and one of our noted partners in this event, sergeant Nicholas Pulsbury himself, and last but not least, Gabrielle and Ryan Viends. And, madam speaker, in today's environment, sadly, we're seeing too much of this. We just saw this happen again in Franklin County in the last week or so where lawlessness occurred and another deputy was hurt up there. So our our first responders today have a tough job. They really do. I think we all recognize that. And, anyway, we're here to recognize the folks that were aforementioned by me. I would ask that we give them all a hearty welcome. They are seated behind me in the gallery.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Will the guest of the member from Milton please rise and be recognized? Are there any further announcements? Member from Cambridge, Weitzfield. My apologies.

[Unknown Representative (from Waitsfield)]: Madam speaker, I rise to recognize and welcome a former member of this body to the state house this morning. Former representative, Carrie Dolan, is here for the day or most of the day. As many of you know, Carrie, served three terms in the state house. She's been a friend and a mentor to both me and the member from More Town. When she left the state house, she did not finish her service. She continues to moderate the Watesfield town meeting, which is a an entertaining and important experience. So Carrie will be here. I know she'll be joining, at lunch in the cafeteria, and will be here a little bit this afternoon. And I know she's looking forward to connecting with, former colleagues and friends. So if you will join me in welcoming former representative, Karen Dolan.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Will the former member please rise and be recognized? Member from Waterbury.

[Representative Thomas Stevens (Waterbury)]: Thank you, madam speaker. And now for something a little bit different for us. This is on behalf of the state curator, I would like to welcome Andrew West of Williston to this building today. Andrew is donating eight letters that he acquired from they're the letters of captain Horace B. Sawyer to the state curator's office. And we may ask, well, who is Horace B. Sawyer, and why is this important for us here in this building? And I'm here to borrow the microphone from the member from Georgia for a little history lesson. Horace b Sawyer was born in 1797, and in 1812 at the age of 15, he was a midshipman and assigned to the USS Eagle on Lake Champlain, which was then he was then taken prisoner of war. This is in the war of eighteen twelve, the war we just don't really talk that much about. But in 1814, he had been released and he was ordered to join the constitution and he was on board for the ship's epic fight for HMS with HMS Syan in Levant on 02/20/1815. And according to the US Constitution Museum by an odd twist of fate, Cyan's commander was none other than captain Gordon Falcon who had overseen Sawyer's imprisonment in Halifax. He then continued to serve on various ships and climbed the ranks of the navy in 1853. Horace was awarded the rank of captain. At the time, captain is the highest rank in The US Navy and he was the first Vermonter named as a captain in the US Navy. And then in 1856, Sawyer was awarded a sword by the governor of Vermont from a proclamation by the legislature for his service in the war of eighteen twelve and achieving the rank of captain. But that's not all. In 1858, while this building was being renovated after the fire, Horace sent a letter to the governor, governor Highland Hall. May I read it?

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: You may.

[Representative Thomas Stevens (Waterbury)]: Thank you. Sir, I beg permission through your excellency to make an offering for acceptance by the state of a chair manufactured from the oak timber of the distinguished US state, The United States frigate constitution. While it may be regarded in some degree as commemorative of the signal success which attended our arms in the war of eighteen twelve, it will especially apply to the constitution's victory over two British ships of war, the Cyan and Levant gained on the 01/20/1815. Her subsequent chase by and escape from a British squadron of three frigates of great of greatly superior force on the 03/19/1815, and at the same time though in a very imperfect way donate these letters to the curator's office filling in an important piece of our history in this building, I think, worthy of recognition. So would you please welcome Adam West and his family to the State House?

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Will the guest member from Waterbury please rise and be recognized? Member from Fairfax.

[Representative Thomas Oliver (Fairfax)]: Thank you, madam speaker. It's not often that you get to call a constituent a friend, but about three years ago, I was pumping gas and got stopped and was asked, hey, are

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: you my

[Representative Thomas Oliver (Fairfax)]: representative? And from that, I've had the most wonderful friendship with Ted who is in the building and would love, for the body to help me welcome him today.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Will the guest member from Fairfax please rise and be recognized? Are there any further announcements? Member from Cambridge.

[Representative Lucy Boyden (Cambridge)]: Thank you, madam speaker. The rural caucus will meet tomorrow morning from eight to 08:45 in Room 10 and on Zoom. We'll be hearing from the Green Mountain Care Board and the Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems about Vermont's critical access hospitals. All are welcome.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Are there any further announcements? Member from Wilkhardt.

[Representative Bridget Burkhardt (South Burlington)]: Thank you, madam speaker. Age Strong Vermont day is one week away and tomorrow we will hear a concurrent resolution recognizing May as Older Americans Month and designating May 6 as Age Strong Vermont Day. Prior to the reading, the Older Vermonters Caucus will meet in Room 10 where we'll be joined by speakers from the Department of Disabilities Aging and Independent Living and the Department of Health. The commissioner commissioner bone will focus her presentation on ageism and how we reframe aging while commissioner Hillebrant will provide an update on the health of older Vermonters celebrating where older Vermonters are aging strong and identifying opportunities to support even more Vermonters in doing so. Refreshments will be served.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Are there any further announcements? Seeing none. Orders of the day. Members, we will begin with House Bill nine fifty six which is an act relating to approval of an amendment to the charter of the city of Burlington related to the office of racial equity inclusion and belonging. Please listen to the third reading of the bill.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (Clerk of the Vermont House of Representatives)]: Page nine fifty six, an act relating to approval of an amendment to the charter of the city of Burlington relating to the office of racial equity, inclusion, and belonging.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: The question is, shall the bill pass? 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 passed the bill. Next is senate bill two fifty five which is an act relating to establishing a pilot law enforcement governance council in Windham County. Please listen to the third reading of the bill.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (Clerk of the Vermont House of Representatives)]: That's two fifty five. An act relating to establishing a pilot law enforcement governance council in Wyndham County.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: The question is, shall the bill pass in concurrence with proposal of amendment? 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 passed the bill in concurrence with proposal of amendment. And now we'll take up senate bill 173 which is an act relating to vocational rehabilitation. The bill was referred to the committee on commerce and economic development which recommends that the house propose to the senate to amend the bill as printed in today's calendar. The member from panel, representative Cooper will speak for the committee. And then carrying an appropriation, the bill was referred to the committee on appropriations which recommends that the report of the committee on commerce and economic development be amended as printed in today's calendar. The member from Bennington, representative Nigro will speak for that committee. Please listen to the second reading of the bill.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (Clerk of the Vermont House of Representatives)]: S 173, an act relating to vocational rehabilitation.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Member from panel.

[Representative Jonathan Cooper (Bennington/Pownal)]: Madam speaker, s one seventy three is written to you as a strike on amendment from the House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development operating in two broad categories. The latter of the two making technical corrections to apprenticeship language, the Department of Labor. The former being where we assess how individuals access vocational rehabilitation services. I'd like to, before getting into the bill itself, acknowledge that this is a substantial moment in an individual's life to access vocational rehabilitation services. It requires rethinking how one makes one's way in the world. And for the amount of people who describe their their job or their occupation when they are asked who they are, that underscores how significant of a shift this represents. And so in an era of trying to figure out the difference between cost effectiveness and government effectiveness, we want to get this right. Vocational rehabilitation services are provided when a worker's injury prevents the worker from finding or returning to suitable employment for which the worker has prior training or experience. Suitable employment includes employment which would pay a wage as close to 100% of the pre injury wage with that experience and knowledge. Now vocational rehabilitation services are specifically tied to restoring an employee's earning ability. And those services can take many different forms, including, for example, resume writing, interview skills, counseling, ergonomic modifications, assistance with job placements, vocational testing, training and education. This is very hands on work, high touch, with only 25 registered vocational rehabilitation counselors available in Vermont. That work requires a master's degree as well as significant experience with Vermont's workers compensation system. Accordingly, a screening or initial screening has been implemented to lower the caseload for those existing vocational rehabilitation counselors. Now most injured workers do not need vocational rehabilitation services because they're medically released to return to work and the employer has suitable work available for when the worker or the medical evidence indicates that the worker will not be able to return to work given the severity of the injury. A worker who has been out of work for ninety days may be screened for vocational rehabilitation benefits. And under current law, a worker is required to undergo an initial screening to determine whether the worker is entitled to a full assessment with a certified vocational rehabilitation counselor. And with that in mind, I will now walk through the bill which begins on page twenty forty six of the House calendar. In section one of the bill, we the bill adds to the form that is provided by the Department of Labor to workers' compensation claimants on vocational rehabilitation to include the language that the right to request vocational rehabilitation services in the future if the work injury affects the worker's ability to earn the worker's pre injury wage. The new provision would allow a worker who may not meet the eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services today to request such services in the future if the work injury prevents the worker from being able to earn their pre injury wage. Section two of the bill begins to examine this pre screening that's been placed into statute for to understand better whether an individual qualifies for the vocational rehabilitation benefits. This section creates a working group to provide recommendations to the General Assembly on how to improve the current vocational rehabilitation system to ensure it meets the needs of eligible injured workers in a timely and cost effective manner. The working group the composition of the working group is described on page 2,047. And the working group's members, other than the Commissioner of Labor or designee and the Commissioner of Financial Regulation or designee, are appointed by the Speaker of the House and the Committee on Committees. It's important to highlight here that that working group includes two representatives of workers' compensation claimants, two representatives of employers or workers' compensation carriers, and two Vermont certified vocational rehabilitation counselors out of the 25 aforementioned. The first meeting of that working group shall be on or before 08/14/2026 and it can meet up to five times and will cease to exist upon submission of its report to the General Assembly on or before 12/15/2026. There are three broad areas that we are giving the work group to consider with several questions under each. You can see on page through, page two thousand forty seven and two thousand forty eight, about the initial screening itself. Should it be kept or should it be discontinued? Pertaining to vocational rehabilitation generally, such as can the current system be improved for both claimants and competition carriers? And finally, to ask questions pertaining to worker wage replacement benefits. So could changes be made to enable claimants to access vocational rehabilitation services while they continue to be eligible for wage replacement benefits? Section three, MENS 21 VSA Chapter 13 pertaining to apprenticeship, making a significant number of technical corrections to the state's apprenticeship program primarily to reflect changes that were made at the federal level both in Sections one eleven eleven to definitions, as well as to eleven thirteen, registered apprenticeship program itself. And we see these changes throughout the bill largely pertaining to those federal changes. There are two areas to highlight here. Section eleven fourteen is amended pertaining to the Apprenticeship Advisory Board to ensure that barriers to participation in the program are addressed, including strengthening relationships with community partners that work with these underserved populations. A note on 11/23 pertaining to pre apprenticeship programs, we see a term one single word shifting from registered to certified. There's significance to that as it is meant to clarify what is a pre apprenticeship that is certified in helping individuals or programs that are run by community organizations that help people prepare to enter a registered apprenticeship and registered apprenticeships themselves, which are formal training programs approved and registered by the Vermont Registered Apprenticeship Program at the Department of Labor. The effective date of the bill in section four is 07/01/2026. I'd like to acknowledge or mention that after passage, the title of the bill will be amended to read an act relating to vocational rehabilitation and apprenticeships. Madam speaker, we took testimony from the following. The reporter of the bill, the director of government relations with premier Piper, Eggleston, and Kramer, lobbyist from Working Vermont, the president of Vermont Chamber of Commerce, the business legislative and community outreach manager of Hire Ability Vermont, the deputy director of HireAbility Vermont, vice president of the Associated Industries of Vermont, a partner with Bigam Fox Skinner, vocational rehabilitation counselor with Catamount Case Management, the director of workers compensation and safety with the Vermont Department of Labor, the director of policy and legislative affairs with the Vermont Department of Labor, and legislative counsel from the office of legislative counsel. The committee found the bill favorable with amendment on a vote of eleven zero zero, and we ask for your support.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: And now speaking for the committee on appropriations, the member from Bennington.

[Representative Michael Nigro (Bennington)]: Madam speaker, the working group established in s one seventy three is estimated to cost $4,000 in per diems, which will come from the Department of Labor's budget. House appropriations added clarification that the legislators on the working group will also receive a per diem. This would cost approximately $2,700 and would be absorbed by the legislative budget. This was supported in appropriations with a vote of eleven-zero-zero and we ask for the body's support.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: So the question is shall the report of the committee on commerce and economic development be amended as recommended by the committee on appropriations? 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 amended the report of the committee on commerce and economic development. Now the question is shall the house propose to the senate to amend the bill as recommended by the committee on commerce and economic development as amended. Are you ready for the question? Member from Burlington.

[Representative Brian Cina (Burlington)]: Madam speaker, may I interrogate the presenter of the bill?

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Member from panels interrogated.

[Representative Brian Cina (Burlington)]: I assure you I'm not doing this to create another awkward configuration of interrogation. But I did I had a simple question. I noticed that on the working group that the Speaker of the House and the Committee on Committees appoints many of the different members. I can understand why we would have the appointments of legislators coming from the speaker or the committee on committees, but I'm curious why the community voices are being appointed by politicians.

[Representative Jonathan Cooper (Bennington/Pownal)]: Can the member specify the community voices?

[Representative Brian Cina (Burlington)]: I can. There's two representatives on behalf of workers' comp claims, one appointed by the speaker of the house, one by the committee on committees. There's two representatives on behalf of employers and workers. Compensation insurance carriers, one appointed by the speaker, one by the committee on committees. There's two vocational rehabilitation counselors. Once again, one from the speaker, one from the committee on committees. And I'm curious if there were not community groups or professional organizations or other parties that could have been the appoint appointors of these members.

[Representative Jonathan Cooper (Bennington/Pownal)]: I thank the member for the clarification. Well, it did not arise in the testimony that we took, about this proposed, or this this strike all amendments that this was an inadequate manner in which to have these appointments made.

[Representative Brian Cina (Burlington)]: Thanks, member. Madam Speaker, I don't want to belabor the point, but I think we should be mindful that when we're creating these working groups on who we're giving the power to to put people on the groups, and we need to be mindful that we're not concentrating too much power in the general assembly or in the leadership of the general assembly when making these kinds of appointments. I still support the bill, but it's just something I noticed. Thank you.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: So the question is, shall the house propose the senate to amend the bill as recommended by the committee on commerce and economic development as amended? 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 proposed to the senate to amend the bill. Now the question is shall the bill be read a third time? Are you ready for that 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 third reading is ordered. Final bill on our action calendar today is Senate Bill 179 which is an act relating to the uniform disclaimer of property interest act. Member from South Burlington.

[Representative Bridget Burkhardt (South Burlington)]: Madam speaker, I move that we postpone action on s one seventy nine, an act relating to the uniform disclaimer of property interest act, one legislative day.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: The member from South Burlington moves that we postpone action on senate bill one seventy nine for one legislative day. 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 would postpone action on senate bill one seven eight nine for one legislative day. Members that completes the orders of the day. Are there any announcements? Member from Georgia.

[Representative Carolyn Branagan (Georgia)]: Thanks Madam Speaker. I want to bring to the members' attention the fact that this past weekend was the annual Maple Festival in Saint Albans. That's an occurrence that's become quite well known across the state. And I want also to to remind them that the maple industry in the state of Vermont is more important than we think it is. You know, if you grow up in Vermont, maple becomes kind of every day. Everyone lives with real Vermont maple, and we're we appreciate that. But the maple industry brings in approximately $315,000,000 of economic activity to our state each year and employs about 4,000 people in seasonal jobs but it is employment. We we also produce about 50% of maple syrup sold in The United States. Canada, the province of of Quebec exceeds that amount, but we are worldwide known as the best maple syrup available anywhere. So the Maple Festival Festival gives out four prizes for maple syrup. They also give out prizes for candy and maple cream and so forth. And I want you to know that the winner of the overall maple contest was a former student of mine, Stefan Tetra, who lives in Fairfield. And I'm so proud of him, and I'm sure that the reason he's such a good sugar maker has to do with his fifth grade teacher. So if you you ever meet him, mention my name. It was a great festival.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Are there any further announcements? Member from Brattleboro.

[Representative Emilie Kornheiser (Brattleboro)]: Madam speaker, the previous member who spoke left out a very important detail in her announcement, which is that the Ways and Means Committee does have a maple queen among us. And the member won best in class, a great big beautiful blue ribbon for her syrup this year. Congratulations. Congratulating her.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Congratulations, member. Member from Georgia.

[Representative Carolyn Branagan (Georgia)]: Thank you Madam Speaker. Yes, I did. I'll never enter again. But it it was a lot of fun. And they give out a price for what we used to know as fancy. It's called delicate now. And I think you remember when that all oops. When that all came up for a vote here on the floor, I voted no on changing those categories, but it went through. It's it's what used to be fancy. Now it's called delicate, then grade a, then dark, and very dark. I won the prize for very dark, and I'm I'm proud of that. It's great syrup. It was clear. They tasted it for all the the categories, you know, sugar density, flavor true to grade, and so forth. I am not the queen of maple. You'll hear that around the hallway. It's just a blue ribbon. That's all I won. But it was it was a lot of fun. And because I won, you can win too. I am just a small time backyard sugar maker. I had 200 taps. I got my husband to lug the sap, and he also tapped for me. He does all the heavy work. I boil. You can do that too. So, I I hope that you consider it. It's what it's what makes Vermont famous for maple.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Are there any further announcements? Member from Winooski.

[Representative Chea Waters Evans (Winooski)]: Madam Speaker, I'm gonna keep this going. My children have, voted the former representative from Granby syrup, also, their best in class. And if anyone would like to get in on some of that, I'll be making a trip up next weekend, so come to me if you'd like to order some. Are

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: there any further announcements? Member from Essex Junction?

[Representative Lori Houghton (Essex Junction)]: Madam speaker, house Democrats will caucus in Room 11, ten minutes after the floor.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Member from Polkhardt.

[Representative Patricia McCoy (Poultney) – House Minority Leader]: Madam speaker, house republicans will caucus ten minutes following adjournment. Member from Burlington.

[Representative Brian Cina (Burlington)]: Madam speaker, the house progressives will caucus at noon in Room 267. Thank you.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Are there any further announcements? Seeing none, member from Polknife can you please offer us a motion to adjourn until Wednesday April 29 at 1PM.

[Representative Patricia McCoy (Poultney) – House Minority Leader]: Madam Speaker I make a motion this body stand and adjournment until Wednesday 04/29/2026 at 1PM.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: 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.