It's a very busy time in the legislature as we head into the final weeks of the session and I am happy to share some updates from the two committees on which I serve.

Senate Health and Welfare passed H.72 last week and the bill will soon go to the full Senate for a vote. We heard weeks of testimony on the effectiveness of overdose prevention centers in saving individual lives, helping folks work toward recovery and improving conditions in and around entire communities.

Other important bills and resolutions coming out of Health and Welfare are:
•H. 766 An act relating to prior authorization and step therapy requirements, health insurance claims, and provider contracts
•H. 661 - An act relating to child abuse and neglect investigation and substantiation standards and procedures
•H. 233. An act relating to licensure and regulation of pharmacy benefit managers
•J.R.S. 44 - Joint resolution declaring the increasing number of drug overdose deaths in Vermont to be a public health emergency

In Senate Education, the Secretary of Education confirmation hearing will take place Tuesday, May 23rd. I am one of five Senators who will question the Governor's appointee to judge her qualifications and suitability for the job and will help draft a report to send to the full Senate who will vote on the confirmation of the appointee.

The legislature currently has an end date of May 10th with a potential return in June if a veto override session is required.

The Chittenden Central delegation has had some great constituent gatherings and our next one will be Saturday, April 27th from 12-1:30 pm at Boxcar Bakery, 11 Park Street, Essex Junction. I hope to see you there!

May 3, 2024, 5 PM

May 3, 2024, 5:30 to 7 PM

May 4, 2024, 9 AM to 1 PM