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Community Media Public Benefit Bill: H.575 and S.181: Vermont House Committee on Government Operations - Testimony of S.55 Update to Open Meeting Law 01/26/2024

Testimony of S.55 Update to Open Meeting Law at the House Committee on Government Operations.

On Friday, the committee continued testimony but did not come to any conclusions on possible language. During committee discussion, the role of stakeholders briefly came up - VAN was mentioned by name as one possible contributor. They also discussed definitions, which will be important in the final bill. Links to the most recent version of the bill and Friday’s meeting are below.

S.55 as introduced:
https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2024/Docs/BILLS/S-0055/S-0055%20As%20Introduced.pdf

Community Media Public Benefit Bill: H.575 and S.181: Vermont House Committee on Ways and Means - Testimony of H.657 Modernize Vermont’s Communications Taxes and Fees 01/25/2024

VAN testimony of H.657 a bill meant to modernize Vermont's communications taxes and fees at the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Lauren-Glenn Davitian testified on behalf if VAN. Kristen Christopher also testified on behalf of Comcast. JFO and Leonine Public Affairs also testified on other aspects of H.657.

H.657 as introduced:
https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2024/WorkGroups/House%20Ways%20and%20Means/Bills/H.657/H.657~Maria%20Royle~As%20Introduced~1-11-2024.pdf

Community Media Public Benefit Bill: H.575 and S.181: Vermont House Committee on Government Operations - Testimony of S.55 Update to Open Meeting Law 01/24/2024

Testimony of S.55 Update to Open Meeting Law at the House Committee on Government Operations.

On Tuesday, the Senate Government Operations Committee took further testimony on S.55, the bill that would amend the Open Meeting Law to authorize public bodies to meet through electronic means without designating a physical meeting location. Witnesses included the Deputy Secretary of State and representatives from the Green Mountain Care Board, the Public Utility Commission, the Vermont Press Association, the Human Services Board, the Vermont League of Vermont Cities and Towns, and the Vermont Association of Broadcasters.

S.55 as introduced:
https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2024/Docs/BILLS/S-0055/S-0055%20As%20Introduced.pdf

Community Media Public Benefit Bill: H.575 and S.181: Vermont Senate Committee on Finance - Opposition of S. 181 Community Media Public Benefit Bill 01/24/2024

Opposition of the Community Media Public Benefit Bill S.181 at the Senate Committee on Finance.

On Wednesday, the committee continued taking testimony on S.181. The committee heard from Mike Burke, Vice President of Field Operations at Green Mountain Power, Jeremy Crandall, Assistant Vice President State Legislative Affairs at CTIA - The Wireless Association, and Anna Lucey, Executive Vice President of Legislative and External Affairs at NECTA. Those who testified raised concerns about the affordability and legality of the bill. Included below are links to the start of each testimony, start of committee questions, and materials presented to the committee. 

S.181 as introduced:
https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2024/Docs/BILLS/S-0181/S-0181%20As%20Introduced.pdf

S.181 Opposition Jeremy Crandall CTIA Testimony: 
https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2024/WorkGroups/Senate%20Finance/Bills/S.181/Witness%20Documents/S.181~Jeremy%20Crandall~CTIA%20Testimony~1-24-2024.pdf

Senator Bernie Sanders: Statewide Telephone Town Meeting 01/24/2024

From the Office of Senator Bernie Sanders:

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) holds a statewide telephone town meeting to hear directly from Vermonters about the challenges they are facing in their daily lives, their concerns for their families, their communities, their state, and the world - and how the federal government can work to address those concerns.

Under the Dome: Trip to the Vermont State House - Interviews at the Statehouse on Budget Address Day 01/23/2024

As part of Town Meeting TV's coverage of the 2024 legislative session, Emily and Bobby travel to the Vermont Statehouse in Montpelier to interview attendees about the legislative session. Interviews with Rep. Rey Garofano, Rep. Daisy Berbeco, and birthing center advocate Laurie Foster.

Under the Dome: Party Leaders Respond to the 2024 Governor's Budget Address 01/23/2024

As part of Town Meeting TV's coverage of the 2024 legislative session, Emily and Bobby traveled to the Vermont Statehouse in Montpelier to interview attendees about their response to Governor Phil Scott's 2024 Budget Address.

Community Media Public Benefit Bill: H.575 and S.181: Vermont House Committee on Government Ops and Military - Discussion H.140 Updating State Grant and Contract Requirements 01/19/2024

Updating State Grant and Contract Requirements at the House Committee on Government Ops and Military.

On Friday, the House Government & Military Affairs committee continued their work on H.140. The committee had a walkthrough of the updated bill from legislative counsel and took testimony from various agencies as well as the Vermont League of Cities and Towns.

H.140 as introduced:
https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2024/Docs/BILLS/H-0140/H-0140%20As%20Introduced.pdf

Community Media Public Benefit Bill: H.575 and S.181: Vermont House Committee on Government Operations - Testimony of S.55 Update to Open Meeting Law 01/17/2024

Testimony of S.55 Update to Open Meeting Law at the House Committee on Government Operations.

On Wednesday, the Senate Government Operations Committee heard testimony on H.55 Wednesday, which is a bill to make changes to Open Meeting laws. Lauren-Glenn Davitian testified at the very end of the meeting for about 15 minutes. Lauren-Glenn read an abbreviated version of her testimony and took a few committee questions. Notably, Chair Hardy asked if VAN would like to be a part of providing consultation with the Secretary of State, League of Cities and Towns, and School Board Association to help develop best practices - LG agreed.

Lauren-Glenn Davitian speaks. State Archivist speaks.

S.55 as introduced:
https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2024/Docs/BILLS/S-0055/S-0055%20As%20Introduced.pdf

Community Media Public Benefit Bill: H.575 and S.181: Vermont Senate Democratic Caucus - Chair Priorities 01/16/2024

Chair Priorities at the Vermont Senate Democratic Caucus.

On Tuesday, the Senate Democratic Caucus had brief presentations from committee chairs to hear about priorities for the coming session. Senator Cummings, Chair of Senate Finance, brought up S.181 as something the committee is looking at - with the caveat that the main focus this year will be finding ways to lower the property tax rate. Senator Hardy, chair of Senate Government Operation & Military Affairs, mentioned her committee would be taking testimony on open meeting laws as a priority this session.

Senator Cumming and Senator Hardy speak.

S.181 as introduced:
https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2024/Docs/BILLS/S-0181/S-0181%20As%20Introduced.pdf

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