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

Description

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

On Wednesday, the House Ways and Means walked through H.657, a broad telecommunications modernization bill that covers a variety of topics. Maria Royle, Legislative Counsel, noted that the section of this bill that would have instituted a 1% fee for AMO capital costs, has been removed; and, that the content of H.575, which would create a Community Media Benefit Fund with revenues from a new pole attachment excise tax to fund AMO operational costs, has been incorporated into H.657. Both items are great news! The part of H.657 that VAN opposed has been removed, and the content of H.575, which VAN supports, has now been integrated into H.657. Royle walked through the entire bill, including the Community Media Benefit Fund sections. Then 10 witnesses testified, sharing various points of view about the content of the bill. The general takeaway was this was a solid first hearing in HWM, with much more to come.

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