Community Media Public Benefit Bill: H.575 and S.181: Vermont Senate Committee on Appropriations - Discussion of H.657 Modernize Vermont’s Communications Taxes and Fees

Description

Discussion of H.657 a bill meant to modernize Vermont's communications taxes and fees at the Senate Committee on Appropriations.

On Wednesday, the bill had second reading on the Senate floor - Senators Chittenden and Wrenner offered amendments. Senator Chittenden’s amendment was adopted and third reading was ordered on a voice vote. The bill now includes an inventory for the right-of-way in Vermont, but scaled back dramatically from the level of thoroughness and detail the Finance Committee had been considering, due to cost and cybersecurity concerns. The updates to the USF fund and the per line charge remain intact.

H.657: Senator Chittenden Amendment Draft 1.1, 5-6-2024:
https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2024/WorkGroups/Senate%20Finance/Bills/H.657/Drafts,%20Amendments,%20Other%20Legal%20Documents/H.657~Maria%20Royle~%20Senator%20Chittenden%20Amendment%20Draft%201.1,%205-6-2024~5-7-2024.pdf

On THURSDAY, the Senate passed the 3rd reading of H.657 on a voice vote, sending the bill back to the House as amended.

Side-by-Side of House/Senate versions:
https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2024/WorkGroups/House%20Ways%20and%20Means/Bills/H.657/W~Maria%20Royle~H.657%20House%20Senate%20Comparison~5-9-2024.pdf