This week we spent time debating and passing a bill to increase the smoking age to 21. Vermont becomes the 13th state to pass such a law. Amendments to create an exemption for ceremonial usage was withdrawn and an amendment to exempt military was defeated. S.86 An act relating to increasing the legal age for buying and using cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and other tobacco products from 18 to 21 years of age passed by a vote of 109-33. I voted in support of this increase in age.
“…being a member of the Vermont National Guard requires a level of health and fitness that is potentially impacted by smoking. A member of the National Guard that smokes is no different than a civilian in the fact that smoking can have consequences to long-term health and wellness, which impacts health care cost,”
-Deputy Adjutant General Kenneth W. Gragg Jr.
Time to call your senators on the H.513 broadband bill.
Climate Change
Om Tuesday my committee, House Energy and Technology held a public hearing on fossil fuel infrastructure related to bills currently in the House Committee on Energy and Technology: H.51, H.175, and H.214 Roughly 50 people testified in person and a number of others have submitted testimony in writing. Our Committee chair has indicated he doesn’t plan to move the bill out of our Committee this year; however, the Committee will is still accepting written testimony at the following e-mail address: testimony@leg.state.vt.us. Please indicate in the subject line, “Fossil Fuel Infrastructure Public Comment.”
In the news:
- Vermont Senate votes to remove all slavery references from state Constitution
- Vermont lawmakers hear testimony on bills to ban oil or gas pipelines
- Scott flags constitutional concern on pot sales bill
Click here to monitor the bills I introduce, my committees work and my votes on roll call votes on the legislative website. You can also see what the House and Senate will be taking up each day and listen to proceedings live on VPR.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions, or if you need assistance navigating government services at (802) 384-0233 or lsibilia@leg.state.vt.us
Kind regards,
Rep. Laura Sibilia
Dover, Readsboro, Searsburg, Somerset, Stamford, Wardsboro, Whitingham
Vermont State Representative Laura Sibilia 