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Journal of the Senate________________

FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2008

The Senate was called to order by the President.

Devotional Exercises

A moment of silence was observed in lieu of devotions.

Pages Honored

In appreciation of their many services to the members of the General Assembly, the President and President pro tempore recognized the following-named pages who are completing their services today and presented them with commemorative posters:

Callie-Rae Cashin of WestmoreEliza Dorney of RichmondKaylie-Ann Flannigan of CastletonWhitney Furnholm of New HavenSam Hensel-Hunter of CavendishNickolas Johnson of MiddlesexEmma Mae Masi of WolcottGabriel Sheir of MontpelierKate Stevens of WaterburyMonica Wentz of Stowe

Bills Referred

House bills of the following titles were severally read the first time and referred:

H. 685.

An act relating to enforcement of environmental laws.

To the Committee on Natural Resources and Energy.

H. 711.

An act relating to agricultural, forestry and horticultural education.

To the Committee on Rules.

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514 JOURNAL OF THE SENATE

H. 887.

An act relating to health care reform.

To the Committee on Health and Welfare.

H. 890.

An act relating to compensation for certain state employees.

To the Committee on Government Operations.

H. 891.

An act relating to making appropriations for the support of government.

To the Committee on Appropriations.

Third Reading Ordered; Rules Suspended; Bill Passed in Concurrence

H. 880.

Senator Flanagan, for the Committee on Government Operations, to which was referred House bill entitled:

An act relating to the Vermont pension investment committee.

Reported that the bill ought to pass in concurrence.

Senator Bartlett, for the Committee on Appropriations, to which the bill was referred, reported recommending that the bill ought to pass in concurrence

Thereupon, the bill was read the second time by title only pursuant to Rule 43, and third reading of the bill was ordered on a roll call, Yeas 29, Nays 0.

Senator Condos having demanded the yeas and nays, they were taken and are as follows:

Roll Call

Those Senators who voted in the affirmative were: Ayer, Bartlett, Campbell, Carris, Collins, Condos, Coppenrath, Cummings, Doyle, Flanagan, Giard, Hartwell, Illuzzi, Kitchel, Kittell, Lyons, Maynard, Mazza, McCormack, Miller, Mullin, Nitka, Racine, Scott, Sears, Shumlin, Snelling, Starr, White.

Those Senators who voted in the negative were: None.

The Senator absent and not voting was: MacDonald.

FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2008 515

Thereupon, on motion of Senator Shumlin, the rules were suspended and the bill was placed on all remaining stages of its passage in concurrence forthwith.

Thereupon, the bill was read the third time and passed in concurrence.

Rules Suspended; Proposals of Amendment; Third Reading Ordered; Rules Suspended; Bill Passed in Concurrence with Proposals of

Amendment

H. 338.

Appearing on the Calendar for notice, on motion of Senator Shumlin, the rules were suspended and House bill entitled:

An act relating to state purchasing of apparel, footwear or textiles.

Was taken up for immediate consideration.

Senator Coppenrath, for the Committee on Government Operations, to which the bill was referred, reported recommending that the Senate propose to the House to amend the bill as follows:

First: In Sec. 1, subdivision (b)(2), by striking out the following: “certify that they and, to the best of their knowledge,” and inserting in lieu thereof the following: provide certification that

Second: In Sec. 3, 29 V.S.A. § 922(a), in the first sentence, by striking out the following: “certify that, to the best of the bidder’s knowledge, each” and inserting in lieu thereof the following: provide certification from each supplier that the

Third: By adding a new section to be numbered Sec. 4 to read as follows:

Sec. 4. EFFECTIVE DATE

This act shall take effect upon passage.

And that the bill ought to pass in concurrence with such proposals of amendment.

Thereupon, the bill was read the second time by title only pursuant to Rule 43, the proposals of amendment were collectively agreed to, and third reading of the bill was ordered.

Thereupon, on motion of Senator Shumlin, the rules were suspended and the bill was placed on all remaining stages of its passage in concurrence with proposals of amendment forthwith.

Thereupon, the bill was read a third time and passed in concurrence with proposals of amendment.


Bill Amended; Third Reading Ordered

S. 350.

Senator Lyons, for the Committee on Natural Resources and Energy, to which was referred Senate bill entitled:

An act relating to energy independence and economic prosperity.

Reported recommending that the bill be amended by striking out all after the enacting clause and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

* * * State Agency Energy Plan * * *

Sec. 1. 3 V.S.A. § 2291(c) is amended to read:

(c) The secretary of administration with the cooperation of the commissioners of public service and of buildings and general services shall develop and oversee the implementation of a state agency energy plan for state government. The plan shall be adopted by June 30, 2005, modified as necessary, and readopted by the secretary on or before January 15 of each fifth year subsequent to 2005. The plan shall accomplish the following objectives and requirements:

(1) To conserve resources, save energy, and reduce pollution. The plan shall devise strategies to identify to the greatest extent feasible, all opportunities for conservation of resources through environmentally and economically sound infrastructure development, purchasing, and fleet management, and investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency available to the state which are cost effective on a life cycle cost basis.

(2) To consider state policies and operations that affect energy use.

(3) To devise a strategy to implement or acquire all prudent opportunities and investments in as prompt and efficient a manner as possible.

(4) To include appropriate provisions for monitoring resource and energy use and evaluating the impact of measures undertaken.

(5) To identify education, management, and other relevant policy changes that are a part of the implementation strategy.

(6) To devise a strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The plan shall include steps to encourage more efficient trip planning, to reduce the average fuel consumption of the state fleet, and to encourage alternatives to solo-commuting state employees for commuting and job-related travel.

(7) To develop a comprehensive program for the cost-effective installation of solar energy equipment on state buildings, pursuant to which the


department of public service, working in conjunction with the department of buildings and general services, shall ensure that solar energy equipment is installed no later than October 1, 2010 on all state buildings, state parking facilities, and state-owned swimming pools that are heated with fossil fuels or electricity, where feasible.

(A) For purposes of this subdivision, it is feasible to install solar energy equipment if adequate space on or adjacent to a building is available, if the solar energy equipment is cost-effective, and if funding is available from the state or another source.

(B) Any solar energy equipment installed pursuant to this subdivision shall meet applicable standards and requirements imposed by state and local permitting authorities.

(C) The department of buildings and general services shall establish a schedule designating when solar energy equipment will be installed on each building and facility, with priority given to buildings and facilities where installation is most feasible.

(D) Solar energy equipment shall be installed, where feasible, as part of the construction of all state buildings and state parking facilities for which construction commences on or after October 1, 2010.

(E) The department of buildings and general services, in consultation with the department of public service, may adopt policies and procedures for the purposes of this subdivision.

(F) For purposes of this subdivision, the following terms have the following meanings:

(i) “Cost-effective” means that the present value of the savings generated over the life of the solar energy system, including consideration of the value of the energy produced during peak and off-peak demand periods and the value of a reliable energy supply not subject to price volatility, exceeds the present value cost of the solar energy equipment by not less than 10 percent. The present value cost of the solar energy equipment does not include the cost of unrelated building components. The department, in making the present value assessment, shall obtain interest rates, discount rates, and consumer price index figures from the state treasurer, and shall take into consideration air emission reduction benefits and the value of stable energy costs.

(ii) “Solar energy equipment” means equipment the primary purpose of which is to provide for the collection, conversion, storage, or control of solar energy for the purpose of heat production, electricity production, or simultaneous heat and electricity production, or for the purpose


of limiting the extent to which the building is heated by the sun. Equipment used for limiting solar gain shall include shades and curtains, certain window film, and turf roofs.

* * * Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets * * *

Sec. 2. 6 V.S.A. § 1(c),(d), and (e) are added to read:

(c) The secretary shall provide data and funding recommendations to the Vermont resource trust with regard to:

(1) Funding and implementing the natural resources conservation service (NRCS) grassland reserve program in order to increase carbon sequestration.

(2) Providing cost-share assistance for farmers to purchase manure injection equipment to retrofit existing manure spreaders or purchase new equipment.

(3) Providing cost-share assistance for farms to develop and implement nutrient management plans for smaller dairy farms and continuing to provide annual assistance so that existing plans on medium-sized farms continue to be implemented.

(4) Providing cost-share assistance under the farm agronomic practices program so that farms implement cover crops and other soil erosion and land cover practices.

(5) Other ways to create incentives for carbon sequestration on farm and forest land, Vermont’s “green bank.”

(d) The secretary shall continue the agency’s methane capture program and shall collaborate with the Vermont resource trust with regard to the availability of additional funds for these purposes. The goal of the methane digester portion of the program shall be to digest and use 15 percent of the state’s dairy cattle manure by 2012, and 50 percent by 2028. The goal of a second aspect of this emissions reduction program shall be to increase the percentage of manure composted on poultry and on appropriate livestock farms to 25 percent by 2012, and 50 percent by 2028.

(e) The secretary shall develop recommendations for measures to reduce the loss and fragmentation of primary agricultural soils located in rural areas. The state’s goal is to reduce the rate at which agricultural lands are converted to development by 25 percent by 2012 and to reduce that rate by 50 percent by 2020.


* * * Air Quality * * *

Sec. 3. 10 V.S.A. § 552 is amended to read:

§ 552. DEFINITIONS

As used in this chapter:

* * *

(11) “Greenhouse gas” means any chemical or physical substance that is emitted into the air and that the secretary may reasonably anticipate to cause or contribute to climate change, including, but not limited to, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride.

Sec. 4. 10 V.S.A. § 580 is added to read:

§ 580. GREENHOUSE GAS INVENTORIES; REGISTRY

(a) Inventory and forecasting. The secretary shall work, in conjunction with other states or a regional consortium, to establish a periodic, consistent, and complete inventory of greenhouse gas emissions and sinks, and an accompanying forecast of future greenhouse gas emissions in at least five- and ten-year increments, out to the year 2030. The initial version of this inventory shall be published by no later than July 1, 2009, and updates shall be published triennially thereafter. The forecast shall reflect projected growth, as well as the implementation of scheduled policy initiatives. The inventory shall reflect all natural- and human-caused emissions generated within the state, as well as emissions associated with energy imported and consumed in the state. The secretary shall consult with the Vermont resource trust with regard to the trust providing funding to assist in implementation of this section.

(b) Emissions reporting. By no later than January 15, 2009, the secretary shall develop rules to require, in phases, the reporting and verification of statewide greenhouse gas emissions and to monitor and eventually enforce compliance with this program. The requirements shall include provisions for owner reporting according to an accessible and easy-to-understand format that will yield information with regard to all greenhouse gas emissions in a type and format that a regional registry can accommodate. In addition, the rules shall:

(1) Require the monitoring and annual public reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from all significant sources beginning with the sources or categories of sources that contribute the most to statewide emissions. Reporting should be required on an organization-wide basis within the state, as well as on a significant-emitter-by-significant-emitter basis. At any time


before an entity is subject to reporting requirements under the rules, the entity shall be allowed to report emissions associated with its own activities and with any programs it may implement in order to reduce its emissions.

(2) Account for greenhouse gas emissions from all electricity consumed in the state, including transmission and distribution line losses from electricity generated within the state or imported from outside the state.

(3) Ensure rigorous and consistent accounting of emissions, and provide reporting tools and formats to ensure collection of necessary data. Emission reports shall be verified through self-certification and shall be subject to spot checks by the department of environmental conservation; however, in order to qualify for future registry purposes, reports should undergo third party verification. Reporting of emissions from greenhouse gas reduction projects shall qualify for reporting when they are identified as such and adhere to equally rigorous quantification standards.

(4) Ensure that major greenhouse gas emission sources maintain comprehensive records of all reported greenhouse gas emissions.

(c) Registry. The secretary shall work, in conjunction with other states or a regional consortium, to establish a regional or national greenhouse gas registry that allows for the greatest possible flexibility in order to accommodate the range of greenhouse gas mitigation approaches that are likely to evolve.

(1) The registry shall be designed to apply to the entire state and to as large a geographic area beyond state boundaries as is possible.

(2) It shall accommodate as broad an array of sectors, sources, facilities and approaches as is possible, and shall allow sources to start as far back in time as is permitted by good data, affirmed by third-party verification.

(3) It shall accommodate registration of project-based reductions or “offsets” that are equally rigorously quantified.

(4) It shall incorporate safeguards adequate to ensure that reductions are not double-counted by multiple registry participants, and to ensure appropriate transparency.

(5) The state and its political subdivisions shall be able to participate in the registry for purposes of registering reductions associated with their programs, direct activities, or efforts, including the registration of emission reductions associated with the stationary and mobile sources they own, lease, or operate. Similarly, the state and its political subdivisions should be allowed to participate in emission trading if and when such a program is developed and authorized.


(d) Rules. The secretary may adopt rules to implement the provisions of this section and shall review existing and proposed international, federal, and state greenhouse gas emission reporting programs and make reasonable efforts to promote consistency among the programs established pursuant to this section and other programs, and to streamline reporting requirements on greenhouse gas emission sources. Nothing in this section shall limit a state agency from adopting any rule within its authority.

* * * Pollution Abatement Facilities * * *

Sec. 5. 10 V.S.A. § 1278(a) is amended to read:

(a) Findings. The general assembly finds that the state shall protect Vermont’s lakes, rivers, and streams from pollution by implementing programs to prevent sewage spills to Vermont waters and by requiring emergency planning to limit the damage from spills which do occur. In addition, the general assembly finds it to be cost-effective and generally beneficial to the environment to continue state efforts to ensure energy efficiency in the operation of treatment facilities.

* * * Solid Waste Planning * * *

Sec. 6. 10 V.S.A. § 6604(a) and (c) are amended to read:

(a) No later than April 30, 1988 the secretary shall publish and adopt, after notice and public hearing pursuant to chapter 25 of Title 3, a solid waste management plan which sets forth a comprehensive state-wide strategy for the management of waste, including whey. No later than July 1, 1991, the secretary shall publish and adopt, after notice and public hearing pursuant to chapter 25 of Title 3, a hazardous waste management plan, which sets forth a comprehensive statewide strategy for the management of hazardous waste.

(1)(A) The plans shall be based upon the following priorities, in descending order:

(A)(i) the greatest feasible reduction in the amount of waste generated;

(B)(ii) reuse and recycling of waste to reduce to the greatest extent feasible the volume remaining for processing and disposal;

(C)(iii) waste processing to reduce the volume or toxicity of the waste stream necessary for disposal;

(D)(iv) land disposal of the residuals.

(B) Processing and disposal alternatives shall be preferred which do not foreclose the future ability of the state to reduce, reuse and recycle waste.


In determining feasibility, the secretary shall evaluate alternatives in terms of their expected life-cycle costs.

(2) The plans shall be revised at least once every five years and shall include:

(A) methods to reduce and remove material from the waste stream, including commercially generated and other organic wastes, used clothing, and construction and demolition debris, and to separate, collect, and recycle, treat or dispose of specific waste materials that create environmental, health, safety, or management problems, including, but not limited to, tires, batteries, obsolete electronic equipment, and unregulated hazardous wastes. These portions of the plans shall include strategies to assure recycling in the state, and to prevent the incineration or other disposal of marketable recyclables. They shall consider both the current solid waste stream and its projected changes, and shall be based on:

(i) an analysis of the volume and nature of wastes generated in the state, the sources of those wastes, and the current fate or disposition of those wastes;

(ii) an assessment of the feasibility and cost of recycling each type of waste, including an assessment of the feasibility of providing the option of single source recycling;

(iii) a survey of existing and potential markets for each type of waste that can be recycled;

(B) a proposal for the development of facilities and programs necessary at the state, regional or local level to achieve the priorities identified in subdivision (a)(1) of this section. Particular consideration shall be given to the need for additional regional or local composting facilities, the need to expand the collection of commercially generated organic wastes, and the cost effectiveness of developing single stream waste management infrastructure adequate to serve the entire population, which may include material recovery centers. These portions of the plan shall be based, in part, on an assessment of the status, capacity, and life expectancy of existing treatment and disposal facilities, and they shall include siting criteria for waste management facilities, and shall establish requirements for full public involvement.

(3) A goal of the plans shall be to reach a per-capita diversion rate of 35 percent by 2012 and 50 percent by 2028. The effectiveness of the plans shall be assessed no less frequently than every three years, with regard to progress in meeting these goals, and they shall be revised to be more aggressive if trends indicate the goals may not be met, with consideration given to instituting


additional waste diversion measures, including the establishment of a source-separated organics waste program and disallowing the landfilling of organic wastes.

(c) The secretary shall hold public hearings, perform studies as required, conduct ongoing analyses, develop and promote prototype residential and commercial waste prevention programs, develop sector-specific waste minimization strategies in conjunction with affected parties and local communities, develop a statewide communications portal that will promote and keep citizens aware of effective waste reduction and minimization initiatives, and make recommendations to the general assembly with respect to the development of accessible, cost-effective and sustainable policies, strategies and educational and media campaigns that will promote cultural and behavioral changes across the state, leading to a reduction of the waste stream. In this process, the secretary shall consult with manufacturers of commercial products and of packaging used with commercial products, retail sales enterprises, health and environmental advocates, waste management specialists, the general public, and state agencies. The goal of the process is to ensure that packaging used and products sold in the state are not an undue burden to the state’s ability to manage its waste. The secretary shall work with solid waste management districts to determine if cost - effective engineering support could be provided to businesses wishing to reduce packaging and shipping material costs and shall seek voluntary changes on the part of the industrial and commercial sector in both their practices and the products they sell, so as to serve the purposes of this section. In this process, the secretary shall encourage manufacturers to assure that end-of-life management solutions for their products are reasonable and consistent with the goal of reducing the environmental impact of waste. The secretary may obtain voluntary compliance schedules from the appropriate industry or commercial enterprise, and shall entertain recommendations for alternative approaches. The secretary shall report at the beginning of each biennium to the general assembly, with any recommendations or options for legislative consideration.

* * *

* * * Transportation * * *

Sec. 7. 19 V.S.A. § 10b is amended to read:

§ 10b. STATEMENT OF POLICY; GENERAL

(a) The agency shall be the responsible agency of the state for the development of transportation policy. It shall develop a mission statement to reflect state transportation policy encompassing all modes of transportation, developing and adhering to performance standards which address the need for


transportation projects that will improve the state’s economic infrastructure, as well as the use of resources in efficient, coordinated, cost effective, and environmentally sound ways. The overall scoping of agency projects shall include a cost-benefit analysis weighing conservation factors, efficiency opportunities, and congestion mitigation strategies. Transportation development shall be managed and executed toward specific performance standards to reduce vehicular miles traveled and toward increasing public transportation ridership. The agency shall coordinate education efforts with those of the Vermont resource trust established under 30 V.S.A. § 236 and those of local and regional planning entities to address conservation and efficiency opportunities and practices in local and regional transportation, and to support employer or local or regional government-led conservation, efficiency, rideshare, and bicycle programs and other innovative transportation advances, especially employer-based incentives.

(b) In developing the state’s annual transportation program, the agency shall, consistent with the planning goals listed in 24 V.S.A. § 4302 as amended by No. 200 of the Acts of the 1987 Adj. Sess. (1988) and with appropriate consideration to local, regional, and state agency plans:

(1) Develop or incorporate designs that provide safe and efficient transportation and promote economic opportunities for Vermonters and the best use of the state’s environmental and historic resources.

(2) Manage available funding to:

(A) give priority to preserving the functionality of the existing transportation infrastructure; and

(B) adhere to credible project delivery schedules.

* * *

Sec. 8. 19 V.S.A. § 10e is amended to read:

§ 10e. STATEMENT OF POLICY; RAILROADS

(a) The general assembly recognizes that rail service, both passenger and freight, is an integral part of the state’s transportation network. Accordingly, it is hereby declared to be the policy of the state of Vermont:

(1) to To provide opportunities for rail passenger services by cooperating with the federal government, other states, and providers of those services, with priority to be given to the services likely to complement Vermont’s economic development efforts and meet the needs of the traveling public;. It is a goal of the state to increase passenger rail use within the state by 100 percent by 2018 and by 200 percent by 2028.


(2) to To preserve and modernize for continued freight railroad service those railroad lines, both within the state of Vermont and extending into adjoining states, which directly affect the economy of the state or provide connections to other railroad lines which directly affect the economy of the state;. It is a goal of the state to increase the use of rail freight within the state by 50 percent by 2018 and by 100 percent by 2028.

(3) in In those cases where continuation of freight railroad service is not economically feasible under present conditions, to preserve established railroad rights-of-way for future reactivation of railroad service, trail corridors, and other public purposes not inconsistent with future reactivation of railroad service; and.

(4) to To seek federal aid for rail projects that implement this section’s policy goals.

(5) To maintain and improve intercity bus and rail and freight and commuter rail services, and the necessary intermodal connections, and to increase the efficiency of equipment and the extent to which equipment selection and operation can limit or avoid the emission of greenhouse gases.

(6) To plan to accommodate increased ridership with city - to - city and commuter rail service.

(b) To complement the regular maintenance efforts of the lessee/operators of state-owned railroads, taking into account each line’s long-term importance to the state’s transportation network, economic development, the resources available to the lessee/operator and relevant provisions of leases and other agreements, the agency may develop programs to assist in major rehabilitation or replacement of obsolete bridges, structures, rails, and other fixtures.

Sec. 9. 19 V.S.A. § 10f is amended to read:

§ 10f. STATEMENT OF POLICY; PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

(a) It shall be the state’s policy to make maximum use of available federal funds for the support of public transportation. State operating support funds shall be included in agency operating budgets to the extent that funds are available. It shall be the state’s policy to support the maintenance of existing public transportation services and the creation of new service that is accessible and affordable to those who use these services.

(b) The agency of transportation shall develop and periodically update a plan for investment in public transportation services and infrastructure as part of an integrated transportation system consistent with the goals established in 24 V.S.A. § 5083, and regional transportation development plan proposals and regional plans as required by 24 V.S.A. § 5089.


(1) The plan shall include components that shall coordinate rideshare, public transit, park and ride, interstate, and bicycle and pedestrian planning and investment at the state, regional, and local levels, and create or expand regional connections within the state, in order to maximize interregional ridesharing and access to public transit.

(2) The agency shall develop and make available to the traveling public a statewide geographic information system (GIS) database that coordinates all transportation options, facilities, and programs, and that provides web-based access to all modes of transportation and all inter-connection opportunities.


§ 2310. PAVEMENT OF HIGHWAY SHOULDERS

(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 10c of this title, it is the policy of the state to provide paved shoulders on major state highways with the intent to develop an integrated bicycle route system and to make it easier and safer for pedestrian traffic. This shall not apply to the interstate highway and certain other limited access highways.

(b) Any construction, or reconstruction, including upgrading and resurfacing projects on these highways, shall include paved shoulders unless the agency deems certain sections to be cost prohibitive maintain or improve existing access and road surface conditions for bicycles and pedestrians along the shoulders of these highways.

* * * Municipal Ordinances * * *

Sec. 11. 24 V.S.A. § 2291a is added to read:

§ 2291a. CLOTHESLINES

Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, no municipality, by ordinance, resolution, or other enactment, shall prohibit or have the effect of prohibiting the installation of clotheslines. This section shall not apply to patio railings in condominiums, cooperatives, or apartments.

* * * Zoning * * *

Sec. 12. 24 V.S.A. § 4413(g) is added to read:

(g) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, a bylaw adopted under this chapter shall not prohibit or have the effect of prohibiting the installation of clotheslines.



§ 4414. ZONING; PERMISSIBLE TYPES OF REGULATIONS

Any of the following types of regulations may be adopted by a municipality in its bylaws in conformance with the plan and for the purposes established in section 4302 of this title.

* * *

(14) Green building incentives. A municipality may encourage the use of low - embodied energy in construction materials, planned neighborhood developments that allow for reduced use of fuel for transportation, and increased use of renewable technology by providing for reduced permit review or increased density, or both, for:

(A) homes that meet standards established in the Vermont builds greener program–leadership in energy and environmental design (LEED) for homes, or similar programs;

(B) commercial or industrial buildings that meet significantly advanced construction standards for efficiency, as described in LEED, or other applicable advanced construction efficiency standards that address issues such as building size, use of renewable energy sources, compact development patterns, proximity to services, minimizing energy in transporting materials, use of local resources, use of embodied energy, and the use of comprehensive analytical tools that will result in structures and usage patterns that require less energy.

* * * Covenants * * *

Sec. 14. 27 V.S.A. § 544 is added to read:

§ 544. CLOTHESLINES

(a) No deed restrictions, covenants, or similar binding agreements running with the land shall prohibit or have the effect of prohibiting clotheslines from being installed on buildings erected on the lots or parcels covered by the deed restrictions, covenants, or binding agreements. A property owner may not be denied permission to install clotheslines by any entity granted the power or right in any deed restriction, covenant, or similar binding agreement to approve, forbid, control, or direct alteration of property with respect to residential dwellings not exceeding three stories in height.

(b) In any litigation arising under the provisions of this section, the prevailing party shall be entitled to costs and reasonable attorney’s fees.


(c) The legislative intent in enacting this section is to protect the public health, safety, and welfare by encouraging the development and use of renewable resources in order to conserve and protect the value of land, buildings, and resources by preventing the adoption of measures which will have the ultimate effect, however unintended, of driving the costs of owning and operating commercial or residential property beyond the capacity of private owners to maintain. This section shall not apply to patio railings in condominiums, cooperatives, or apartments.

* * * Combined Heat and Power * * *

Sec. 15. 30 V.S.A. § 202(i) is added to read:

(i) It shall be a goal of the electrical energy plan to assure, by 2028, that at least 60 MW of power are generated within the state by combined heat and power (CHP) facilities powered by renewable fuels. In order to meet this goal, the plan shall include incentives for development and strategies to identify locations in the state that would be suitable for CHP. The plan shall include strategies to assure the consideration of CHP potential during any process related to the expansion of natural gas services in the state.

* * * Public Service Board * * *

Sec. 16. 30 V.S.A. § 209(b) is amended to read:

(b) The provisions of section 218 of this title notwithstanding, the public service board shall, under sections 803-804 of Title 3, adopt rules applicable to companies subject to this chapter which:

* * *

(2) Regulate or prescribe the grounds upon which the companies may disconnect or refuse to reconnect service to customers; and

(3) Regulate and prescribe reasonable procedures used by companies in disconnecting or reconnecting services and billing customers in regard thereto; and

(4) Encourage the in-state deployment of farm biogas energy systems by authorizing contributions in aid of construction for electric service extensions to farms, as necessary to ensure the economic viability of farm biogas systems that utilize on-farm manure as the primary input, with the costs of those line extensions included in rates. The rules shall include standards regarding the length of line extensions that may be eligible for assistance, and may relate the length of an eligible line extension to the size of a particular facility.


Sec. 17. 30 V.S.A. § 218(e) is added to read:

(e) The board shall allow a company to recover a premium on the allowed return on equity for the company’s investment in new renewable energy generation or new combined heat and power projects located in Vermont.

* * * Least-Cost Planning * * *

Sec. 18. 30 V.S.A. § 218c(a) is amended to read:

(a)(1) A “least cost integrated plan” for a regulated electric or gas utility is a plan for meeting the public’s need for energy services, after safety concerns are addressed, at the lowest present value life cycle cost, including environmental and economic costs, through a strategy combining investments and expenditures on energy supply, transmission and distribution capacity, transmission and distribution efficiency, and comprehensive energy efficiency programs. Economic costs shall be determined with due regard to the information developed under the provisions of 10 V.S.A. § 580, establishing a greenhouse gas registry, to the state’s progress in meeting its greenhouse gas reduction goals, and to the value of the financial risks associated with greenhouse gas emissions from various power sources.

* * *

* * * Cap and Trade Program * * *


§ 255. REGIONAL COORDINATION TO REDUCE GREENHOUSE GASES

(a) Legislative findings. The general assembly finds:

(1) There is a growing scientific consensus that the increased anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases are enhancing the natural greenhouse effect, resulting in changes in the earth’s climate.

(2) Climate change poses serious potential risks to human health and terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems globally, regionally, and in Vermont.

(3) A carbon constraint on fossil fuel-fired electricity generation and on other forms of fossil fuel consumption and the development of a CO2 allowance trading mechanism will create a strong incentive for the creation and deployment of more efficient fuel-burning technologies, renewable resources, and end-use efficiency resources and will lead to lower dependence on imported fossil fuels.

(4) Absent federal action, a number of states are taking actions to work regionally to reduce power sector carbon emissions.


(5) Vermont has joined with at least six other states to design the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), and, in 2005, Vermont’s governor signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signaling Vermont’s intention to develop rules and programs to participate in RGGI.

(6) It is crucial to manage Vermont’s implementation of RGGI and its consumption of fossil fuels for transportation, residential and commercial heating, and industrial processes, so as to maximize the state’s contribution to lowering carbon emissions while:

(A) minimizing impacts on electric system reliability and unnecessary costs to Vermont power consumers;

(B) assuring transportation needs are able to be met at affordable prices;

(C) assuring the availability of adequate space heat and processing heat for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes.

(7) The accelerated deployment of low-cost thermal and electrical energy efficiency, and the strategic use of low- and zero-carbon generation, the selective use of switching fuel sources, and the design and use of systems that limit vehicular miles travelled and increase vehicular efficiency, are the best means to achieve these goals.

(8) It is crucial that funds made available from operation of a regional carbon credits cap and trade system be devoted to the benefit of Vermont power consumers through investments in a strategic portfolio of energy efficiency and low-carbon generation resources.

(b) Cap and trade program creation.

(1) The agency of natural resources and the public service board shall, through appropriate rules and orders, establish a carbon cap and trade program that will limit and then reduce the total carbon emissions released:

(A) by major electric generating stations that provide electric power to Vermont utilities and end-use customers;

(B) for transportation purposes;

(C) for space and process heating purposes.

(2) Vermont rules and orders establishing a carbon cap and trade program shall be designed initially so as to permit the holders of carbon credits to trade them in a regional market proposed to be established through the RGGI. The program shall be expanded to address the carbon sources not covered by RGGI, in coordination with efforts in other states, shall rely upon


auctions to determine allocations of permits for substantial sources of carbon, shall be designed to strengthen linkages between greenhouse gas reduction policies and other established programs such as RGGI, and shall pursue recognizing more nonelectric sector initiatives as RGGI offsets. Consideration shall be given to allowing the trading of credits among RGGI-certified state greenhouse gas cap and trade programs.

(c) Allocation of tradable carbon credits.

(1) The secretary of natural resources, by rule, shall establish a set of annual carbon budgets for emissions associated with the electric power sector in Vermont consistent with the 2005 RGGI MOU, including any amendments to that MOU, and on a reciprocal basis with the other states participating in the RGGI process. Similarly, the secretary, by rule, shall establish a set of annual carbon budgets for emissions associated with transportation, space heating, and industrial processes.

(2) In order to provide the maximum long-term benefit to Vermont electric consumers, particularly benefits that will result from accelerated and sustained investments in energy efficiency and other low-cost, low-carbon power system, transportation system, and other investments, the public service board, by rule or order, shall establish a process to allocate 100 percent of the Vermont statewide budget of tradable power sector carbon credits and the proceeds from the sale of those credits through allocation to one or more trustees acting on behalf of consumers in accordance with the following principles. To the extent feasible, the allocation plan shall accomplish the following goals:

(A) minimize windfall financial gains to power generators and other consumers of fossil fuels as a result of the operation of the cap and trade program, considering both the costs that power generators and other consumers of fossil fuels may incur to participate in the program and any power revenue increases they are likely to receive as a result of changes in regional power markets;

(B) employ an administrative structure that will enable program managers to perform any combination of holding, banking, and selling carbon credits in regional, national, and international carbon credit markets in a financially responsible and market-sensitive fashion, and provide funds to defray the reasonable costs of the program trustee or trustees and Vermont’s pro-rata share of the costs of the RGGI regional organization and of any other regional cap and trade organization;


(C) optimize the revenues received from the management and sale of carbon credits for the benefit of Vermont electric customers, fossil fuel consumers, and the Vermont economy;

(D) minimize any incentives from operation of the cap and trade program for Vermont utilities or fossil fuel consumers to increase the overall carbon emissions associated with serving their customers;

(E) build upon existing regulatory and administrative structures and programs that lower power, transportation, and heating costs, improve efficiency, and lower the state’s carbon profile of the state’s power supply while minimizing adverse impacts on electric system reliability and unnecessary costs to Vermont power consumers, assuring transportation needs are able to be met at affordable prices, and assuring the availability of adequate space heat and processing heat for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes;

(F) ensure that carbon credits allocated under the RGGI portion of this program and revenues associated with their sale remain power system assets managed for the benefit of electric consumers, particularly benefits that will result from accelerated and sustained investments in energy efficiency and other low-cost, low-carbon power system investments, and ensure that carbon credits allocated under the other portions of the program and the associated revenues remain assets managed for the benefit of transportation consumers and consumers of space heat and process heat;

(G) where practicable, support efforts recommended by the agency of natural resources or the department of public service to stimulate or support investment in the development of innovative power sector carbon emissions abatement technologies that have significant carbon reduction potential.

(d) Appointment of consumer trustees. The public service board, by rule, order, or competitive solicitation, may appoint one or more consumer trustees to receive, hold, bank, and sell tradable carbon credits created under this program. Trustees may include Vermont electric distribution utilities, the fiscal agent collecting and disbursing funds to support the statewide efficiency utility, or a financial institution or other entity with the expertise and financial resources to manage a portfolio of carbon credits for the long-term benefit of Vermont consumers.

(e) Reports. By January 15 of each year, commencing in 2007, the department of public service in consultation with the agency of natural resources and the public service board shall provide to the house and senate committees on natural resources and energy, the senate committee on finance, and the house committee on commerce a report detailing the implementation


and operation of RGGI, the implementation and operation of the expanded cap and trade program, and the revenues collected and the expenditures made under this section, together with recommended principles to be followed in the allocation of funds.

(f) Program expansion. The agency of natural resources and the public service board shall endeavor to coordinate with surrounding states the timing of the program expansion under this section, or the establishment of a separate cap and trade program for greenhouse gas emissions that are not subject to RGGI.

Sec. 20. VERMONT RESOURCE TRUST

(a) The Vermont resource trust is established, to consist of nine members who shall not be members of the general assembly at the time of appointment. Members shall include the state treasurer together with one member appointed by the speaker of the house, one member appointed by the committee on committees, and two members appointed by the governor, one of whom shall be a board member of the Vermont climate collaborative. In addition, there shall be a chair and a vice chair appointed by joint action of the speaker of the house, the committee on committees, and the governor, and two additional public members appointed in this manner. Members shall be appointed who have skills and knowledge that will support the needs of the trust, which may include persons with knowledge of business, “green” business and technology, economics, public health, public utilities, ecological science, carbon trading, transportation and land use planning and development, forestry and ecology, waste management, and education.

(b) The powers of the trust are vested in its members, and a quorum shall consist of five members. No action of the trust shall be considered valid unless the action is supported by a majority vote of its members. The trust shall be entitled to staff assistance from the natural resources board and from the agency of natural resources, which shall coordinate any requested assistance from state agencies and departments. The trust shall invite public input, form task forces, work with stakeholder groups and state entities, work with local, state-based, and national interest groups, and take other appropriate steps to gather information and develop its recommendations.

(c) The primary mission of the trust shall be:

(1) to identify barriers to be overcome in reducing the greenhouse gas emissions of the state;

(2) to identify areas that merit priority consideration in this regard because of their ease of implementation and their potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions;


(3) to develop recommendations for ways to overcome those barriers;

(4) to identify resource needs and funding options; and

(5) to facilitate state and private entities in addressing these issues.

(d) In this process, the trust shall consider the recommendations of the governor’s commission on climate change and its plenary group, the recommendations of the Vermont council on rural development, and other approaches, and shall work with the Vermont climate collaborative and other interested persons and groups.

(e) The trust shall present an initial report to the general assembly by no later than January 5, 2009, and biennially thereafter. The report shall include any recommendations for whether the trust shall continue to exist subsequent to submitting its report, and proposed legislative language, if necessary.

* * * State Treasurer * * *

Sec. 21. 32 V.S.A. § 433(d) is added to read:

(d) In a manner consistent with the guidelines developed under this section, the treasurer may invest in projects that are eligible under the clean energy development fund established under 10 V.S.A. § 6523 and in other appropriate mechanisms in order to promote investment in innovative and profitable clean technology businesses and industries in the state. The treasurer shall give particular attention to investments that would: generate attractive returns both in the short term and long term; leverage significant and positive interest in the private sector venture capital markets; create jobs and economic growth in clean energy and technology industries in Vermont; and promote greater energy independence and environmental protection for the state.

* * * Appraised Value of Energy Measures * * *


§ 3481. DEFINITIONS

The following definitions shall apply in this Part and chapter 101 of this title, pertaining to the listing of property for taxation:

(1) “Appraisal value” shall mean, :

(A) with respect to property enrolled in a use value appraisal program, the use value appraisal as defined in subdivision 3752(12) of this title, multiplied by the common level of appraisal, and with respect to all other property, the estimated fair market value. The estimated fair market value of a property is the price which the property will bring in the market when offered for sale and purchased by another, taking into consideration all the elements of


the availability of the property, its use both potential and prospective, any functional deficiencies, and all other elements such as age and condition which combine to give property a market value. Those elements shall include a consideration of a decrease in value in nonrental residential property due to a housing subsidy covenant as defined in section 610 of Title 27, or the effect of any state or local law or regulation affecting the use of land, including but not limited to chapter 151 of Title 10 or any land capability plan established in furtherance or implementation thereof, rules adopted by the state board of health and any local or regional zoning ordinances or development plans. In determining estimated fair market value, the sale price of the property in question is one element to consider, but is not solely determinative.

(B) For residential rental property that is subject to a housing subsidy covenant or other legal restriction, imposed by a governmental,

quasi-governmental, or public purpose entity, on rents that may be charged, fair market value shall be determined by an income approach using the following elements:

(A)(i) market rents with utility allowance adjustments for the geographic area in which the property is located as determined by the federal office of Housing and Urban Development or in the case of properties authorized under 42 U.S.C. § 1437, 12 U.S.C. § 1701q, 42 U.S.C. § 1485, 12 U.S.C. § 1715z-1, 42 U.S.C. § 1437f, and 24 CFR Part 882 Subpart D and E, the higher of contract rents (meaning the amount of federal rental assistance plus any tenant contribution) and HUD market rents;

(B)(ii) actual expenses incurred with respect to the property which shall be provided by the property owner in a format acceptable to the commissioner and certified by an independent third party, such as a certified public accounting firm or public or quasi-public funding agency;

(C)(iii) a vacancy rate that is 50 percent of the market vacancy rate as determined by the United States Census Bureau with local review by the Vermont housing finance agency; and

(D)(iv) a capitalization rate that is typical for the geographic area determined and published annually prior to April 1 by the division of property valuation and review after consultation with the Vermont housing finance agency.

(C) “Appraisal value” shall not include the value of renewable energy and energy efficiency components in or on a building. “Value of renewable energy and energy efficiency components” means the original cost of, and installation charges for, any or all of the following:


(i) Replacement of existing windows with energy efficient windows.

(ii) Replacement of energy inefficient hot water heaters with energy efficient heaters.

(iii) Replacement or addition of insulation and curtains or shades with high insulating characteristics.

(iv) Sealing of basements for purposes of energy efficiency.

(v) Addition of storm windows and storm doors.

(vi) Placement of solar photovoltaic systems and solar water and space heating systems and any related equipment.

(vii) Erection of wind turbines and related equipment;

(ix) Installation of geothermal space and water heating systems;

(x) Installation of hydropower equipment;

(xi) Installation of fuel cells that rely on renewable fuels;

(xii) Replacement of inefficient energy heating systems with efficient systems.

Sec. 23. APPLICABILITY OF APPRAISAL SECTION

Sec. 22, amending 32 V.S.A. § 3481 (exclusion of energy efficiency components from tax appraisal value), shall apply to energy efficiency components incorporated into or added to any building and completed on or after April 1, 2009.

* * * Weatherization Program * * *

Sec. 24. 33 V.S.A. § 2502(b) is amended to read:

(b) In addition, the director shall supplement, or supplant, any federal program with a state home weatherization assistance program providing:

* * *

(3) funding for the installation of solar domestic hot water systems on eligible homes.

* * * Methane Digesters * * *

Sec. 25. REGIONAL DAIRY METHANE DIGESTERS

(a) The secretary of agriculture, food and markets, in conjunction with the commissioner of public service, shall seek federal funding to evaluate the potential for manure management centers at potential sites for regional dairy


bio-digesters. In particular, the initiative shall examine the technical and economic feasibility of collecting dairy waste, transporting it, digesting it to produce energy, and returning digested manure to participating farms.

(b) The secretary of natural resources shall review and make appropriate regulatory revisions or recommend appropriate statutory amendments to its regulatory programs that may be preventing the use of wastes, such as food processing wastes, whey, and brewers’ waste, in farm-based methane digester systems.

And that when so amended the bill ought to pass.

Senator Cummings, for the Committee on Finance, to which the bill was referred, reported recommending that the bill be amended as recommended by the Committee on Natural Resources and Energy with the following amendments thereto:

First: By striking out Sec.16 [amending 30 V.S.A. § 209(d) relating to line extensions] in its entirety.

Second: By striking out Sec. 17 [adding 30 V.S.A. § 218(e) relating to returns on equity] in its entirety.

Third: In Sec. 20 subsection (a), in the first sentence, by striking out the word: “nine” and inserting the word eight and in the second sentence, by striking out the words “the state treasurer together with”

Fourth: By striking out Sec. 21 [adding 32 V.S.A. § 433(d) relating to the state treasurer] in its entirety.

Fifth: By striking out Sec. 22 [amending 32 V.S.A. § 3481 relating to appraised value] and Sec. 23 [applicability of previous section] in their entirety.

And by renumbering the remaining sections to be numerically correct.

And that when so amended the bill ought to pass.

Senator Bartlett, for the Committee on Appropriations, to which the bill was referred, reported the same without recommendation.

Thereupon, the bill was read the second time by title only pursuant to Rule 43, and pending the question, Shall the recommendation of amendment of the Committee on Natural Resources and Energy be amended as recommended by the Committee on Finance?, Senator Cummings requested and was granted leave to withdraw the third recommendation of amendment of the Committee on Finance.


Thereupon, the question, Shall the recommendation of amendment of the Committee on Natural Resources and Energy be amended as recommended by the Committee on Finance in the first, second, fourth and fifth recommendations of amendment?, was decided in the affirmative.

Thereupon, pending the question, Shall the bill be amended as recommended by the Committee on Natural Resources and Energy, as amended?, Senators Lyons and MacDonald moved to amend the recommendation of the Committee on Natural Resources and Energy, as amended as follows:

First: By striking out Sec. 19 [amending 30 V.S.A. § 255 relating to RGGI] in its entirety, and by adding a new section to read:

Sec. 3a. 10 V.S.A. § 578 is amended to read:

§ 578. GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION GOALS

(a) General goal of greenhouse gas reduction. It is the goal of the state to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases from within the geographical boundaries of the state and those emissions outside the boundaries of the state that are caused by the use of energy in Vermont in order to make an appropriate contribution to achieving the regional goals of reducing emissions of greenhouse gases from the 1990 baseline by:

(1) 25 percent by January 1, 2012;

(2) 50 percent by January 1, 2028;

(3) if practicable using reasonable efforts, 75 percent by January 1, 2050.

(b) Climate change action plan. The secretary will coordinate with the governor's commission on climate change established by executive order and will consult with any interested members of Vermont's business, agricultural, labor, and environmental communities in developing a climate change action plan. The secretary shall notify each member of the general assembly of the development of this plan and of the opportunity for public comment. This plan shall be developed in a manner that implements state energy policy, as specified in 30 V.S.A. § 202a. Not later than September 1, 2007, the secretary shall present this plan to the committees of the general assembly having jurisdiction over matters relating to the environment, agriculture, energy, transportation, commerce, and public health.

(c) Implementation of climate change action plan. In order to facilitate the state's compliance with the goals established in this section, all state agencies shall consider, whenever practicable, any increase or decrease in greenhouse gas emissions in their decision-making procedures with respect to the purchase


and use of equipment and goods; the siting, construction, and maintenance of buildings; the assignment of personnel; and the planning, design and operation of programs, services and infrastructure. In addition, on or before January 1, 2010, giving due regard to the recommendations of the Vermont resource trust, the governor’s commission on climate change and its plenary group, the Vermont council on rural development, and others, the secretaries of the agencies of natural resources and transportation, and the commissioner of public service each shall adopt rules, in accordance with 3 V.S.A. chapter 25, to make appropriate and proportionate progress within their respective areas of jurisdiction to meet the goals established by this section. These rules shall be designed to:

(1) minimize costs and maximize the total benefit to the state, encourage innovation, stimulate investment in low greenhouse gas technologies and encourage early action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions;

(2) ensure that compliance with the rules furthers rather than conflicts with federal and state ambient air quality standards and goals to reduce toxic air contaminant emissions;

(3) weigh overall societal potential benefits, including reductions in other air pollutants, diversification of energy sources, and other benefits to the economy, environment and public health;

(4) ensure that activities undertaken to comply with the rules do not disproportionately impact low-income communities;

(5) minimize the administrative burden of implementing and

complying with the rules;

(6) consider the significance of the contribution of each source or category of sources to state-wide greenhouse gas emissions; and

(7) result in greenhouse gas emission reductions that are real, permanent, quantifiable, verifiable and enforceable.

(d) Cost determinations. To determine the cost effectiveness of these rules, the secretary or commissioner shall accord to greenhouse gas emissions a cost per ton of carbon dioxide as determined by the current Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative or federal allowance price, whichever is higher.

(e) Report on effectiveness of rules. The secretaries and the commissioner shall work cooperatively to monitor and enforce compliance with this section and the rules adopted pursuant to this section. Reports on the effectiveness of these rules shall be submitted to the legislative committees on natural resources and energy and on transportation on July 1, 2012, and triennially thereafter.


(f) Advocacy for cap and trade program for greenhouse gases. In order to increase the likelihood of the state meeting the goals established under this section, the secretary of natural resources and commissioner of public service shall advocate before appropriate regional or national entities and working groups in favor of the establishment of a regional or national cap and trade program for greenhouse gas emissions. This may take the form of an expansion of the existing regional greenhouse gas initiative (RGGI), or it may entail the creation of an entirely new and separate regional or national cap and trade initiative.

Second: In Sec. 20 [Vermont Resources Trust] subsection (a), after the words “state treasurer” by inserting the words or a designee

Third: In Sec. 20, in subsection (c), before the colon, by adding the following: to consider the recommendations of the governor’s commission on climate change and its plenary group and the recommendations of the Vermont council on rural development

Fourth: In Sec. 20, by striking out subsection (d) in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

(d) In this process, the trust shall work with the Vermont climate collaborative and other interested persons and groups.

Fifth: In Sec. 20, subsection (e), in the first sentence, by striking out the following: “, and biennially thereafter” and in the second sentence after the word “report” by striking out the word “shall” and inserting the word may

And by renumbering the sections of the bill to be numerically correct.

Which was agreed to.

Thereupon, pending the question, Shall the bill be amended as recommended by the Committee on Natural Resources and Energy, as amended?, Senators Kitchel, Bartlett, Mazza and Scott moved to amend the recommendation of the Committee on Natural Resources and Energy, as amended, by striking out Secs. 11, 12 and 14 in their entirety. Thereupon, Senator Kitchel requested and was granted leave to withdraw the recommendation of amendment.

Thereupon, pending the question, Shall the bill be amended as recommended by the Committee on Natural Resources and Energy, as amended?, Senator Lyons on behalf of the Committee on Natural Resources and Energy, requested and was granted leave to withdraw Secs. 11, 12 and 14 from the recommendation of amendment of the Committee on Natural Resources and Energy, as amended.


Thereupon, pending the question, Shall the bill be amended as recommended by the Committee on Natural Resources and Energy, as amended?, Senator Lyons moved to amend the recommendation of the Committee on Natural Resources and Energy, as amended in Sec. 15, 30 V.S.A. §202(i), relating to combined heat and power, before the period at the end of the first sentence, by adding the following: or by non-qualifying SPEED resources, as defined in section 8002 of this title

Which was agreed to.

Thereupon, the pending question, Shall the bill be amended as recommended by the Committee on Natural Resources and Energy, as amended?, was decided in the affirmative.

Thereupon, third reading of the bill was ordered.

Third Reading Ordered

S. 371.

Senate committee bill entitled:

An act relating to the creation of an agency of education and the elimination of the state board of education.

Having appeared on the Calendar for notice for one day, was taken up.

Senator Bartlett for the Committee on Appropriations, to which the bill was referred, reported recommending that the bill ought to pass.

Thereupon, the bill was read the second time by title only pursuant to Rule 43, and third reading of the bill was ordered on a roll call, Yeas 20, Nays 9.

Senator Starr having demanded the yeas and nays, they were taken and are as follows:

Roll Call

Those Senators who voted in the affirmative were: Bartlett, Campbell, Carris, Collins, Condos, Coppenrath, Cummings, Giard, Kitchel, Kittell, Lyons, Maynard, Mazza, Miller, Mullin, Racine, Scott, Shumlin, Snelling, Starr.

Those Senators who voted in the negative were: Ayer, Doyle, Flanagan, Hartwell, Illuzzi, McCormack, Nitka, Sears, White.

The Senators absent and not voting was: MacDonald.

Rules Suspended; Bills Messaged


On motion of Senator Shumlin, the rules were suspended, and the following bills were ordered messaged to the House forthwith:

H. 338, H. 880.


Message from the House No. 46

A message was received from the House of Representatives by Ms. Wrask, its Second Assistant Clerk, as follows:

Mr. President:

I am directed to inform the Senate the House has considered a joint resolution originating in the Senate of the following title:

J.R.S. 61. Joint resolution relating to weekend adjournment.

And has adopted the same in concurrence.

The House has adopted concurrent resolutions of the following titles:

H.C.R. 255. Concurrent resolution congratulating the South Royalton Woman’s Club on the 100th anniversary of its membership in the State Federation of Women’s Clubs.

H.C.R. 256. Concurrent resolution recognizing the role of registered nurses in the delivery of health care in Vermont.

H.C.R. 257. Concurrent resolution congratulating the Gaines Farm on its receipt of a 2008 Vermont Centennial Business Award.

H.C.R. 258. Concurrent resolution congratulating the Brattleboro Reformer on its receipt of a 2008 Vermont Centennial Business Award.

H.C.R. 259. Concurrent resolution congratulating the 2008 Essex High School Hornets championship gymnastics team.

H.C.R. 260. Concurrent resolution in memory of Violet Coffin of Strafford.

H.C.R. 261. Concurrent resolution in memory of the American military personnel who have died in the service of their nation in Iraq from December 20, 2007 through March 27, 2008.

H.C.R. 262. Concurrent resolution congratulating the Middlebury Inn on its receipt of a 2008 Vermont Centennial Business Award.

H.C.R. 263. Concurrent resolution congratulating Chipman Point on its receipt of a 2008 Vermont Centennial Business Award.

H.C.R. 264. Concurrent resolution congratulating The Palms Restaurant on its diamond anniversary.

In the adoption of which the concurrence of the Senate is requested.

The House has considered concurrent resolutions originating in the Senate of the following titles:


S.C.R. 39. Concurrent resolution in memory of former Legislative Council operations' manager Dulcina Goulette-Sabourin.

S.C.R. 40. Concurrent resolution congratulating the 2008 Rutland High School Raiders girls' alpine skiing championship team.

S.C.R. 41. Concurrent resolution congratulating the 2008 Rutland High School Raiders boys’ and girls’ champion snowboarders.

And has adopted the same in concurrence.

Senate Concurrent Resolutions

The following joint concurrent resolutions, having been placed on the consent calendar on the preceding legislative day, and no Senator having requested floor consideration as provided by the Joint Rules of the Senate and House of Representatives, are hereby adopted on the part of the Senate:

By Senators Doyle, Illuzzi and Mazza,

By Representative Emmons and others,

S.C.R. 39.

Senate concurrent resolution in memory of former Legislative Council operations' manager Dulcina Goulette-Sabourin.

By Senators Mullin, Carris and Maynard,

By Representative Andrews and others,

S.C.R. 40.

Senate concurrent resolution congratulating the 2008 Rutland High School Raiders girls' alpine skiing championship team.

By Senators Mullin, Hartwell, Maynard and Carris,

By Representative Andrews and others,

S.C.R. 41.

Senate concurrent resolution congratulating the 2008 Rutland High School Raiders boys’ and girls’ champion snowboarders.

[The full text of the Senate concurrent resolutions appeared in the Senate calendar addendum for Thursday, April 4, 2008, and, if adopted in concurrence by the House, will appear in the volume of the Public Acts and Resolves to be published for this session of the sixty-ninth biennial session of the Vermont General Assembly.]


House Concurrent Resolutions

The following joint concurrent resolutions having been placed on the consent calendar on the preceding legislative day, and no Senator having requested floor consideration as provided by the Joint Rules of the Senate and House of Representatives, are hereby adopted in concurrence:

H.C.R. 255

House concurrent resolution congratulating the South Royalton Woman’s Club on the 100th anniversary of its membership in the State Federation of Women’s Clubs

Offered by: Representative Ainsworth and others

Offered by: Senators Ayer, Bartlett, Campbell, Carris, Collins, Condos, Coppenrath, Cummings, Doyle, Flanagan, Giard, Hartwell, Illuzzi, Kittell, Lyons, MacDonald, Maynard, Mazza, McCormack, Mullin, Nitka, Racine, Scott, Shumlin, Snelling and White

H.C.R. 256

House concurrent resolution recognizing the role of registered nurses in the delivery of health care in Vermont

Offered by: Representative Donovan and others

H.C.R. 257

House concurrent resolution congratulating the Gaines Farm on its receipt of a 2008 Vermont Centennial Business Award

Offered by: Representatives O'Donnell and Pillsbury

H.C.R. 258

House concurrent resolution congratulating the Brattleboro Reformer on its receipt of a 2008 Vermont Centennial Business Award

Offered by: Representative O'Donnell and others

H.C.R. 259

House concurrent resolution congratulating the 2008 Essex High School Hornets championship gymnastics team

Offered by: Representative Myers and others


H.C.R. 260

House concurrent resolution in memory of Violet Coffin of Stratford

Offered by: Representatives Cheney and Masland

Offered by: Senators Campbell, MacDonald, McCormack and Nitka

H.C.R. 261

House concurrent resolution in memory of the American military personnel who have died in the service of their nation in Iraq from December 20, 2007 through March 27, 2008

Offered by: Representative Obuchowski and others

H.C.R. 262

House concurrent resolution congratulating the Middlebury Inn on its receipt of a 2008 Vermont Centennial Business Award

Offered by: Representatives Nuovo and Maier

Offered by: Senators Ayer and Giard

H.C.R. 263

House concurrent resolution congratulating Chipman Point on its receipt of a 2008 Vermont Centennial Business Award

Offered by: Representatives Stevens and Bray

Offered by: Senators Ayer and Giard

H.C.R. 264

House concurrent resolution congratulating The Palms Restaurant on its diamond anniversary

Offered by: Representative Howard and others

[The full text of the House concurrent resolutions appeared in the Senate calendar addendum for Thursday, April 4, 2008, and will appear in the volume of the Public Acts and Resolves to be published for this session of the sixty-ninth biennial session of the Vermont General Assembly.]

Adjournment

On motion of Senator Shumlin, the Senate adjourned, to reconvene on Tuesday, April 8, 2008, at nine o’clock and thirty minutes in the forenoon pursuant to J.R.S. 61.

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