S.280: Highway

Traffic Safety

I am thrilled to report we passed a highway traffic safety bill. The bill includes a texting ban for all drivers and bans cell phones for teens (junior operators) and requires primary seatbelt enforement for teens. In passing this legislation, we our protecting our most vulnerable drivers. S. 280 takes Vermont forward in making our highways safer and saving lives.

The two provisions of the bill that ban texting for all drivers and ban on electronic devices for junior operators respond to the evidence that drivers using cell phones are 4 times more likely to be involved in a crash.

With this legislation we are responding to our grave concern that the number one killer of our youth is traffic accidents. Youth highway fatalities are a public health risk. With this legislation we are taking the steps to eliminate that risk. S.280 sets forth strong public policy for all drivers. As we teach our young drivers safe driving practices, I hope all Vermonters will look at their driving habits and make our highways safer.

Ignition Interlock: I am pleased to report that we passed the committee of conference report implementing an ignition interlock program. The Senate added a pilot program for those under the supervision of the Intensive Substance Abuse Program of the Department of Corrections (“DOC”) to be eligible to obtain an ignition interlock.

H.730 Relating to the Employment of Teachers and

Child Protection

There is much concern about the hiring of teachers and access to employment history. My committee wants to ensure that employers have the vital information regarding future employees who would come into contact with children or vulnerable adults. While H.730 started out as just aimed at teachers based on a recent sexual abuse case, we expanded it to all employees.

The bill states that “it is the policy of the state of Vermont that no confidential employment separation agreement shall inhibit the disclosure to prospective employers of factual information about a prospective employee’s background that would lead a reasonable person to conclude that the prospective employee has engaged in conduct jeopardizing the safety of a minor or vulnerable adult.

The bill requires that “each prospective employee whose duties may place that person in a position of power, authority, or supervision over or permit unsupervised contact with a minor or vulnerable adult shall sign a waiver prior to employment authorizing the prospective employer to request information about the prospective employee from current employers and former employers who employed the person within the previous ten years regarding conduct jeopardizing the safety of a minor or vulnerable adult.”

We will continue to look at this issue next session. There was concern expressed about the burden this law may place on small employers. We also required a study on liability and immunity issues. We heard that former employees might be hesitant to provide information for fear of being sued. We think this law is important so that we can provide the most protection for our children from potential abuse.

Emergency Medical

Services Providers

We passed long awaited legislation regarding EMS recertification. The law no longer requires EMS to take exams every year to be recertified, but instead requires continuing education.

Judicial Restructuring

The committee of conference report on this issue also passed. Court systems around the country are suffering from budget constraints and are responding by closing courts, thereby hindering access to justice. I am glad to report that we were able to unify the Vermont judiciary with a bill that saves money and puts our judiciary on the path to better management, efficiency and accountability and maintains access to justice. It will also cut Vermont counties’ property taxes by 1.2 million in 2011 and 2012.

Renewable Energy

This bill passed as well. It sends a strong message to renewable energy producers that Vermont has a predictable efficient permitting system within the Public Service Board.

Please stay in touch. 828- 2228,496-7667,

maxjg@wcvt.com