The first week of
the 2018 legislative session opened with less ceremony than last
year, which was the beginning of the biennium. New members appointed
since last May due to resignations were seated, and Speaker Mitzi
Johnson made her opening remarks. She acknowledged that each House
member was there to promote the best interests of Vermont and
Vermonters as they perceived that charge, and she asked us to work
together collaboratively to achieve the best results. Recognizing
that climate change was one of the most critical challenges of
society, she challenged each House committee to take at least one
initiative within its purview that would reduce carbon emissions.
The
second day was essentially a continuation of the veto session that
convened last June to pass the FY18 budget after Governor Scott
vetoed it and the marijuana legalization bill. While the budget was
passed in June, the marijuana bill did not have enough support to
suspend the rule requiring 24 hour notice published in the record
before a bill could be voted on. Such a suspension would require ¾
of the body present to pass. So notice to take up H.511 was
published in the House Calendar on January 3rd,
and we proceeded to debate it the following day. Two hours of debate
in the morning and three after the Governor's State of the State
address in the afternoon, primarily consisted of amendments that were
offered, only one of which was adopted. The bill to legalize
possession of one ounce of marijuana and two mature and 4 immature
plants per household in a secure area with penalties for distribution
to persons under 21 years of age passed on a vote of 81 to 63.
This is an issue
that continues to divide public opinion with strong feelings on both
sides. Access to marijuana by young people and driving under the
influence are valid concerns. My vote in favor of the bill reflected
my opinion that the current status of prohibition is not working.
More than 80,000 Vermonters admit to using even while it is illegal,
and marijuana is more accessible to teens than alcohol. Like
alcohol, it can be abused, but most users do not abuse it. I listened
closely to the debate and supported several amendments that I felt
would improve it. I don't believe the bill is perfect, but I came to
the conclusion that legalization is inevitable. It will be available
legally in Massachusetts by the end of the year, and Quebec is on the
path of legalization as well. The bill increases penalties for
distribution to minors and increases the number of State Police
officers trained to be Drug Recognition Experts (DREs). In my opinion
marijuana should be taxed and regulated like alcohol. While this
bill does not provide for that, I believe that Vermont will adopt a
tax-and-regulate system in the next year or two.
I welcome your concerns and opinions
and can be reached by phone (802-233-5238) or by email
(myantachka.dfa@gmail.com).
