Governor Phil Scott of Vermont has been busy signing bills into law, with 18 receiving his signature. Some of the notable ones include a bill that imposes stricter penalties, including jail time, for those convicted of retail theft when the value of stolen goods exceeds $250. Another significant bill bans the sale of products containing PFAS chemicals, such as cosmetics, menstrual products, clothing, and athletic turf.
Additionally, there’s a proposal expanding college opportunities for graduates, regardless of their immigration status. Governor Scott also allowed two bills to become law without his signature, including one requiring fossil fuel companies to pay for climate change damages and another enhancing flood safety efforts statewide.
However, Governor Scott vetoed a bill, H.72, which would have authorized the establishment of a safe injection site in Burlington. These harm reduction centers provide a supervised environment for people to consume illicit drugs, aiming to prevent fatal overdoses. Governor Scott has voiced moral and logistical concerns about the proposal, emphasizing his preference for treatment and prevention measures.
Governor Scott’s veto of H.72 brings his total career vetoes to 47, reflecting his tenure alongside a Democratic majority or supermajority in the statehouse.