Senate Leadership Priorities this Session

S. 289 From Committee on Finance
Link: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2018/S.289
Status: Passed the Senate, in House committee
● Net Neutrality bill goes directly against the FCC’s orders
● First of its kind in the nation
● Ensures a free and accessible internet for all

S. 40 From Committee on Economic Development, Housing, and General Affairs
Link: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2018/S.40
Status: Favorable report in Econ Dev committee, has moved onto Committee on Appropriations
● Hours of testifying on either side
● Raises minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2024
● Tip wage is half of the regular minimum wage

S. 175 From Committee on Health and Welfare
Link: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2018/S.175
Status: Favorable report in Health and Welfare Committee, has moved onto Finance Committee
● Wholesale importation of prescription drugs from canada
● Requires health insurers to provide impact of prescription drug spending on premium
rates
● Drug manufacturers must provide notice before introducing high-cost drugs to the market

S. 164 From Committee on Health and Welfare
Link: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2018/S.164
Status: Favorable report from Health and Welfare Committee, about to have third reading on the
Senate floor
● Establishes Unused Prescription Drug Repository Program
● Program accepts unused prescription drugs and supplies and donates them to Vermont
residents who meet eligibility standards
● Bill outlines standards of prescription drugs

S. 105 From Committee on Judiciary
Link: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2018/S.105
Status: Favorable report from the Judiciary Committee and about to be on the Senate floor
● Prohibits forced arbitration of consumer disputes
● Consumer protection enforced
● Defines this as an “unfair and deceptive practice”