By Duke London

 

Last week, Vermont Governor Phil Scott vetoed the House and Senate-approved S.22 Bill that would have legalized marijuana for adult consumption, possession, and home cultivation.

While many were disappointed in the decision, none were more vocal than Scott’s own Lieutenant Governor David Zuckerman, who called the veto “very short-sighted” and added that he was “sad to see the Governor disregard the will of most Vermonters and reduce individual liberties in our state.”

Governor Scott assured lawmakers, legalization advocates, and Vermonters alike that he would work with the bill’s authors to draft a version that was more suitable for law in the Green Mountain State.

Just days after nixing the legalization effort at the finish line, Scott made good on his word and began work on modifying the bill. Select Vermont lawmakers met with the Governor’s staff on Thursday and Friday to discuss Scott’s notes on S.22.

The Governor’s primary concerns with the legalization bill were the lack of language in the proposed legislation that would protect children in the state and curtail impaired driving.

“We are all concerned about youth safety and roadside safety,” said Laura Subin, Director of the Vermont Coalition to Regulate Marijuana. “We hope we can work with the governor and the legislature to come up with a proposal that reflects those priorities.”

One of Scott’s initial proposed revisions included escalating the sanctions for cannabis use in the presence of a child, while another sought to prolong research of the effects legalization would have on the state. There is a two-day veto session scheduled for June 21 where the changes could be implemented and the bill could be passed, assuming all parties cooperate.

However, not all parties involved want to circumvent traditional policy to expedite the legalization effort. Vermont House Minority Leader Don Turner (R-Milton) announced last week after the Governor’s S.22 veto that he would be unwilling to ignore standard operating procedure, as he saw “no reason to expedite or circumvent the legislative process by suspending rules.”

If lawmakers decide to indeed suspend the normal policies, which would require a three-quarters majority to approve, the modified legalization bill could be approved, passed, and made law all within the veto session in three weeks.