2008 Legislative Session

VRA Update

VRA members should already have received the Blue Cross Blue Shield legislative update summarizing health care legislation passed this year in Vermont.

Members will also receive a summary from Downs Rachlin Martin on major legislative issues.

Below, we draw your attention to legislation of particular interest to retailers. We anticipate that the Governor will sign all these bills.

H.888 Miscellaneous Tax Amendments
This bill includes language on the sales tax holiday scheduled for July. The Vermont Tax Department has already begun posting information on the tax holiday on their website,
http://www.state.vt.us/tax/index.shtml. They will continue to update their website on a regular basis. If you have additional questions, do not hesitate to contact us.

S.152 Lead in Consumer Products
We have already distributed the language that passed regarding lead in consumer products. All retailers should read that language carefully as it places very specific requirements on products for children under twelve. Also, retailers selling jewelry must post informational signs on jewelry intended for adults that does not meet the lead standards included in the bill. The bill is not intended to cover electronics that are not specifically targeted to children under 12. Please contact us with any questions.

H. 515 Disposal of Mercury Thermostats
This bill is a manufacturer responsibility bill. Manufacturers are accountable for the costs of the program. At the same time this bill does require retailers participation in the recycling programs. All hardware store owners and those who sell thermostats should read this bill carefully.

The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources recently conducted a pilot project of thermostat recycling and some retailers have already participated. We are happy to provide contact information and facilitate your work with the Agency of Natural Resources.

The complete text of this bill can be found at the following link
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/legdoc.cfm?URL=/docs/2008/bills/passed/H-515.HTM

S.261 Phthalates in Products for Young Children
Phthalates are chemicals used generally as a softener in plastic products. The European Union and California already have laws restricting the use of Phthalates. The Phthalates bill is very similar to legislation passed in California. The bill covers phthalates in products intended for children under three. The link is below
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/legdoc.cfm?URL=/docs/2008/bills/passed/S-261.HTM

Again, do not hesitate to contact us with questions regarding any of this legislation. Our Executive Director, Tasha Wallis testified on all of this legislation and was successful in addressing many issues of concern to retailers. She would be happy to answer your questions and can be reached at 802-879-6999 or tasha@vtretailers.com.

VRA also testified on other legislative matters. VRA successfully modified a drivers license bill which included privacy restrictions which would have precluded retailers from utilizing check verification systems or return fraud systems. We also worked closely with our business lobbyists on matters of general business interest. We look forward to continuing to serve you in the future.