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Vermont Council of

 

Developmental and Mental Health Services

 Legislative Wrap up for the 2010 Session

For archived Legislative Updates please click the Library/Updates Tab

 

  1. Challenges for Change H. 792

 

  1. Appropriations Bill H.789

 

      3.  Public Inebriate Programs

·         S. 292 sets back timeframe for the State to cease incarceration of public inebriates to July 2012

·         Development of a statewide standardized assessment tool

 

4.   Futures

·         Capitol budget includes $10 out of the requested $15 million for developing the Secure Residential facility from anticipated FMAP

·         New planning funds requested by DMH were not included in the budget

·         Changes to the involuntary medications law to collapse commitment and involuntary medication into one procedure were not approved

·         The Forensic Examination Bill S. 205 reforms how forensic admissions are managed by the Courts and referrals to VSH and designated hospitals and clarifies responsibility to provide the correct level of care, including outpatient treatment. Now signed by the Governor.

 

5.      Act 129 Task Force is Saved

·         Legislation H.760 to reduce the number of State advisory boards eliminated the Act 129 task force, originally designed to ensure mental health parity, however the mental health community protested and it was restored.

 

6.   Health Care Administration Consolidation

·         S. 177 restructuring human services and health care administration did not pass the Senate.

                       

7.   A sex offender’s street address shall not be posted electronically if the offender has a developmental disability and receives funding from the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) for 24-hour supervision and treatment.

 

8.   Background Checks requirements for individuals working with vulnerable populations in S.297 Miscellaneous Changes to Education Law

·         This started as an educational initiative and was expanded to include all employers of persons in a position of power, authority or supervision of a minor of vulnerable adult.  The implementation is after the next legislative session, so this will be on the Council’s agenda for the 2011 session.

 

For more information or to take action:

        Legislative home page: http://www.leg.state.vt.us

        Sergeant-at-Arms Office: (802) 828-2228 or (800) 322-5616

        State House fax (to reach any member): (802) 828-2424

        State House mailing address (to reach any member):     

                                    Your Legislator

                                    State House

                                    115 State Street, Drawer 33

                                    Montpelier, VT  05633-5501

        Email, home address and phone: Legislators' email addresses and home contacts may be found on the Legislature home page at http://www.leg.state.vt.us

        Governor Jim Douglas (802) 649-6825 or http://governor.vermont.gov/

The purpose of the legislative update is to inform individuals who are interested in developmental, mental health and substance abuse services about legislative advocacy, policy development and activities that occur in the State Legislature. The Vermont Council is a non-profit trade association whose membership consists of 16 designated developmental and mental health agencies.

For further information contact Julie Tessler at (802) 223-1773 or email julie@vtcouncil.org

 

  

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