ACTS OF THE 2001-2002 VERMONT LEGISLATURE

NO. 143. AN ACT RELATING TO EXECUTIVE BRANCH FEES.

(H.767)

It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont:

* * * Department of Labor and Industry * * *

Sec. 1. REPEAL

21 V.S.A. § 246 (boiler and pressure vessel inspection fees) is repealed.

Sec. 2. 21 V.S.A. § 252 is amended to read:

§ 252. RULES; INSPECTIONS; VARIANCES

* * *

(1) Effective July 1, 1997, the permit application fee for a construction plan approval shall be:

(A) based on ~~$3.75~~ $4.80 per each $1,000.00 of the total valuation of the construction work proposed to be done for renovation to buildings constructed before 1983, but in no event shall the permit application fee exceed $135,000.00;

(B) based on ~~$4.50~~ $5.80 per each $1,000.00 of the total valuation of the construction work proposed to be done for all other buildings, but in no event shall the permit application fee exceed $135,000.00.

* * *

Sec. 2a. 21 V.S.A. § 252 is amended to read:

§ 252. RULES; INSPECTIONS; VARIANCES

* * *

(1) Effective July 1, 1997, the permit application fee for a construction plan approval shall be:

(A) based on ~~$4.80~~ $4.50 per each $1,000.00 of the total valuation of the construction work proposed to be done for renovation to buildings constructed before 1983, but in no event shall the permit application fee exceed $135,000.00;

(B) based on ~~$5.80~~ $5.50 per each $1,000.00 of the total valuation of the construction work proposed to be done for all other buildings, but in no event shall the permit application fee exceed $135,000.00.

* * *

Sec. 2b. 21 V.S.A. § 252(h) is added to read:

(h)(1) The department approves stamped architectural plans by issuing a plan review letter. If, upon final inspection, the department requires structural changes, additional life safety modifications, or state-mandated accessibility modifications, and the modifications or changes are not the result of design or construction changes by the owner, the owner or architect:

(A) may apply for a variance or exemption as provided in subsection (e) of this section, or section 252a or 273 of this title; and

(B) if the variance or exemption request is denied, upon the completion of the structural changes or additional life safety, or state-mandated accessibility modifications, as the case may be, may apply to the commissioner for a reimbursement of some or all of the plan review fee paid for the project.

(2) The decisions of the commissioner, pursuant to this subsection, shall be final. The commissioner shall adopt rules to carry out the provisions of this subsection. This subsection shall not apply to design or construction changes necessary to comply with an alternative method of life safety code or

state-mandated accessibility compliance requested by the owner after the plan review.

Sec. 3. 21 V.S.A. § 711(a) is amended to read:

(a) A workers’ compensation administration fund is created pursuant to subchapter 5 of chapter 7 of Title 32 to be expended by the commissioner for the administration of the workers’ compensation and occupational disease programs. The fund shall consist of contributions from employers made at the rate of ~~1.1~~ 0.85 percent of the direct calendar year premium for workers’ compensation insurance, one percent of self-insured workers’ compensation losses, and one percent of workers’ compensation losses of corporations approved under chapter 9 of ~~Title 21~~ this title. Disbursements from the fund shall be on warrants drawn by the commissioner of finance and management in anticipation of receipts authorized by this section.

* * * Fire Service Training Council * * *

Sec. 4. 20 V.S.A. § 3157 is amended to read:

§ 3157. Fire service training council ~~revolving~~ SPECIAL

fund

The fire service training council ~~revolving~~ special fund is established. The fund shall be administered by the council from which payments may be made to support training programs and activities authorized by this chapter, maintenance and operation of any permanent training facilities operated by the council, and the administrative expenses of the council. The fund shall consist of all monies received from tuitions, contributions, capital grants or other funds received by the council, and assessments of insurance companies under subsection 8557(a) of Title 32, together with monies appropriated to the fund. Monies remaining in the fund at the end of any fiscal year shall be carried forward and remain in the fund. Disbursement from the fund shall be made by the state treasurer on warrants drawn by the commissioner of finance and management.

Sec. 5. REDESIGNATION

The legislative council shall redesignate the “fire service training council revolving fund” as the “fire service training council special fund” wherever it appears in the Vermont Statutes Annotated.

Sec. 6. 32 V.S.A. § 8557(a) is amended to read:

(a) Sums for the expenses of the operation of training facilities and curriculum of the Vermont fire service training council not to exceed ~~$250,000.00~~ $400,000.00 per year shall be paid to the fire service training council ~~revolving~~ special fund created by section 3157 of Title 20 by insurance companies writing fire, homeowners multiple peril, allied lines, farmowners multiple peril, commercial multiple peril (fire and allied lines), private passenger auto physical damage and commercial auto physical damage policies on property and situated within the state of Vermont within 30 days after notice from the commissioner of banking, insurance, securities, and health care administration of such estimated expenses. Captive and surplus line companies shall be excluded from the effect of this section. The commissioner shall annually, on or before July 1, apportion such charges among all such companies and shall assess them for the same on a fair and reasonable basis as a percentage of their gross direct written premiums on such insurance written during the second prior calendar year on property situated in the state. An amount not less than $100,000.00 shall be specifically allocated to the provision of what are now or formerly referred to as Level I, units I, II and III (basic) courses for entry level firefighters.

* * * Department of Liquor Control * * *

Sec. 7. 7 V.S.A. § 2 is amended to read:

§ 2. DEFINITIONS

The following words as used in this title, unless a contrary meaning is required by the context, shall have the following meaning:

* * *

(15) “Manufacturer’s or rectifier’s license”: the liquor control board may grant to a manufacturer or a rectifier a license to manufacture or rectify, as the case may be, malt beverages and vinous beverages for export and for sale to bottlers or wholesale dealers, and the liquor control board may grant to a manufacturer or a rectifier a license to manufacture or rectify, as the case may be, spirituous liquors for export and for sale to the liquor control board, upon application of such manufacturer or rectifier and the payment to the liquor control board of the license fee ~~of $150.00~~ as required by subdivision 231(1) of this title for either license. The liquor control board may grant to a licensed manufacturer or rectifier a first class restaurant or cabaret license or first and third class restaurant or cabaret license permitting the licensee to sell alcoholic beverages to the public only at the manufacturer’s premises. A manufacturer of malt beverages who also holds a first class restaurant or cabaret license may serve to a customer malt beverages by the glass, not to exceed eight glasses at one time and not to exceed four ounces in each glass. The liquor control board may grant to a licensed manufacturer or a rectifier of malt beverages a second class license permitting the licensee to sell alcoholic beverages to the public only at the manufacturer’s or rectifier’s premises. Upon application and payment of the license fee ~~of $50.00~~ as required by subdivision 231(11) of this title, the liquor control board may grant to a licensed manufacturer or rectifier of vinous beverages up to four fourth class licenses permitting the licensee to sell such beverages by the bottle to the public at the licensed premises provided that such beverages were produced by fermentation by the manufacturer or rectifier in Vermont. However, in no case may a person with an interest in more than one manufacturer’s or rectifier’s license have an interest in more than four fourth class licenses. The manufacturer or rectifier shall pay directly to the commissioner of taxes, the sum of ~~twenty-six and one‑half~~ 26-1/2 cents per gallon for every gallon of malt beverage and the sum of ~~fifty-five~~ 55 cents per gallon for each gallon of vinous beverage manufactured by the manufacturer or rectifier and provided for sale pursuant to the first class license or the second class license or the fourth class license or combination thereof held by the manufacturer or rectifier. Holders of a manufacturer’s or rectifier’s second class or fourth class license may distribute, with or without charge, malt or vinous beverages by the glass, not to exceed two ounces per product and eight ounces in total, to all persons having attained the age of majority, which must be consumed upon the premises of the holder of the license. At the request of a person holding a first class or second class license, a holder of a manufacturer’s or rectifier’s license may distribute without charge to the management and staff of the license holder, provided they are of legal drinking age, no more than four ounces per person of a malt beverage or two ounces per person of a vinous beverage for the purpose of promoting the beverage. Written notice shall be provided to the department of liquor control at least 10 days prior to the date of the tasting. A licensed manufacturer or rectifier of vinous beverages may sell up to 2,000 gallons of vinous beverages manufactured in Vermont on invoice directly to first class and second class licensees provided the manufacturer or rectifier pays to the department an annual fee ~~of $50.00~~ as required by subdivision 231(12) of this title. The beverages may be delivered to the first class or second class licensee by common carrier or the manufacturer or rectifier’s own vehicles.

* * *

(27) “Special events permit”: a permit granted by the liquor control board permitting a person holding a manufacturer’s or rectifier’s license to attend an event open to the public, which has been approved by the local licensing authority, to sell by the glass the malt or vinous beverage manufactured or rectified by the license holder. No more than 12 special events’ permits shall be issued to a holder of a manufacturer’s or rectifier’s license during a year. The fee for the permit is ~~$25.00~~ as required by subdivision 231(13) of this title, and shall be paid to the department of liquor control. Requests for a special events’ permit shall be submitted to the department of liquor control and received by the department at least 15 days prior to the date of the event.

* * *

(29) “Festival permit”: a permit granted by the liquor control board permitting a person to conduct an event at which malt or vinous beverages, or both, are sold by the glass to the public, provided the event is approved by the local licensing authority. A festival permit holder may purchase invoiced volumes of malt or vinous beverages directly from a manufacturer or bottler, provided the manufacturer or bottler either holds a Federal Basic Permit or a Brewers Notice or evidence of licensure in a foreign country, satisfactory to the board, whichever applies. The invoiced volumes of malt or vinous beverages may be transported to the site and sold by the glass to the public by the permit holder or its employees and volunteers only during the event. A festival permit holder shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter, including section 240 of this title, and the rules of the board regarding the sale of the alcoholic beverages and shall pay the tax on the malt or vinous beverages as required by section 421 of this title. A person shall not be granted a festival permit more than four times in one year, and each permit shall be valid for no more than four consecutive days. A request for a festival permit shall be submitted to the department in a form required by the department at least 15 days prior to the festival and shall be accompanied by a permit fee ~~in the amount of $50.00~~ as required by subdivision 231(14) of this title to be paid to the department.

* * *

(32) “Wine tasting permit”: a permit granted by the liquor control board to a manufacturer or rectifier of vinous beverages that authorizes the holder to conduct an event on the premises and at the request of a second class licensee or at a farmers’ market during which the permit holder may dispense without charge to retail customers of legal age vinous beverages that have been produced in Vermont by the manufacturer or rectifier. The permit holder may dispense no more than two ounces of any single wine and no more than a total of six ounces of various wines to any one customer, and may serve no more than four customers at one time. The event shall be conducted within an area that is clearly delineated by barriers that extend no further than 10 feet from the point of service. The board may issue a permit to a manufacturer or rectifier in good standing, provided the applicant has submitted to the department a written application in a form required by the department accompanied by the permit fee ~~of $15.00~~ as required by subdivision 231(15) of this title at least 15 days prior to the date of the event. No more than one wine tasting per day may be conducted on the premises of any second class licensee. The department shall issue no more than four wine tasting permits per month to any one manufacturer or rectifier.

Sec. 8. REPEAL

7 V.S.A. § 107(7) (druggist’s permits) is repealed.

Sec. 9. 7 V.S.A. § 225 is amended to read:

§ 225. THIRD CLASS LICENSE ~~AND DRUGGIST’S PERMIT~~;

PURCHASE OF LIQUOR FROM CONTROL BOARD

A person who holds a license of the third class ~~or a druggist’s permit~~ shall purchase from the liquor control board all spirituous liquors dispensed in accordance with the provisions of such license and agreeably to the terms of this title.

Sec. 10. 7 V.S.A. § 230 is amended to read:

§ 230. RESTRICTIONS; FINANCIAL INTERESTS; DISPLAY OF

LICENSE

A manufacturer or rectifier, bottler or wholesale dealer shall not have any direct or indirect financial interest in the business of any person holding a first, second or third class license ~~or druggist’s permit~~. However, a certificate of approval holder for malt beverages or a certificate of approval holder for vinous beverages who is a manufacturer or rectifier may own a licensed retail business so long as the ownership is total and unconditional. A person holding a first, second or third class license shall not have any direct or indirect financial interest in the business of a manufacturer or rectifier, bottler or wholesale dealer. All licenses or permits granted hereunder shall be conspicuously displayed on the premises wherein such persons shall conduct the business in respect to which the license or permit is granted.

Sec. 11. 7 V.S.A. § 231 is amended to read:

§ 231. Fees for licenses

The following fees shall be paid:

(1) For a manufacturer’s or rectifier’s license (A) to manufacture or rectify malt beverages and vinous beverages, or (B) to manufacture or rectify spirituous liquors, ~~$150.00~~ $165.00 for either license;

(2) For a bottler’s license, $750.00;

(3) For a wholesale dealer’s license, ~~$600.00~~ $660.00 for each location;

(4) For a first class license, $100.00;

(5) For a second class license, $50.00;

(6) For a third class license, ~~$400.00~~ $440.00 for an annual license and ~~$250.00~~ $275.00 for a six months’ license;

(7) ~~For a druggist’s permit, $20.00;~~

(8) For a caterer’s permit, ~~$100.00~~ $110.00;

(9) For a first class cabaret license, $100.00;

(10) For a third class cabaret license, ~~$400.00~~ $440.00 for an annual license and ~~$250.00~~ $275.00 for a six months’ license;

(11) For up to four fourth class vinous licenses, $50.00;

(12) For vinous direct sales by a manufacturer or rectifier, $50.00;

(13) For a special events permit, $25.00;

(14) For a festival permit, $50.00;

(15) For a wine tasting permit, $15.00.

Sec. 12. 7 V.S.A. § 232 is amended to read:

§ 232. PAYMENT OF FEES; WHERE MADE; TERMS

All fees for manufacturers’ or rectifiers’ licenses, bottlers’ licenses, wholesale dealers’ licenses, nine percent of the fees for caterers’ licenses and ~~one-third~~ 39 percent of the third class license fees, shall be retained by the department of liquor control. ~~Fees~~ The amount of 91 percent of the fees for caterers’ permits ~~and druggists’ permits,~~ and ~~two-thirds~~ 61 percent of the third class license fees, shall be paid to the state of Vermont for the benefit of the state. All fees for the first and second class licenses shall be paid to the respective towns and cities wherein the premises are situated for which licenses are granted for the benefit of such respective towns or cities. All permits and licenses shall expire midnight, April 30, of each year and, upon the payment of a new fee, may be renewed by the control commissioners with the approval of the liquor control board as provided in section 222 of this title, provided the licensee is entitled thereto.

Sec. 13. 7 V.S.A. § 233 is amended to read:

§ 233. DISPOSAL OF FEES

The control commissioners shall collect all fees for retailers’ licenses of the first and second class and shall pay such fees to the city and town treasurers of the respective cities and towns where such fees are collected to be used as such cities and towns may direct, less a fee of $5.00 to be retained by the city or town clerk as a fee for issuing such license and recording the same. Fees for all other licenses ~~and druggists’ permits~~ shall be paid to the liquor control board.

Sec. 14. 7 V.S.A. § 235 is amended to read:

§ 235. BANKRUPTCY, DEATH AND REVOCATION

If a licensee ~~or druggist~~ becomes bankrupt or dies before the expiration of his or her license or permit, his or her trustee, executor or administrator may sell the intoxicating liquors which came into his or her possession to a holder of a license of the same class ~~or to another druggist~~. If a license or permit is revoked under the provisions of this title, after such revocation, the licensee may sell the intoxicating liquors in his or her possession at the time of such revocation to a holder of a license of the same class ~~or to another druggist~~. All sales under this section shall be accompanied by immediate and actual delivery and shall be made within ~~thirty~~ 30 days after such bankruptcy, death or revocation. However, upon application of the executor or administrator of a deceased licensee ~~or druggist~~, the board may transfer the license or permit of the decedent to such executor or administrator without payment of any additional fee, and the executor or administrator may then carry on the business of the decedent under the license or permit until the expiration thereof. The holder of a manufacturer’s or rectifier’s license may pledge or mortgage intoxicating liquor manufactured or rectified by such licensee and such pledgee or mortgagee may retain possession of such liquor and after condition broken, may sell and dispose to persons to whom the licensee might lawfully sell such liquors, subject to the same restrictions and regulations as such licensee, and to such further restriction and regulation as may be prescribed by the liquor control board with respect to notice to it in advance of such sale and determination by it of the persons entitled to buy and the manner of such sale. Any sale under such pledge or mortgage shall not be at public auction as required with respect to like sales of other property, but shall be upon not less than ten days’ notice to the pledgor or mortgagor and for the highest amount which may be offered under the regulations of such liquor control board as aforesaid.

Sec. 15. 7 V.S.A. § 303 is amended to read:

§ 303. Fee

The fee for such certificate of approval shall be for malt beverages, ~~$1,500.00~~ $1,650.00 a year and for vinous beverages, ~~$200.00~~ $220.00 a year, and shall be collected by the department of liquor control. Such certificate shall expire at midnight April 30 of each year and shall be renewable on application therefor and payment of the fee. A certified check payable to the state of Vermont shall accompany the application, and shall be returned to the applicant in case the board fails to grant the certificate. The amount of nine percent of the fees collected, pursuant to this section, shall be retained by the department of liquor control and 91 percent shall be paid to the state of Vermont for the benefit of the state.

Sec. 16. 7 V.S.A. § 363 is amended to read:

§ 363. Fee

The fee for such solicitor’s permit shall be ~~$10.00~~ $11.00 a year, and shall be collected by the department of liquor control. Such permit shall expire at midnight April 30 of each year and shall be renewable on application therefor and payment of the fee. A certified check payable to the state of Vermont shall accompany the application and shall be returned to the applicant in case the board fails to grant the permit. The amount of nine percent of the fees collected, pursuant to this section, shall be retained by the department of liquor control and 91 percent shall be paid to the state of Vermont for the benefit of the state.

* * * Secretary of State * * *

* * * Professional Regulation * * *

Sec. 17. 3 V.S.A. § 125(b) is amended to read:

(b) Unless otherwise provided by law, the following fees shall apply to all professions regulated by the director in consultation with advisor appointees under Title 26:

(1) Application for registration, $75.00

(2) Application for licensure or certification, $100.00

(3) Biennial renewal, ~~$135.00~~ $175.00, except:

(A) Biennial renewal for clinical social workers, $125.00

(B) Biennial renewal for occupational therapists and assistants, $125.00

(4) Limited temporary license or work permit, $50.00

* * * Nursing Home Administrators * * *

Sec. 18. 18 V.S.A. § 2058 is amended to read:

§ 2058. License fees

Applicants and persons regulated under this chapter shall be subject to the following fees:

(1) Application ~~$150.00~~ $325.00

(2) Biennial renewal ~~$325.00~~ $400.00

* * * Accountants * * *

Sec. 19. 26 V.S.A. § 56 is amended to read:

§ 56. Fees

Applicants and persons regulated under this chapter shall pay the following fees:

(1) Application for license $ 75.00

(2) Biennial renewal of license ~~on or after July 1, 1999~~ ~~$ 90.00~~ $100.00

(3) Firm registration ~~$ 15.00~~ $35.00

(4) Registration of nonresident firm for temporary

practice ~~$ 5.00~~ $50.00

* * * Architects * * *

Sec. 20. 26 V.S.A. § 209 is amended to read:

§ 209. FEES

Applicants and persons regulated under this chapter shall pay the following fees:

(1) application for license ~~$ 40.00~~ $60.00

(2) initial license issuance $ 20.00

(3) biennial renewal ~~$ 110.00~~ $120.00

* * * Barbers and Cosmetologists * * *

Sec. 21. 26 V.S.A. § 287(2) is amended to read:

(2) Biennial renewal

(A) Barber ~~$ 45.00~~ $60.00

(B) Cosmetologist ~~$ 45.00~~ $60.00

(D) Esthetician ~~$ 45.00~~ $60.00

(E) Shop ~~$ 75.00~~ $100.00

(F) School $300.00

* * * Chiropractic * * *

Sec. 22. 26 V.S.A. § 535 is amended to read:

§ 535. Fees

Applicants and persons regulated under this chapter shall pay the following fees:

(1) Chiropractors

(A) Application ~~$ 150.00~~ $200.00

(B) Biennial renewal ~~$ 215.00~~ $265.00

* * *

* * * Professional Engineers * * *

Sec. 23. 26 V.S.A. § 1176 is amended to read:

§ 1176. FEES

Applicants and persons regulated under this chapter shall pay the following fees:

(1) Application for engineering license $100.00

(2) Application for engineer intern certificate $ 50.00

(3) Biennial renewal ~~$ 75.00~~ $85.00

(4) Transient practice permit $ 30.00

* * * Funeral Directors and Establishments * * *

Sec. 24. 26 V.S.A. § 1256(d) is amended to read:

(d) Applicants and persons regulated under this chapter shall pay the following fees:

(1) Application $ 50.00

(2) Initial license $ 20.00

(3) Biennial renewal of license

(A) ~~Director~~ Funeral director $ 225.00

(B) ~~Establishment~~ Funeral establishment $ 400.00

(D) Removal personnel $50.00

* * * Registered and Licensed Practical Nursing * * *

Sec. 25. 26 V.S.A. § 1577 is amended to read:

§ 1577. Fees

Applicants and persons regulated under this subchapter shall pay the following fees:

(1) Application $ 60.00

(2) Registered nurse application by endorsement $150.00

~~(2)~~(3) Biennial renewal ~~$ 60.00~~ $85.00

~~(3)~~(4) Limited temporary license $ 25.00

~~(4)~~(5) Initial endorsement of advanced practice

registered nurses $ 60.00

* * * Nursing Assistants * * *

Sec. 26. 26 V.S.A. § 1599 is amended to read:

§ 1599. Fees

Applicants and persons regulated under this subchapter shall pay the following fees:

(1) Application $20.00

(2) Biennial renewal ~~$20.00~~ $25.00

* * * Osteopathy * * *

Sec. 27. 26 V.S.A. § 1794 is amended to read:

§ 1794. Fees

Applicants and persons regulated under this chapter shall pay the following fees:

(1) Application

(A) Licensure ~~$300.00~~ $500.00

(B) Limited temporary license $ 50.00

(2) Biennial license renewal ~~$350.00~~ $500.00

(3) Annual limited temporary license renewal $100.00

* * * Land Surveyors * * *

Sec. 28. 26 V.S.A. § 2597 is amended to read:

§ 2597. Fees

Applicants and persons regulated under this chapter shall pay the following fees:

(1) application ~~$ 70.00~~ $100.00

(2) biennial renewal of license ~~$225.00~~ $300.00

* * * Radiology * * *

Sec. 29. 26 V.S.A. § 2814 is amended to read:

§ 2814. Fees

Applicants and persons regulated under this chapter shall pay the following fees:

* * *

(3) Initial competency endorsement under section 2804

of this title ~~$ 70.00~~ $100.00

(4) Biennial renewal of competency endorsement under

section 2804 of this title ~~$ 70.00~~ $110.00

(5) Evaluation $ 125.00

* * * Security Services * * *

Sec. 30. 26 V.S.A. § 3178a is amended to read:

§ 3178a. FEES

Applicants and persons regulated under this chapter shall pay the following fees:

(1) Application for agency license

(A) Detective agency ~~$ 200.00~~ $250.00

(B) Security agency ~~$ 200.00~~ $250.00

(2) Initial license $ 20.00

(3) Application for employee registration

(A) Unarmed registrants ~~$ 25.00~~ $50.00

(B) Armed registrants ~~$ 60.00~~ $100.00

(4) Biennial renewal

(A) Detective agency ~~$ 225.00~~ $275.00

(B) Security agency ~~$ 225.00~~ $275.00

(D) Unarmed registrants (agency employees) ~~$ 40.00~~ $80.00

(E) Armed registrants (agency employees) ~~$ 40.00~~ $100.00

* * * Clinical Mental Health Counselors * * *

Sec. 31. 26 V.S.A. § 3270a is amended to read:

§ 3270a. FEES

Applicants and persons regulated under this chapter shall pay the following fees:

(1) Application for licensure ~~$ 150.00~~ $175.00

(2) Biennial renewal ~~$ 235.00~~ $270.00

* * * Marriage and Family Therapists * * *

Sec. 32. 26 V.S.A. § 4041a is amended to read:

§ 4041a. FEES

Applicants and persons regulated under this chapter shall pay the following fees:

(1) Application for ~~certification~~ licensure ~~$150.00~~ $175.00

(2) Biennial ~~certification~~ renewal ~~$235.00~~ $270.00

* * * Psychotherapists * * *

Sec. 33. 26 V.S.A. § 4089a is amended to read:

§ 4089a. FEES

A person who seeks entry on the roster shall pay the following fees:

(1) Initial roster entry ~~$ 75.00~~ $100.00

(2) Biennial roster ~~re-entry~~ reentry ~~$100.00~~ $125.00

* * * Medical Practice Board * * *

Sec. 34. REPEAL

Sec. 210 of No. 49 of the Acts of 1999 (medical practice board physicians and surgeons fee sunset) is repealed.

* * * Department of Public Safety * * *

Sec. 35. 20 V.S.A. § 1815(a)(3) and (4) are amended to read:

(3) Copies of fire investigation reports shall be $15.00 per report. If the reports contain audiotape or videotape, the fee for each audiotape or videotape shall be $15.00.

(4) Investigation reports unrelated to fires or motor vehicle accidents may be furnished at the discretion of the commissioner when in his or her opinion the release of such material would not be detrimental to the best interests of the department. The fee for such reports shall be $15.00. If the reports contain audiotape or videotape, the fee for each audiotape or videotape shall be $15.00.

* * * Department of Agriculture, Food and Markets * * *

Sec. 36. 6 V.S.A. § 324(b) is amended to read:

(b) No person shall distribute in this state a commercial feed which has not been registered pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. Application shall be in a form and manner to be prescribed by rule of the commissioner. The application for registration of a commercial feed shall be accompanied by a registration fee of $50.00 per product~~, unless sold only in containers of eight ounces or less, in which case the fee shall be $35.00~~. The registration fees, along with any surcharges collected under subsection (c) of this section, shall be deposited in the special fund created by ~~section~~ subsection 364(e) of this title. Funds deposited in this account shall be restricted to implementing and administering the provisions of this chapter and any other provisions of the law relating to fertilizer, lime or seeds. If the commissioner so requests, the application for registration shall be accompanied by a label or other printed matter describing the product.

Sec. 36a. 6 V.S.A. § 366(b) is amended to read:

(b) Persons distributing fertilizer shall report annually by ~~July 31~~ January 15 for the previous year ending ~~June 30~~ December 31 to the commissioner revealing the amounts of each grade of fertilizer and the form in which the fertilizer was distributed within this state. Each report shall be accompanied with payment and written permission allowing the commissioner to examine the person's books for the purpose of verifying tonnage reports.

Sec. 36b. 6 V.S.A. § 648(c) is amended to read:

(c) For those seeds sold in containers of more than ten pounds, a report shall be filed ~~semi-annually on August 1 and February 1~~ annually on January 15 on forms supplied by the commissioner regarding sales during the previous calendar year, and fees based on the 35 cent per hundredweight rate shall accompany the report. Reporting periods are January 1-June 30 and

July 1-December 31.

Sec. 37. 6 V.S.A. § 1109 is amended to read:

§ 1109. LICENSING RETAIL DEALERS

The commissioner may adopt regulations requiring persons selling Class C pesticides at retail to be licensed under this chapter, and may establish reasonable requirements for obtaining licenses. The license fee for a retail dealer shall be ~~$10.00~~ $20.00 for one year or any part thereof for each store or place of business operated by the retail dealer. The license period shall be January 1 to December 31.

Sec. 38. 6 V.S.A. § 1112(a) is amended to read:

(a) The commissioner may adopt regulations requiring persons selling Class A and B pesticides to be licensed under this chapter. In addition, the commissioner may adopt regulations requiring companies which hire applicators or conduct pesticide applications to be licensed, and applicators who use pesticides to be certified under this chapter. The commissioner may establish reasonable requirements for obtaining licenses and certificates. The fees for dealers, licensed companies and applicator certificates under this chapter shall be as follows:

(1) Class A Dealer License-~~$20.00~~ $25.00;

(2) Class B Dealer License-~~$20.00~~ $25.00;

(3) Pesticide Company License-$50.00;

(4) Commercial and Noncommercial Applicator Certification fee-$25.00 per category or subcategory with a maximum of $100.00;

(5) Second and third time examination fee for dealer licenses and applicator certification-~~$20.00~~ $25.00.

Sec. 39. 6 V.S.A. § 2934(a) is amended to read:

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to distribute fluid dairy products as a distributor, as defined by this part, without a license issued by the commission. The commission shall license all distributors annually. Application for the license shall be made to the commission upon a form to be furnished by the commission. The application shall be accompanied by an annual license fee of ~~$10.00~~ $15.00 for one year or any part thereof. The license period shall be from January 1 to December 31.

Sec. 40. 6 V.S.A. § 3306 is amended to read:

§ 3306. LICENSING

(a) No person may engage in intrastate commerce in the business of buying, selling, preparing, processing, packing, storing, transporting, or otherwise handling meat, meat food products, or poultry products, unless that person holds a valid license issued under this chapter. Categories of licensure shall include: commercial slaughterers, custom slaughterers, commercial processors, custom processors, wholesale distributors, retail vendors, meat and poultry product brokers, renderers, public warehousemen, animal food manufacturers, handlers of dead, dying, disabled, or diseased animals, and any other category which the commissioner may, by rule, establish.

* * *

(d) The annual fee for a license for a retail vendor is ~~$10.00~~ $15.00 and for all other plants, establishments, and related businesses listed under subsection (a) of this section shall be $50.00. All licenses issued under this section shall take effect January 1 and expire on December 31 of the same year.

* * *

Sec. 41. 9 V.S.A. § 2721 is amended to read:

§ 2721. LICENSED PUBLIC WEIGHMASTER-LICENSE

Any person, who is ~~eighteen~~ 18 years of age or older, wishing to be a licensed public weighmaster shall apply to the commissioner upon forms provided by the department, and remit a fee of ~~$10.00~~ $12.00. Upon approval, the commissioner shall issue to the applicant a license certificate which shall expire on June 30th unless sooner suspended or revoked under section 2723 of this title. Renewal applications shall be in such form as the commissioner shall prescribe.

Sec. 42. 9 V.S.A. § 2725(a) is amended to read:

(a) Any person wishing to be registered as a dealer or service person shall apply to the commissioner upon forms provided by the department and each application shall be accompanied by a fee of ~~$10.00~~ $25.00. Upon approval, the commissioner shall issue to the applicant a registration certificate which shall expire on June 30th unless sooner suspended or revoked under section 2726 of this title. Any service person who applies for such a registration certificate must have obtained a hand seal which has a number registered with the commissioner. Any service person who has been granted a registration certificate shall, with such hand seal, seal all meters with a lead and wire seal at such time as he or she installs, repairs or adjusts said meters.

Sec. 43. 9 V.S.A. § 2730(f) is amended to read:

(f) The commissioner shall charge, per unit, the following annual license fees:

(1) Retail motor fuel dispenser meter: ~~$12.50~~ $15.00.

(2) Vehicle tank meter: $50.00.

(3) Scales: $10.00.

~~(A) commercial enterprises with one location and two or more scales: $10.00 for the second scale and $5.00 for every additional scale.~~

~~(B) commercial enterprises with more than one location: $10.00 for the first scale and $5.00 for every additional scale per location.~~

(4) Vehicle and heavy duty scales: ~~$100.00~~ $150.00.

(5) Taxi meter: $10.00.

(6) Meter: $5.00.

(7) Bulk plant meter: ~~$50.00~~ $100.00.

(8) Truck mounted propane meter: $150.00.

(9) Hopper scales: ~~$50.00~~ $75.00.

(10) Propane fill station: $50.00.

(11) Medium duty scales:

portable platform scales: $10.00.

all others: ~~$25.00~~ $30.00.

When the department incurs expenses when conducting a licensing procedure greater than those normally incurred, the department shall assess and retain a service charge sufficient to recoup its additional expenses.

Sec. 44. 20 V.S.A. § 3906 is amended to read:

§ 3906. LICENSING OF PET MERCHANTS

No person may transact business as a pet merchant, as defined in this chapter, unless a license for that purpose has been granted by the commissioner to that person. Application for the license shall be made in the manner provided by the commissioner. The license period shall be April 1 to March 31 and the license fee shall be ~~$25.00~~ $30.00 for each license period or part thereof.

Sec. 45. REPEAL

Sec. 5 of No. 125 of the Acts of 1996, as amended by Sec. 117 of No. 49 of the Acts of 1999 (sunset of pesticide monitoring revolving fund), is repealed.

Sec. 46. REPEAL

Sec. 36(c) of No. 213 of the Acts of 1994, as amended by Sec. 23 of No. 59 of the Acts of 1997, and as further amended by Sec. 133 of No. 49 of the Acts of 1999 (sunset of dog license rabies surcharge), is repealed.

* * * Department of Public Service * * *

Sec. 47. 30 V.S.A. § 20(b) is amended to read:

(b) Proceedings, including appeals therefrom, for which additional personnel may be retained are:

* * *

(13) proceedings before the Federal Communications Commission or related forums which involve Vermont utilities or which may affect the interests of the state of Vermont occurring prior to July 1, ~~2002~~ 2004. Costs under this subdivision shall be charged, pursuant to subsection 21(a) of this title, to the ~~telephone~~ companies ~~pursuant to section 21(a) of this title~~ providing telecommunications services on a common carrier basis. In cases where the proceeding is generic in nature, the costs shall be allocated to ~~telephone~~ companies in proportion to the benefits sought for their customers from such advocacy.

(14) proceedings before the Federal Communications Commission or related forums which involve a company that owns a cable television system holding a certificate of public good and delivering services in Vermont or which may affect the interests of the state of Vermont occurring prior to July 1, ~~2002~~ 2004. Costs under this subdivision shall be charged to the ~~cable~~ company pursuant to ~~section~~ subsection 21(a) of this title. In cases where the proceeding is generic in nature, the costs shall be allocated to ~~cable~~ companies in proportion to the benefits sought for their customers from such advocacy.

Sec. 48. Sec. 13 of No. 182 of the Acts of 1996, as amended by Sec. 152 of No. 49 of the Acts of 1999, is amended to read:

Sec. 13. SUNSET OF FERC BILLBACK AUTHORITY

Sec. 12 shall be repealed on July 1, ~~2002~~ 2004.

* * * Health Care Trust Fund * * *

Sec. 49. 33 V.S.A. § 1954(a) is amended to read:

(a) Beginning July 1, ~~2001~~ 2002, each nursing home’s annual assessment shall be ~~$2,768.69~~ $3,166.29 per bed licensed pursuant to section 7105 of this title on June 30 of the immediately preceding fiscal year.

Sec. 50. 33 V.S.A. § 1956 is amended to read:

§ 1956. HEALTH CARE TRUST FUND

* * *

(b) All monies received from or generated to the fund shall be used for the state portion of Medicaid expenditures and for administration of provisions of this subchapter under subsection 1952(c) of this title. Of the net revenues generated by the ~~$2,768.69~~ $3,166.29 per bed annual assessment on nursing homes, the net revenues generated $200.00 per bed shall be used for home- and community-based Medicaid waiver services and the net revenues generated by $1,768.69 per bed, less the total amount of the state share of the inflation factor adjustments for state fiscal year 2002, as calculated by the division of rate setting pursuant to subsection 905(c) of this title, shall be used solely for Medicaid nursing home reimbursement as follows:

* * *

* * * Department of Health * * *

Sec. 51. 18 V.S.A. § 503(c) is amended to read:

(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 603 of Title 32, the commissioner shall establish fees reasonably related to the cost of the laboratory services. The commissioner shall have the discretion to change fee amounts or add new fees to respond to new laboratory testing requirements or improvements, except for fee increases charged to municipalities for testing public water systems and supplies and the fee for total coliform testing which shall be not more than $14.00. In determining whether to exercise such discretion, the commissioner shall consider such factors as newly-identified public health needs, changes in technology or methodology which affect cost, changes in testing supply cost and changes in sample numbers which affect testing costs. Fees collected under this section shall be credited to a special fund and shall be available to the department to offset the cost of providing the services, and shall be reported in accordance with section 605 of Title 32.

* * * Agency of Natural Resources * * *

* * * Department of Environmental Conservation * * *

Sec. 52. 3 V.S.A. § 2822(j)(2) is amended to read:

(2) For discharge permits issued under 10 V.S.A. chapter 47 and orders issued under 10 V.S.A. § 1272, an administrative processing fee of $100.00 shall be paid at the time of application for a discharge permit in addition to any application review fee and any annual operating fee:

(A) Application review fee

* * *

(iii) Stormwater discharges.

(I) Individual permit or application ~~$145.00~~ $300.00 per acre

to operate under general permit: impervious area;

original application; amendment minimum ~~$100.00~~

for increased flows; amendment $150.00 per application.

for change in treatment process.

(II) Individual permit or application $1,170.00 per acre

to operate under general permit impervious area; mini-

for collected stormwater runoff mum $1,170.00 per

which is discharged to application.

Class A waters; original

application; amendment for

increased flows; amendment

for change in treatment process.

(III) Renewal, transfer or minor $0.00

amendment of individual permit

or approval under general

permit.

~~(IV) General permit.~~ ~~$0.00~~

* * *

(B) Annual operating fee

* * *

(iv) Stormwater

(I) Individual permit or approval $ 235.00 per acre

under general permit for impervious area;

collected stormwater runoff $ 235.00 minimum.

which is discharged to

class A waters.

(II) All other individual permits ~~$30.00~~ $50.00 per acre

and approvals under general impervious area; $30.00

permits. permits. minimum.

~~(III) General permit~~ ~~$30.00~~

* * *

Sec. 53. 3 V.S.A. § 2822(j)(26) is added to read:

(26) For conditional use determinations issued under 10 V.S.A. § 1272:

(A) $0.07 per square foot of proposed impact to Class I or II wetlands;

(B) $0.05 per square foot of proposed impact to Class I or II wetland buffers;

(C) maximum fee, for the conversion of Class II wetlands or wetland buffers to cropland use, $200.00 per application. For purposes of this subdivision, “cropland” means land that is used for the production of agricultural crops, including row crops, fibrous plants, pasture,

fruit-bearing bushes, trees or vines and the production of Christmas trees;

(D) minimum fee, $50.00 per application.

Sec. 53a. STAFFING OF A FARM WETLANDS LIAISON POSITION

Unless otherwise provided by law, the secretary of the agency of natural resources shall not decrease the staff in the wetlands program, dedicated to acting as a farm wetlands liaison, below the level that existed as of January 1, 2002.

Sec. 54. 3 V.S.A. § 2822(j) is amended to read

(j) In accordance with subsection (i) of this section, the following fees are established for permits, licenses, certifications, approvals, registrations, orders, and other actions taken by the agency of natural resources.

* * *

(24) ~~For hazardous waste generator registrations required by 10 V.S.A.~~ § ~~6608(f):~~

~~(A) small quantity generators~~ ~~$25.00 per year~~

~~(B) large quantity generators~~ ~~$200.00 per year.~~

~~(25)~~ For approvals of the operation of mineral prospecting equipment issued under 10 V.S.A. chapter 41:

(A) annual approval for a resident: $ 30.00

(B) annual approval for a nonresident: $100.00.

(25) For hazardous waste generator registrations required by 10 V.S.A. § 6608(f):

(A) small quantity generators $25.00 per year

(B) large quantity generators $200.00 per year.

Sec. 55. 10 V.S.A. § 905b is amended to read:

§ 905b. DUTIES; POWERS

The department shall protect and manage the water resources of the state in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter and shall:

* * *

(18) study and investigate the wetlands of the state and cooperate with other agencies and the board in collecting and compiling data relating to wetlands, propose to the board specific wetlands to be designated as significant wetlands, and implement through existing programs the rules adopted by the board governing significant wetlands, including the issuance or denial of conditional use determinations pursuant to section 1272 of this title.

Sec. 56. 23 V.S.A. § 3305(b) and (c)(3)(A) and (B) are amended to read:

§ 3305. FEES

* * *

(b) Annually, the owner of each motorboat required to be registered by this state shall file an application for a number with the commissioner of motor vehicles on forms approved by him or her. The application shall be signed by the owner of the motorboat and shall be accompanied by a fee of $15.00 and a surcharge of $5.00 for a motorboat in class A; by a fee of $25.00 and a surcharge of $10.00 for a motorboat in class 1; by a fee of $50.00 and a surcharge of $10.00 for a motorboat in class 2; by a fee of $110.00 and a surcharge of $10.00 for a motorboat in class 3. Upon receipt of the application in approved form, the commissioner shall enter the application upon the records of the department of motor vehicles and issue to the applicant a registration certificate stating the number awarded to the motorboat and the name and address of the owner. The owner shall paint on or attach to each side of the bow of the motorboat the identification number in such manner as may be prescribed by rules of the commissioner in order that it may be clearly visible. The registration shall be void one year from the first day of the month of issue. A vessel of less than 10 horsepower used as a tender to a registered vessel shall be deemed registered, at no additional cost, and shall have painted or attached to both sides of the bow, the same registration number as the registered vessel with the number “1” after the number. The number shall be maintained in legible condition. The registration certificate shall be pocket size and shall be available at all times for inspection on the motorboat for which issued, whenever the motorboat is in operation. A duplicate registration may be obtained upon payment of a fee of $2.00 to the commissioner.

(c) A person engaged in the manufacture or sale of motorboats of a type otherwise required to be registered by this subchapter, upon application to the commissioner upon forms prescribed by him or her, may obtain registration certificates for use as described under subdivision (1) of this subsection.

* * *

(3) An application for a dealer motorboat registration number shall be accompanied by the following fees:

(A) for the first number applied for, $25.00 and a surcharge of $5.00;

(B) for each additional number applied for in the current registration period, $5.00 and a surcharge of $5.00.

Sec. 57. 23 V.S.A. § 3319 is amended to read:

§ 3319. FEES COLLECTED; SPECIAL FUND

* * *

(b) The fees and penalties collected under the provisions of this subchapter, excluding surcharges collected under subsection 3305(b) and subdivisions 3305(c)(3)(A) and (B) of this title, shall be deposited in the motorboat registration fund and shall be allocated as follows:

* * *

(3) 25 percent to the department of environmental conservation for the purpose of aquatic nuisance control pursuant to 10 V.S.A. §§ 921, 922 ~~and~~, 923, and 1263a;

* * *

(c) The surcharges collected under subsection 3305(b) and subdivisions 3305(c)(3)(A) and (B) of this title shall be credited to the special fund established under subdivision (b)(3) of this section for the purpose of an aquatic nuisance control grant program pursuant to sections 921, 922, and 923 of Title 10.

Sec. 58. STAFFING OF THE AQUATIC NUISANCE PROGRAM

Unless otherwise provided by law, the secretary of the agency of natural resources shall not decrease the number of staff in the aquatic nuisance control program below the level that existed as of January 1, 2002.

Sec. 58a. 10 V.S.A. § 4259 is amended to read:

§ 4259. VERMONT RESIDENTS; ARMED FORCES

Any resident of the state of Vermont who is serving in the armed forces of the United States or is performing or under orders to perform any homeland defense or state-side contingency operation, or both, for a period of 120 consecutive days or more, as certified by the Adjutant General for the Vermont National Guard is eligible to obtain at no cost a hunting or fishing license or a combination hunting and fishing license. This provision will apply only during the period he or she is serving in the armed forces of the United States, or as certified pursuant to this section.

* * * Banking and Insurance * * *

Sec. 59. 8 V.S.A. § 2501 is amended to read:

§ 2501. EXCLUSIONS

This chapter does not apply to:

* * *

(12) a seller of goods or services that cashes payment instruments incidental to or independent of a sale and does not charge for cashing the payment instrument in excess of $1.00 per instrument.

Sec. 60. SUNSET

(a) The amendments contained in Sec. 2 shall expire on July 1, 2003.

(b) The amendments contained in Sec. 2a shall expire on July 1, 2004 and, upon that date, the content of section 252 of Title 21 shall revert to the content that existed before the amendment contained in this act.

(c) The amendments contained in Sec. 52 shall expire on July 1, 2004 and, upon that date, the content of subdivisions 2822(j)(2)(A)(iii) and 2822(j)(2)(B)(iv) of Title 3 shall revert to the content that existed before the amendments contained in this act.

(d) The amendments contained in Secs. 56-58 shall expire on July 1, 2007 and, upon that date, the content of sections 3305 and 3319 of Title 23 shall revert to the content that existed before the amendments contained in this act.

(e) Sec. 53a (agricultural wetlands liaison) is repealed on July 1, 2003.

(f) Sec. 65 (purchase and use tax exemption for donations of cars) is repealed on July 1, 2004.

Sec. 61. EFFECTIVE DATES

(a) This section and Sec. 67 of this act shall take effect upon passage.

(b) Sec. 2a shall take effect on July 1, 2003.

Sec. 62. Sec. 277 of No. 62 of the Acts of 1999 is amended to read:

Sec. 277. EFFECTIVE DATES

* * *

(c) Sec. 272 shall be effective on passage, and the provisions in Sec. 272 providing a property transfer tax exemption shall be repealed on ~~July 1, 2002~~ July 1, 2006.

Sec. 63. 32 V.S.A. § 1715(a) is amended to read:

(a) Upon payment of a $7.00 fee to the commissioner of health or upon payment of a $9.50 fee to the commissioner of buildings and general services, the commissioners shall provide certified copies of vital records or shall ascertain and certify what the vital records available to the commissioners show, except that the commissioners shall not copy the word "illegitimate" from any birth certificate furnished. The fee for the search of the vital records is $3.00 which is credited toward the fee for the first certified copy based upon the search. Pursuant to subdivision 603(2) of this title, these fees may be adjusted.

Sec. 64. 32 V.S.A. § 8911(21) is added to read:

(21) a motor vehicle registered at the pleasure car rate:

(A) donated to a Vermont resident having a total income of no more than 185 percent of the federal poverty level as designated by a Vermont state agency, a regional Office of Economic Opportunity, or a Vermont charitable entity that has a principal purpose of providing automobiles to low income persons in this state, and which is exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; and

(B) donated by an organization that is exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and that has a

principal purpose of providing automobiles to low income persons in this state, or by a licensed automobile dealer.

Sec. 65. 21 V.S.A. § 1338(f) is amended to read:

(f) The maximum weekly benefit amount shall be $265.00 from July 1, 1998 through June 30, 1999, adjusted by a percentage equal to the percentage change during the preceding calendar year in the state average weekly wage as determined by subsection (g) of the section. Thereafter, on the first day of the first calendar week of July, the maximum weekly benefit amount shall be adjusted by a percentage equal to the percentage change during the preceding calendar year in the state average weekly wage as determined by subsection (g) of the section; provided, that the maximum weekly benefit amount shall not be adjusted if any advances made on or after April 1, 1982, to the State Unemployment Compensation Fund pursuant to Title XII of the Social Security Act, as amended, remain unpaid. For the 12-month period from July 1, 2001 through June 30, 2002, the maximum weekly benefit amount shall be $312.00. For the 12-month period from July 1, 2002 through June 30, 2003, the maximum weekly benefit amount shall be $351.00. Thereafter, on the first day of the first calendar week of July, the maximum weekly benefit amount shall be adjusted by a percentage equal to the percentage change during the preceding calendar year in the state average weekly wage as determined by subsection (g) of this section, provided the maximum weekly benefit amount shall not increase in any year that advances made to the State Unemployment Compensation Fund pursuant to Title XII of the Social Security Act, as amended, remain unpaid.

Sec. 65a. TEMPORARY UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT SUPPLEMENT

For the year beginning July 1, 2002 and ending no later than on June 30, 2003, each individual receiving a weekly benefit calculated pursuant to section 1338 of Title 21 shall receive an additional benefit of $18.00 per week. Such additional benefits shall be paid until the benefits paid under this section total $6 million. Each payment made to an unemployed worker shall identify that temporary unemployment benefit supplement.

Sec. 65b. UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE TAX CREDIT

Each employer making contributions pursuant to section 1326 of Title 21 for the first three calendar quarters beginning on July 1, 2002 shall have its contribution reduced by the difference between the payments made by the employer under the Tier II tax and the Tier I tax. Such additional credits shall

be paid until the end of the quarter in which the credits paid under this section exceed $7.5 million.

Sec. 66. ADDITIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION

Any individual who has exhausted all rights to regular unemployment compensation after March 15, 2001 and does not qualify for temporary

extended unemployment compensation under the Reed Act, Pub. L.

No.107-147 solely because of the work standard in Section 202(d)(2)(A) of that Act shall be eligible for up to 13 weeks of additional unemployment compensation. Such additional unemployment compensation shall not be charged to the experience rating of any employer.

Sec. 67. UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE STUDY

(a) The department of employment and training shall study the unemployment contribution system, and report its findings to the House Committees on Commerce and on Ways and Means and the Senate Committees on General Affairs and Housing and on Finance by January 15, 2003. The study shall review the effectiveness of the experience rating system in associating cost with contribution rates and the distribution of cost by industry and employer size. The study shall also review the adequacy standard inherent in the system to determine whether it leads to an appropriate trust fund balance. In addition, the study shall examine employers who elect to make payments in lieu of contributions.

(b) In developing its recommendations, the department of employment and

training shall consult with any interested party, including the Vermont State

Labor Council, Associated Industries of Vermont, Vermont State Chamber of Commerce, Vermont Retail Association and Associated General Contractors.

Sec. 68. 23 V.S.A. § 3802(a)(8) is amended to read:

(8) for a certificate of search of the records of the motor vehicle department for each vessel, snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle searched against, ~~$7.00~~ $13.00;

Approved: June 21, 2002