Committee approves straw poll to add instructions for obtaining hard‑copy consumer rules to H.898 notice language

Representative Anne Donahue presented a suggested amendment to H.898 (copper‑to‑fiber transition) that would require disconnection notices to include both a link to consumer protection rules and information on how to obtain a hard copy of rule 7.600 by U.S. mail.

Donahue said the amendment aims to help older Vermonters and others who may not be comfortable accessing rules online. Committee members recommended a minor wording change — replacing "a method for obtaining" with "how to obtain" — to make the instruction clearer. Donahue agreed and said she would submit the revised language to the clerk’s office before the filing deadline.

The committee conducted a straw poll on the sponsor’s clarified language; members present responded affirmatively. Representative Kathleen James thanked Donahue for the improvement and instructed sponsors to file the amendment with the clerk.

The committee did not take a formal recorded vote; the straw poll indicated support to move the revised language to the clerk for filing.