VSEA asks committee to close solicitation loophole on Department of Corrections grounds

The Vermont State Employees Association asked the Senate Economic Development, Housing & General Affairs Committee to close what it described as a loophole that allows solicitation on areas outside Department of Corrections facilities.

Al Gordon Oonnell, introduced as managing partner of a union law firm and general counsel for VSEA, told senators the state facilities rule currently exempts DOC grounds from a near‑blanket prohibition on solicitation and urged the committee to align DOC grounds with the existing 'no solicitation' rule that applies to most other state properties. He said the only statutory exception that should remain is the CELRA section 909 access right for an exclusive representative to reach new employees.

Legislative Council counsel Sophie Satani advised senators that implementing the change would be most appropriate in Title 28 (prison administration) and proposed drafting it as a new section (proposed section 129) while asking the committee to hear from the Department of Corrections and Buildings & General Services on the carve‑out’s history and operational implications.

Tom Applemore, BSC coordinator for external government affairs, said Senate Institutions briefly reviewed the proposal but deferred action and recommended the committee of jurisdiction consider it. Members agreed to request DOC and BGS testimony and to slot the issue into next week's short meeting schedule for additional review.

No legislative change was enacted at the hearing; the committee directed staff and Legislative Council to draft proposed Title 28 language and to solicit DOC/BGS input before any formal motion.