Bob Kinzel
Senior ReporterCurious about the Vermont Legislature? Ask Bob.
Bob Kinzel has been covering the Vermont Statehouse since 1981 — longer than any continuously serving member of the Legislature. With his wealth of institutional knowledge, he answers your questions on our series, "Ask Bob."
Curious about how the Vermont Legislature works? Have questions about what's happened under the Golden Dome in the past, and how that affected our present? Submit a question for future exploration using the form below.About Bob:
Bob is a veteran Vermont journalist, specializing in political reporting. He is based in Vermont Public’s Capital Bureau located across the street from Vermont’s Statehouse. Prior to joining Vermont Public full time in 2002, Bob ran the Vermont News Service for 21 years. The service provided daily local news for eleven stations, including Vermont Public. Bob started the News Service following a stint as news director for WNCS.
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Under current law, parents and guardians of Vermonters under 16 years old have access to their children's checkout history. The new legislation would give confidentiality to minors over the age of 12.
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The Vermont Senate approved legislation that would study the possible health benefits of psilocybin mushrooms, a Class One drug at the federal level. The legislation now moves to the Vermont House.
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State officials say they are very pleased with the rollout of online sports betting. The program generated nearly $2 million in state revenue in the first seven weeks.
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Vermont spends roughly $400 million a year to treat tobacco related illnesses. It's estimated that the ban could result in a $15 million loss in state tax revenue, which has Gov. Scott concerned.
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The legislation would require property owners to share previous flooding damage and disclose if the property is located in a hazardous flood plain.
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Initial breast cancer screenings are required to be covered by insurance, but the legislation would expand coverage for follow-up diagnostic imaging, which many patients need due to inconclusive results.
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In a unanimous vote, lawmakers passed a bill that takes on Big Tech, requiring companies to ensure minors' privacy rights and consider their "best interest" in online products. In another vote, the Senate shot down legislation that would have banned phones in schools.
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Balint was one of 352 members of the U.S. House to support the bill Wednesday, with 65 opposed.
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Supporters say the bill tackles an important issue for people who are concerned about crime in Vermont. Others say it would result in more people becoming incarcerated in the state.
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Vermont Legislature, congressional delegation continue to push USPS to reopen Montpelier post officeFor months, residents and businesses have had to travel to East Montpelier or Barre to access most postal services. Sen. Peter Welch says the failure to reopen the facility is part of a much bigger mismanagement crisis at the U.S. Postal Service.