MONTPELIER, Vt. -
On Tuesday, the Vermont statehouse sat covered in snow with little activity.
That will change next week when lawmakers return.
But even though no work was done there Tuesday, some new laws went into effect, including a bullying plan for each school and minimum wage workers receiving a 14 cent pay raise.
"I think that that is a good move to trying to get toward a livable wage here in Vermont," said Senate Pro-Tem John Campbell.
Campbell spoke with us by phone Tuesday.
He says the Green Mountain State doesn't have too many new laws take effect January 1st.
"Most of our laws are implemented on July 1st of every year. That is the beginning of the fiscal year for our state," said Campbell.
2012 saw lawmakers introduce "Vermont Strong" license plates.
It also made skiing and snowboarding the state's official sport.
Lawmakers also banned tanning for anyone under 18 and pushed forward on the healthcare exchange.
Items that Campbell thought made 2012 successful.
"I judge a legislative year not by the number of bills that are passed but the quality of the bills," said Campbell.
As lawmakers return Campbell says 2013 will still focus on the damage left from Tropical Storm Irene.
"We go full steam ahead with the state hospital in Berlin," said Campbell.
And other bills that will impact Vermonters when we ring in 2014.
Again the Vermont legislative session is set to begin next Tuesday.
During the session Governor Peter Shumlin wants to see lawmakers focus on migrant licenses, physician-assisted suicide, marijuana decimalization and letting child care's unionize.
