MONTPELIER, Vt. -
Three weeks after Vermont lawmakers returned to work, one committee began to tackle a bill that brings with it a lot of emotion.
"It's time to address this issue," said Vermont Attorney General Bill Sorrell.
Physician-assisted suicide, or as many people call it death with dignity is legal in two states, and some Vermont lawmakers are determined to pass it.
Before it comes up for a vote, senate health and welfare members spent Tuesday hammering out the details.
"About 7 hours of really dense testimony over the next few days," said State Sen. Claire Ayer.
Even though they're talking, lawmakers don't see much changing from the measure that was drafted last year.
"We may make some changes but I'm not expecting anything major," said Ayer.
Let's break down the bill.
In order to be prescribed medicine that would end your life you must be an adult.
Your doctor gives you less than 6 months to live because of your illness and you must prove you don't have a mental disorder.
Before prescribing the medicine, the doctor would ask a series of questions.
As for the type of drug, it's not laid out in the bill.
Though we did hear Tuesday it could take hours for the medicine to work.
Finally, the department of health would be required to keep detailed records of the cases to verify the system isn't being abused.
Last year the bill stalled in the senate judiciary committee that's because chairman Richard Sears didn't allow it to come up for a vote.
We asked him Tuesday what would happen if the bill made its way into his committee again, he tells us even though he opposes it, he would allow it to be voted on.
An action that could come as soon as the end of this week.
In addition to experts, and state leader's testimony, lawmakers are heard from members of the public Tuesday night.
The health and welfare committee plans to hear from more witnesses throughout the end of the week.
