Firewalls Don't Stop Dragons Podcast I’m Just a (Privacy) Bill
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Aug 18, 2025 Monique Priestley, a Vermont State Representative and consumer protection advocate, shares her experiences navigating the complex world of privacy legislation. She reveals the hurdles faced in passing the Vermont Data Privacy Act and the strategies used against powerful Big Tech lobbyists. Discover the importance of collaboration among legislators, challenges of balancing privacy rights with corporate protection, and lessons learned for future advocacy efforts. Monique sheds light on the need for transparency and citizen involvement in shaping meaningful privacy laws.
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How The Bill Was Rebuilt From Scratch
- Monique described starting from a committee bill and rebuilding it by networking with Connecticut's bill author and experts.
- She led drafting a much larger California-style draft and submitted it as a committee amendment.
How State Committees Shape Bills
- Vermont's committee process includes long hearings with extensive testimony and offline edits by chosen members.
- Bills can amend back-and-forth between chambers or be settled in a conference to reconcile versions.
Being The Go-To For Lobbyist Meetings
- Monique served as the single point person for lobbyist meetings so the committee heard consistent questions and data.
- She developed a standard question list and insisted on client legal teams on calls after discovering gaps and misrepresentations.
