Rep. Marjorie Smith

Maddy summaryHB 1702 removes the separate "liquor commission fund" and places all revenue from liquor sales and license fees directly into the state's general fund. This change gives the state legislature full budgeting authority over the liquor commission's finances, ending the commission's ability to retain surplus earnings. The bill also directs a portion of the commission's gross profits to the alcohol abuse prevention and treatment fund, with specific amounts determined by the state budget. Additionally, it allows the commissioner to transfer funds for employee benefits and operational needs, subject to approval from the fiscal committee and the governor and council. The legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1621 requires the liquor commission to create and display educational materials in all state liquor stores to help customers identify signs of alcohol use disorder. These materials include a brochure given with every liquor purchase and posters available for public viewing, both developed in partnership with the bureau of drug and alcohol services. The bill also allows the commission to share this information through other print, signage, or electronic methods as it sees fit. This legislation aims to increase awareness of alcohol-related health risks and provide resources for those concerned about their drinking habits.

Maddy summaryThis bill adjusts the timing for when a specific section of the Right to Know Law applies to public records requests. It establishes that the new rules regarding attorney's fees will only begin to apply to requests made 60 days after the law takes effect. The legislation is set to become active on January 1, 2025, giving individuals and organizations time to adjust to the updated fee provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 1005 proposes creating a new Judicial Training Coordinator position to oversee professional development for judges and court staff. The bill mandates that all new judges and non-judicial employees hired after July 1, 2025, complete an initial orientation covering court procedures, legal skills, and specific topics like ethics and implicit bias. It also establishes annual continuing education requirements, such as 24 hours for supreme and superior court justices and 12 to 16 hours for various clerks and administrative roles. Although the legislation outlines these specific training hours and responsibilities, the bill was ultimately laid on the table and did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require municipalities to send any excess money collected from the statewide education property tax to the state's education trust fund instead of keeping it locally. It also prohibits the state revenue commissioner from setting negative tax rates on real property to offset other taxes. These changes aim to ensure that surplus education funds are directed toward the state education trust while preventing specific tax rate adjustments. Although the bill was introduced, it was laid on the table and did not become law during the 2024 legislative session.