Rep. Jubilee McGill

Maddy summaryThis bill expands anti-discrimination protections in Vermont by adding housing status, which includes homelessness, to the list of protected characteristics in state laws covering public accommodations, housing, employment, and land use decisions. The legislation prohibits businesses, landlords, employers, and government agencies from refusing service, denying housing, discriminating in employment, or making discriminatory housing advertisements based on whether a person is homeless or perceived to be homeless. By amending existing statutes across multiple areas, the bill ensures that individuals experiencing homelessness receive the same legal protections against unfair treatment as other protected groups. The changes apply to public accommodations, real estate transactions, employment practices, and land use permitting, requiring compliance from owners, operators, employers, and relevant agencies throughout the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes creating a temporary 10-year income tax surcharge on earnings above $500,000, with the revenue directed to a state reserve fund. It would increase taxes on secondary home ownership, short-term property sales with significant profits, and rentals at above-market rates. The legislation also introduces tax incentives for landlords who allow tenants to purchase their rental units or rent at below-market rates. Additionally, the bill establishes a task force to develop further tax incentives and penalties aimed at promoting affordable housing.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that officially recognizes the week of February 26 to March 1 as Public Schools Week in Vermont. It does not create new laws or change policies but instead acknowledges the importance of public schools as community institutions and major employers. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies to various education-related organizations, including the Vermont Secretary of Education and state education associations. This measure serves to honor the role of public schools in Vermont society without affecting any operational or funding aspects of the education system.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates February 22, 2024 as Age Strong Vermont Day at the State House to recognize the state's aging population and the new 10-year action plan developed to support older Vermonters. It directly affects Vermont residents aged 60 and older, who make up nearly 30 percent of the state's population, by formally acknowledging the Age Strong VT roadmap that addresses seven key areas including affordable aging, health, social connection, and elder justice. The resolution requires the Secretary of State to send copies to the Governor and relevant state officials, serving as a ceremonial observance rather than creating new policy requirements.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution designates February 16, 2024, as Vermont Outdoor Recreation Day at the State House to honor the state's natural landscape and outdoor activities. The measure recognizes Vermont's extensive trail systems, wildlife areas, and ski resorts as important assets for the economy, community well-being, and quality of life. While the resolution does not create new laws or funding, it formally acknowledges the value of outdoor recreation and directs state officials to be notified of the designation. The bill was passed by both the Senate and House without requiring a vote, following standard procedure for ceremonial resolutions.

Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a ceremonial resolution that formally recognizes the 100th anniversary of the Vermont State Parks system. It commemorates the historical significance of the parks, which began in 1924 with a donation of land that became Mt. Philo State Park, and acknowledges the contributions of Civilian Conservation Corps workers and private foundations to their development. The resolution does not create new laws or change policies but serves to honor the parks' legacy and their role in Vermont's outdoor economy. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to relevant state agencies and the Vermont Parks Forever foundation.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates February 2024 as School Board Recognition Month in Vermont to honor the work of local school board members. It does not change any laws or policies but serves as a formal acknowledgment of the importance of these community leaders in public education. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the Vermont School Board Association, allowing the organization to promote awareness of the role school boards play in Vermont.

Maddy summaryThis bill would ban advertisements for Vermont's state-run gambling operations, including the state lottery and sports wagering. It directly affects the Department of Liquor and Lottery, sports wagering operators, and any entities that currently advertise these services. The law would require the department to remove existing gambling advertisements and prevent new ones from appearing in the future. This change would modify the current advertising plan agreement between the state and its gambling partners. The bill aims to reduce the visibility of state gambling promotions without altering the operations themselves.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Vermont's school branding and mascot laws to improve how complaints are handled and enforce compliance. It directly affects school districts, the Agency of Education, and private individuals or groups who may file complaints about school mascots or branding. The bill requires the Agency of Education to respond to complaints within a set timeframe and allows the agency to withhold public education funding if a school district fails to meet branding requirements. It also addresses legal resource imbalances between school districts and private complainants by creating an appeal process for decisions made by the Secretary of Education.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution honors Vermont television journalist Stewart Ledbetter for his 40 years of news reporting. The bill formally recognizes his career achievements, including his work as a news director, political campaign moderator, and recipient of multiple broadcast awards. It directs the House Clerk to send a copy of the resolution to Ledbetter and WPTZ, the television station where he worked.