Rep. Jim Carroll

Maddy summaryThis bill designates January 23-27, 2023, as the first annual Holocaust Education Week in Vermont. It directly affects Vermont schools and educational institutions by establishing a formal period for Holocaust education activities. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to the Vermont Holocaust Memorial and the Agency of Education to facilitate the event. This commemorative measure recognizes the historical significance of the Holocaust and aims to increase awareness through organized educational programming during the designated week.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the reimbursement rate paid to organizations that provide home-delivered meals for elderly and disabled individuals by $2.00 per meal in fiscal year 2024. The funding comes from a $2.3 million appropriation to the Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living, which will be distributed to meal providers based on the increased rate. Additionally, the bill requires the department to submit a report by November 15, 2023, evaluating the Meals on Wheels program and offering recommendations for its long-term sustainability. The changes take effect on July 1, 2023, and directly impact the financial support available to organizations serving vulnerable populations through home-delivered nutrition programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Vermont's Agency of Transportation to develop a funding plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and expanding access to efficient, low-cost transportation options. It establishes a working group to study regional climate initiatives and implements a self-funded fee system that charges higher fees for less efficient vehicles while rebating funds to owners of more efficient cars. The legislation also allocates money for electric vehicle incentives, e-bike programs, public transit improvements, and infrastructure updates, while requiring the agency to work with Amtrak and provide training on complete streets design to municipalities.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new regulatory framework for earned wage access services in Vermont, requiring companies that provide early access to employees' unpaid wages to register with the state's financial regulator. The law mandates that these providers offer services on a nonrecourse basis, meaning they cannot sue consumers or use debt collectors to recover funds if employees do not repay the advanced wages. Key provisions include requiring clear written disclosures about service terms and fees, prohibiting mandatory charges for accessing earned wages, and banning late fees or penalties on outstanding amounts. The bill also ensures consumers can cancel their participation at any time without fees and must receive a free option for accessing their funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Affordable Heat Act, which establishes a Clean Heat Standard to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from heating in Vermont's residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. The program requires energy companies and heating fuel sellers to earn tradeable clean heat credits by delivering low-carbon heating technologies, efficiency improvements, or weatherization services to customers. The Public Utility Commission will manage the credit system and ensure the program protects low-income households and minimizes costs for all energy users.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution honoring Arthur William Charron Jr., a former Vermont Veterans' Home Trustee and U.S. Marine veteran. It formally recognizes his 35 years of volunteer service, including 30 years as a trustee, and his extensive community involvement with the Elks Lodge. The resolution extends condolences to his family and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to both his family and the Vermont Veterans' Home. This is a commemorative measure rather than a policy change, serving to acknowledge his contributions and legacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a formal resolution from the Vermont General Assembly congratulating the 2022 Mount Anthony Union High School Patriots football team on winning the Division II state championship. The document recognizes the team's 28-year wait for the title and specifically names the players, coaches, and managers who contributed to their 24-17 victory over Bellows Falls Union High School. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of this acknowledgment to the high school. It serves as an official record of the legislature's appreciation for the team's athletic achievement without creating new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate concurrent resolution that honors James Sullivan for his 33-year career at the Bennington County Regional Commission. It recognizes his leadership as executive director and his work on regional planning, community development, and environmental management. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Sullivan as a formal acknowledgment of his contributions.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to make housing more affordable by reducing zoning restrictions and regulatory barriers that limit where and how people can build homes. It directly affects local governments, developers, and residents by establishing statewide standards for residential zoning. Key provisions include requiring duplexes and small apartment buildings in areas with municipal water and sewer, limiting parking requirements to one space per unit, and allowing accessory dwelling units under the same rules as single-family homes. The legislation also prohibits deed restrictions that limit dwelling size or parking, requires municipalities to report new zoning rules to the state, and strengthens enforcement of fair housing laws.