Rep. Kate Nugent

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 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.

Maddy summaryThis bill would give Vermont's Attorney General new authority to regulate social media platforms in the state, specifically to protect the health and safety of users under 18. It establishes a new legal framework called the Vermont Social Media Safety Act and creates a funding structure to support enforcement efforts. The legislation is based on findings that social media design features can contribute to youth mental health issues and addiction, and it applies consumer protection principles to social media companies. The bill does not specify particular platform requirements but instead empowers regulators to oversee how these platforms operate and impact child users.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits modifying a motor vehicle's exhaust system to produce noise levels exceeding 95 decibels, affecting all vehicle owners and operators in Vermont. It establishes a specific measurement standard using SAE International guidelines to determine compliance and allows for dismissal of violations if the operator had reasonable grounds to believe the vehicle was legal. The law includes an exemption for vehicles used in authorized racing or speed demonstrations and takes effect on July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Program, which would require fossil fuel companies that operated in Vermont between 2000 and 2019 to pay for their share of climate change costs. The program targets entities involved in extracting coal, oil, or natural gas, charging them based on how much greenhouse gas their products contributed to global emissions. Money collected from these payments would go into a dedicated fund to finance climate resilience projects like flood protections, upgraded infrastructure, and health programs addressing climate-related health risks. The law defines specific types of infrastructure projects eligible for funding and establishes rules for determining which companies must pay and how much they owe.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow certain undocumented students to pay in-state tuition rates and access state-funded financial aid at Vermont's public colleges if they meet standard residency requirements. It prohibits the Vermont State Colleges Corporation from excluding students based solely on immigration status and requires the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation to make state financial aid available to all residents regardless of immigration status. The law specifically includes protections for refugees, those granted parole to enter the U.S., and Afghan Allies Protection Act visa holders, while also clarifying residency rules for military families. The changes would take effect on July 1, 2025, and include provisions ensuring students can apply for and participate in financial aid programs to the full extent allowed by federal law.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands eligibility for the Downtown Transportation and Related Capital Improvement Fund to include village centers and growth centers in addition to existing downtown development districts. It also allows the fund to cover engineering and design costs for transportation projects, which previously were not included. The changes apply to municipalities that meet specific criteria, such as having a designated village center that participated in the Better Connections Program or is located in Chittenden County with a completed community planning process. Under the new provisions, the Vermont Downtown Development Board can award grants, loans, or loan guarantees for capital transportation projects like roads, parking facilities, and utility line relocation, with grants covering up to 80 percent of project costs. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $200,000 from the state's General Fund to reimburse the Burlington Fire Department for emergency medical services provided to individuals experiencing drug overdoses. The money is distributed through the Department of Health as a grant to the City of Burlington, with the requirement that these funds supplement rather than replace existing city funding for the fire department. The legislation takes effect on July 1, 2024, and is intended to help cover the costs associated with responding to overdose incidents in Burlington.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont's Division of Liquor Control to conduct regular compliance checks on all alcohol beverage licensees to verify they are following state laws regarding alcohol sales. Under the new rule, each licensed establishment must be inspected at least once every two years to ensure they are not selling alcohol to minors or violating other regulations. The legislation includes a $200,000 appropriation from the state General Fund in fiscal year 2025 to support these enforcement activities. The changes are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2024, and apply to all first-, second-, third-, and fourth-class alcohol licensees in Vermont.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes civil penalties for social hosts who allow minors under 21 to consume alcohol or cannabis at gatherings on their property. It requires property owners to take reasonable steps to prevent underage consumption of these substances and sets escalating fines of $500, $750, and $1,000 for first, second, and third or subsequent violations respectively. The law applies to any residence or premises under the host's control and takes effect on July 1, 2024. This legislation does not affect existing criminal liability or other civil claims related to social host liability.