Rep. Gabrielle Stebbins

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legislative study committee to examine potential changes to the Vermont General Assembly's structure and operations. The committee would investigate options such as meeting year-round, reducing the number of legislators, or transitioning to a single-chamber system to improve diversity and ensure fair compensation and health benefits. Members of the Vermont General Assembly would be directly involved in this review process. The bill does not implement any changes immediately but instead creates a framework for studying and recommending future modifications to the legislature's composition and functions.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a public prekindergarten education program in Vermont, making full-day early education available to three- and four-year-old children and five-year-olds not yet in kindergarten. It creates a new Department of Economic Empowerment by reorganizing the Department for Children and Families, adds a second Deputy Secretary to the Agency of Education with specific qualifications, and provides property tax exemptions for child care providers. The legislation also expands eligibility and payment rates for the Child Care Financial Assistance Program, creates a new Noncitizen Child Care Assistance Program, and introduces grants to support child care workforce retention.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Legislative Office of Government Accountability and Strategic Planning within Vermont's Legislative Branch to help the General Assembly oversee state government operations. The office would evaluate how well state agencies and programs work, develop strategies for investing in people, businesses, the economy, the environment, and infrastructure, assess staffing levels, and ensure public funds are used as intended. Sponsored by five state representatives, the bill aims to provide the legislature with dedicated resources for monitoring government performance and strategic planning.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Vermont Pension Investment Commission to review and divest state pension funds from investments in the fossil fuel industry. It directly affects the Vermont State Employees' Retirement System, the State Teachers' Retirement System, and the Municipal Employees' Retirement System. The Commission must complete an initial review by August 2023, submit a divestment plan by November 2023, and finish divesting fossil fuel holdings by December 2030, with annual progress reports required until 2031. The legislation defines fossil fuel companies based on reserves, coal plant ownership, core business activities, and revenue sources, while prohibiting new fossil fuel investments after July 2031. The bill also appropriates $100,000 in FY 2024 to support the planning and reporting process.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Vermont State Highway Safety Office to prepare a written report by January 15, 2024, recommending how the state should adjust its approach to educating about, enforcing, and prosecuting distracted driving violations for noncommercial drivers. The report must consult with various state agencies and organizations, examine current enforcement methods like fines and license suspensions, and specifically consider strategies for drivers under 18 years old. The legislation does not change any existing laws but requires officials to analyze what is working and what needs improvement in addressing distracted driving.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows rental property owners to perform their own renovation, repair, painting, and maintenance work without needing a professional license, provided they complete an accredited training program. Instead of requiring a commercial license, the bill establishes a certification process for owners who work on their own rental properties without compensation. The change would take effect on July 1, 2023, and applies specifically to owners conducting work on their own rental housing rather than contractors or third parties.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts trapping of fur-bearing animals in Vermont to specific situations, allowing it only for property defense, agricultural crop protection, or by licensed nuisance wildlife control operators. It establishes a new nuisance wildlife trapping license and requires property owners to notify neighbors before setting traps on their land. The law also mandates that traps be checked every 24 hours, requires reporting of trapped animals within 12 hours, and limits pelt possession to personal noncommercial use when taken for property protection. Additionally, the bill requires trapping education certification for new license holders and gives the Department of Fish and Wildlife authority to inspect pelts and investigate trapping reports.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changes to Vermont's child abuse and neglect investigation and substantiation standards, as well as procedures for placing individuals on the Child Protection Registry. It establishes a tiered registry system that considers different degrees of abuse or neglect and aims to balance child protection with employment consequences for those substantiated for abuse. The legislation also defines specific types of harm and risk, clarifies investigation procedures including mandatory recording of interviews, and sets standards for determining whether reports are substantiated based on a preponderance of evidence. Additionally, the bill maintains immunity for good faith reporters while allowing for liability if multiple reports are found to lack a good faith basis.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to gradually implement Green Mountain Care, a publicly financed health care program for all Vermont residents, over a ten-year period. It would begin with primary care coverage in the first year, add preventive dental and vision care in the second year, and expand to additional services in subsequent years based on recommendations from an advisory group. The legislation requires the Green Mountain Care Board to analyze and report on financing sustainability, economic impact, and cost containment measures before full implementation. It also seeks a federal waiver to adjust health insurance benefits and funding to avoid duplication with Green Mountain Care coverage.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors organizations and individuals working to improve rural broadband access in Vermont. It recognizes the Communications Union Districts (CUDs) and related groups like the Vermont Communications Union Districts Association and the Vermont Community Broadband Board for their efforts in building broadband networks. The resolution acknowledges past legislative actions that created funding and oversight structures to support these broadband initiatives. It does not change any laws or policies but serves to formally recognize the achievements of these groups in expanding internet access to over 200 municipalities.