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.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill introduces several measures aimed at improving firearm safety and accountability in Vermont. It requires firearms not in immediate possession to be securely stored separately from ammunition, mandates dealers to post storage guidelines and provide written safety information, and establishes criminal and civil liability for unsafe storage that leads to injury or death. The legislation also adds a 10-day waiting period for all firearm sales, allows family members to petition for emergency risk protection orders, prohibits firearm possession at licensed alcohol-serving venues, and bars individuals convicted of hate-motivated crimes from owning firearms. Additionally, the bill includes funding to help residents purchase secure storage equipment.
Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Vermont Fair Repair Act, would require manufacturers of digital electronic equipment to provide independent repair shops and consumers with access to repair manuals, diagnostic tools, and replacement parts at fair and reasonable terms. The law defines key terms like "original equipment manufacturer" and "independent repair provider" to clarify who must comply with the new requirements. Under the bill, manufacturers must offer documentation at no charge and make tools available without restrictions, while parts must be sold at costs equivalent to those offered to authorized repair providers. The legislation specifically excludes medical devices and motor vehicles from its scope, focusing instead on consumer electronics and similar digital equipment. By establishing these rules, the bill aims to ensure that people can choose where to repair their devices without being forced to use the manufacturer's own service centers.
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.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Public Utility Commission's authority to regulate thermal energy networks, which distribute heat from noncombustible sources like geothermal systems to buildings for heating and cooling. It requires the Commission to create rules for permitting these networks and mandates a public good certificate before any company can build such infrastructure, ensuring projects align with regional and municipal planning. The legislation also prohibits expanding natural gas service into new areas and directs the Commission to develop a tiered discount system for low-income energy assistance. Additionally, it sets up a collaborative group to design an electricity affordability program focused on helping low-income residential customers pay their utility bills.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a procedural resolution that formally notifies the Vermont Senate that the House of Representatives has completed its organizational process and is ready to begin official business for the session. It requires the House Clerk to send this notification to the Senate as part of standard legislative protocol. The resolution does not create new laws or policy changes but serves as an administrative step to establish the House's operational status. It was adopted by the House on January 4, 2023, following introduction by Representatives Long, McCoy, and Mulvaney-Stanak.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Vermont House Rule 25 to update the names, membership sizes, and policy jurisdictions of the state's standing committees for the upcoming legislative session. It directly affects the House of Representatives by establishing specific committee structures, such as creating a new Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry committee and adjusting the scope of existing committees like Environment and Energy and Commerce and Economic Development. The key provision reorganizes how legislative matters are assigned, ensuring each committee has a defined focus on related policies while maintaining the required number of members from both parties. This procedural change streamlines the legislative process by clarifying which committee handles which topics, such as placing climate change mitigation under multiple relevant committees and separating energy consumer protection from the Commerce committee.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes that the House rules from the 2021-2022 legislative session will remain in effect for the current biennial session until new rules are adopted. It directly affects the Vermont House of Representatives by providing continuity in procedural guidelines without requiring immediate changes. The resolution is a procedural measure that maintains existing rules rather than introducing new policies or substantive changes to legislative operations.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a procedural resolution that formally notifies the Governor of Vermont that the House of Representatives has completed its organizational process and is ready to receive official communications. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as an administrative step to establish the House's operational status at the start of the legislative session. The resolution is adopted by the House itself and requires no additional legislative action to take effect.