Rep. Sarita Austin

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Rural Infrastructure Assistance Program to help Vermont's small towns access and manage federal and state funding for projects like clean water, housing, broadband, and climate resilience. The program provides direct support services including community needs assessments, funding application assistance, and project management help, with priority given to municipalities with the highest administrative capacity needs. An initial $3 million appropriation in 2024 funds the program, while the bill also directs remaining federal relief funds to prioritize communities with the greatest need based on a new administrative capacity index. Additionally, the legislation amends the Municipal and Regional Planning Fund to allocate 20 percent of its revenue directly to municipalities for planning purposes.

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 prohibits operating motor vehicles with inadequate or modified exhaust systems, such as those lacking interior baffles, gutted mufflers, or amplification devices, on Vermont highways. It directly affects vehicle owners and drivers by requiring their vehicles to meet specific mechanical noise standards. The law allows exceptions for vehicles used in authorized public racing or speed demonstrations and prevents non-compliant vehicles from passing state inspections. Violations carry escalating civil penalties ranging from $100 for a first offense to $350 for subsequent violations, with the changes taking effect on July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the Vermont National Guard Tuition Benefit Program to include courses at out-of-state colleges that offer degree programs not available in Vermont. It directly affects Vermont National Guard members who wish to pursue education at institutions outside the state. The key provision allows eligible service members to use their tuition benefits at these non-Vermont schools approved for federal funding, with benefits calculated at the University of Vermont's in-state tuition rate. The change takes effect on July 1, 2023, and does not alter existing benefits for in-state institutions.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Vermont's Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to update the state's School Bus Manual and revise commercial driver's license tests by January 1, 2024. The manual update aims to align it with other state manuals, remove legal jargon, and clarify requirements with illustrations through public input gathered at five statewide meetings. The bill also requires knowledge tests for school bus operators to focus only on skills relevant to the specific type of vehicle they will drive. Additionally, it mandates the creation of at least four practice test locations across the state to help drivers prepare for skills exams under realistic conditions. These changes directly affect commercial driver training programs, school bus operators, and individuals seeking to operate large passenger vehicles in Vermont.

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 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 creates a new Aquatic Nuisance Prevention Pass that requires all motorboats and nonmotorized vessels operating in Vermont's waters to display an annual decal. The pass costs $20 for Vermont residents, $40 for nonresidents, and $200 for businesses with up to 20 nonmotorized vessels, with revenue funding aquatic invasive species control efforts. Vessels operating in interstate waters can use equivalent decals from other states if those states have reciprocal agreements. The bill also establishes a special fund to support inspection stations, public signage, and grants to municipalities for managing aquatic nuisance species like zebra mussels and invasive plants.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the time limit for filing civil lawsuits related to childhood emotional abuse, allowing victims to seek legal action regardless of how much time has passed since the abuse occurred. It defines childhood emotional abuse as harmful acts committed by someone in a position of authority over a child under 18 that impaired the child's social, emotional, or cognitive development. The legislation also requires that complaints be sealed until the defendant responds or a dismissal motion is resolved, and it applies retroactively to cases of emotional abuse that occurred before July 1, 2023.