Maddy summaryThis bill would allow licensed security guards and private investigators to carry firearms in hospital buildings while performing their official duties, expanding current exemptions that already permit law enforcement and military personnel to do so. The legislation amends Vermont state law to add these two professional groups to the list of individuals who may legally possess firearms in healthcare facilities, provided they hold the required security or firearms certifications. Hospitals would need to post notices at public entrances informing visitors of this exception to the general prohibition on firearms in hospital buildings. The change applies only when these professionals are actively working and does not alter the existing ban on firearm possession by the general public in healthcare settings.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation to issue permits for dredging public waters to improve navigation for vessels, provided the work does not harm the public interest. It also creates a temporary Working Group on Navigation of Lake Champlain to evaluate and plan a specific dredging project between Mallet's Bay and the Inland Sea to enhance public safety, emergency response, and environmental protection. The Working Group will include representatives from natural resources, public safety agencies, marina operators, and dredging companies, and must submit a report with cost and timeline estimates by January 15, 2024, before ceasing operations on February 15, 2024. Any permitted dredging must comply with federal Clean Water Act requirements, and the department may seek federal or other funding for approved projects.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes three main benefits for Vermont veterans. First, it requires the state to create and maintain a confidential database of veterans in Vermont, collecting information from various agencies while protecting personal details from public access. Second, it reduces motor vehicle registration fees for veterans with honorable discharges, offering either a 50% discount or a full waiver for vehicles purchased with VA financial assistance. Third, it increases the amount of U.S. military retirement pay exempt from Vermont state income tax, raising the exclusion limit for single filers from $10,000 to $15,000 and adjusting thresholds based on total income levels.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires write-in candidates in Vermont state elections to file a consent form with the Secretary of State or municipal clerk before their votes can be counted. The form must include the candidate's name, the office they seek, their town of residence, and mailing address, and must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on the second Friday before primary and general elections. If a write-in candidate does not file this consent form, their votes will be treated as blank and not counted toward their candidacy. The bill also establishes that write-in candidates must receive at least half the number of petition signatures required for their office to qualify as a primary winner, unless they receive more votes than a printed ballot candidate. These changes take effect on July 1, 2023.
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 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 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.