Rep. Taylor Small

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 aims to protect the academic freedom of public educators in Vermont by affirming their right to teach about gender identity and systemic and structural racism. It directly affects teachers and school staff in the state's public education system. The legislation would establish legal protections ensuring educators can address these topics without facing retaliation or censorship. The bill is currently in its early stages and has been referred to the Committee on Education for review.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to reduce the use of cash bail in Vermont by prohibiting it for most misdemeanor cases charged through a citation or eligible for expungement, while allowing courts to set bail up to $200 only when flight risk is a concern. It requires multiple criminal justice agencies to collaborate and submit recommendations by December 2023 on how to eliminate cash bail entirely for mitigating flight risk. The legislation also mandates the Department of Corrections to collect and report racial data on pretrial detainees and directs the Judiciary to create an electronic notification system for court hearings by July 2025 to reduce missed appearances.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont's Commissioner for Children and Families to annually adjust the maximum financial assistance amounts for families participating in the Reach Up program. The adjustments will be based on the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Fair Market Rents data. The legislation also allows housing allowances to be increased up to 120 percent of fair market rents for families that include an individual with a disability. These changes would take effect on July 1, 2023, and directly affect families receiving financial assistance through the Reach Up program.

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 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 prohibits law enforcement officers from engaging in sexual acts with individuals they are investigating, detaining, arresting, or holding in custody, including during traffic stops or questioning. It directly affects police officers and the people they interact with during investigations by establishing a clear boundary between professional duties and personal conduct. The law specifies that violations can result in imprisonment of up to five years, a fine of up to $10,000, or both penalties. This amendment to Vermont's criminal code takes effect immediately upon passage and aims to prevent abuse of power within law enforcement interactions.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Vermont's Legislative Apportionment Board to study and recommend changes to the state's redistricting process. The Board must examine how to make the process less partisan and ensure legislative districts better follow the "one person, one vote" principle by comparing Vermont's current system with other states' approaches. The study requires public input through at least two hearings and must be completed by January 15, 2024, with findings and recommendations submitted to government operations committees. The Board will receive administrative and legal support from the Secretary of State's office and members may receive compensation for up to 10 meetings. This procedural measure does not change district boundaries itself but aims to improve how future reapportionment plans are developed.