Rep. Taylor Small

Maddy summaryThis bill officially recognizes March 2023 as Social Work Month in Vermont to honor the contributions of social workers to improving human well-being and addressing social issues. The resolution highlights the profession's role in various settings including schools, hospitals, and government agencies, as well as its work supporting diverse communities and addressing challenges like the opioid crisis. It marks the 60th anniversary of Social Work Month and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the National Association of Social Workers Vermont Chapter.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new process for the Vermont State Ethics Commission to investigate ethical misconduct by Executive Branch officials, including issues like discrimination, sexual harassment, and conflicts of interest. The legislation would grant the commission authority to receive complaints, conduct investigations, appoint special counsel, hold hearings, and recommend remedial actions such as mediation, additional training, or referrals to counseling services. The bill requires that these processes consider the severity of misconduct, timelines, and the privacy and rights of all parties involved.

Maddy summaryThis bill commemorates the 25th anniversary of Vermont's Downtown Program and designates March 22, 2023 as Downtown Day at the State House. It recognizes the program's role in supporting downtown development through tax incentives and financial assistance to designated districts. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies to the Downtown Coalition and the Vermont Downtown Development Board. This is a ceremonial measure that acknowledges past investments and contributions without changing existing laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution honoring Marshall Webb, a nonprofit cofounder and environmental advocate who passed away in 2022. It recognizes his contributions to Shelburne Farms, a Vermont center for sustainability education, and acknowledges his personal connection to the organization and the state. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to Webb's family and Shelburne Farms as a formal expression of appreciation. This measure does not change laws or policies but serves to publicly acknowledge Webb's legacy and impact on the community.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits courts and agencies from denying or restricting parental, prospective parental, foster parent, or guardian rights solely because a person has a disability. It requires that any such restrictions be based only on what is in the best interests of the child, not on the parent's disability status. The law directly affects parents with disabilities who may face barriers in maintaining custody or guardianship of their children. By establishing this standard, the bill aims to prevent discrimination while still allowing decisions that prioritize child welfare.

Maddy summaryThis bill would ban the use, sale, and application of the pesticide chlorpyrifos and the herbicides glyphosate and atrazine in Vermont. It directly affects farmers, agricultural businesses, and anyone involved in applying these chemicals by prohibiting their use across the state. The legislation removes these specific substances from the list of allowed agricultural products without requiring additional permits or exemptions. By eliminating these chemicals, the bill aims to improve water quality and reduce potential environmental exposure. The measure does not address alternative pest control methods or provide funding for transition assistance to affected industries.

Maddy summaryThis bill imposes a moratorium on the study, design, construction, expansion, or renovation of correctional facilities in Vermont until July 1, 2028, while also ending a long-standing suspension of state aid for school construction projects. The corrections provisions prohibit the state from building new prisons, expanding existing ones beyond current capacity, converting facilities for detention purposes, or renovating them to increase bed capacity, with only basic maintenance and code compliance exceptions allowed. Simultaneously, the bill restores state funding for school construction projects starting in fiscal year 2024, allowing the state to accept and review applications that had been blocked since 2007. The legislation takes effect on July 1, 2023, and includes findings that link poor school environments to incarceration rates and that harsh prison conditions contribute to recidivism and trauma.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a Just Transition Working Group to develop a plan for replacing Vermont's correctional facilities with a community-based system focused on restorative justice and rehabilitation. The working group would include legislators, agency representatives, and individuals with lived experience in the criminal justice system to design services addressing housing, education, workforce development, and mental health needs. The plan aims to reduce recidivism by shifting resources from incarceration to community supports, beginning with the Chittenden County Correctional Facility. The bill does not mandate immediate changes but establishes a framework for studying and planning a transition away from traditional incarceration methods.

Maddy summaryThis bill restructures the University of Vermont Board of Trustees by adding two new voting faculty members and clarifying student representation requirements. The legislation expands the board to 27 members total, with two faculty positions elected by the Faculty Senate and two student positions reserved for one undergraduate and one graduate student. These student trustees serve two-year terms and must be full-time students enrolled in degree programs, while faculty members serve four-year terms with full voting rights. The changes take effect on July 1, 2023, with a transition period for initial faculty appointments beginning in August 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires students graduating from Vermont public high schools to demonstrate civics knowledge as a condition of receiving a diploma. The law offers two pathways: passing the standard U.S. citizenship civics test with a minimum score of 60 percent, or completing one semester of community service with a local government organization under a mentor's supervision. The requirement applies to all public high school and career technical center students, though students with individualized education programs may participate at the discretion of their IEP team. The measure would take effect for students graduating in the 2025-2026 academic year or later.