Rep. Karen Dolan

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 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 prohibits smoking cigarettes and electronic cigarettes within 25 feet of places of public access and multiunit housing in Vermont. It directly affects residents of apartment buildings, businesses, and anyone entering public spaces by creating outdoor smoke-free zones around entrances, exits, windows, and vents of multiunit dwellings. The law also maintains existing indoor smoking bans in public buildings, hotels, and state-owned properties while adding specific outdoor restrictions. The bill includes exceptions for designated tobacco shops and preserves smoking rights at the Vermont Veterans' Home, with the changes taking effect on July 1, 2023.