Rep. Edye Graning

Maddy summaryH.122 requires Vermont to merge all existing school districts as of July 1, 2025 into no more than 25 new unified school districts by July 1, 2030. It sets minimum size requirements for schools (450 students and 18 students per class for elementary, 600 students and 25 students per class for high school) and allows districts to designate limited independent schools for students with commutes exceeding 45 minutes (elementary) or 75 minutes (high school). The bill creates a Commission of retired superintendents to review the Secretary of Education’s merger plan and finalize the realignment by November 2029. This directly affects all Vermont public school students and districts, particularly those in smaller or geographically isolated communities.

Maddy summaryHCR 8 is a procedural resolution designating January 29, 2025, as "Mental Health Advocacy Day" at the Vermont State House. It symbolically recognizes the importance of mental health care parity with physical health care, referencing Vermont law (8 V.S.A. § 4089b) that requires equal treatment. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to share a copy with mental health advocacy organizations present at the State House on that date. This is a ceremonial gesture with no new policy or funding changes, solely intended to highlight ongoing advocacy efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill transforms Vermont's Agency of Education into a Department of Education, replacing the Secretary of Education with a Commissioner of Education appointed by the State Board of Education (with Governor approval). The Commissioner serves as the department's chief executive officer and is responsible for implementing the Board's policies. Key provisions require the Board to prepare biennial budgets for the Department, establish an information clearinghouse for schools to share effective educational practices, and annually report statewide education conditions - including student performance, bullying data (disaggregated by protected characteristics), and resource allocation - to the public and legislature. These changes directly affect Vermont's school districts, supervisory unions, and students by standardizing reporting and improving transparency in education funding and outcomes.

Maddy summaryH.101 requires Vermont's Secretary of Education to provide statewide technical assistance to school districts and supervisory unions on implementing statewide education requirements. It also mandates the Secretary to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the Agency of Education's structure and operations, including an organizational analysis. The Secretary must then report findings and recommendations for changes to the House and Senate Education Committees. This bill directly affects school districts, supervisory unions, and the Agency of Education itself through these new reporting and support obligations.

Maddy summaryH 97 prohibits firearms and deadly weapons in Vermont schools, school property, and childcare centers, with limited exceptions. It directly affects students, staff, and visitors at these locations by making unauthorized possession a crime punishable by fines or jail time (up to 1 year for first offense, 3 years for repeat offenses). Key exceptions include law enforcement officers on duty, authorized school personnel for specific purposes (like instruction), and firearms at childcare centers located in a person’s home. The bill defines "school property" broadly to include leased or controlled areas and clarifies it doesn’t prevent other charges like assault.

Maddy summaryH.112 provides medical debt relief for Vermont residents by appropriating $1 million to contract with a nonprofit to purchase and erase qualifying medical debt. It directly affects Vermonters with household incomes at or below 400% of the federal poverty level or those owing medical debt equal to 5% or more of their household income. The bill prohibits credit bureaus from reporting medical debt on credit reports and bans healthcare providers from submitting such debt to credit agencies. It requires debt relief contractors to remove adverse credit information after debt abolition, ensuring no cost or tax impact for affected residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a regulatory framework for "earned wage access services" in Vermont, requiring providers to obtain a state license before offering these services. It defines key terms like "earned but unpaid income" (wages owed but not yet paid) and "provider" (businesses delivering pre-pay advances), and distinguishes between direct-to-consumer providers and employer-integrated providers. The core mechanism mandates licensing for all providers (excluding certain federally insured financial institutions), with applications requiring details about service types, fees, and business history. This directly affects workers accessing early pay and businesses offering these services, aiming to create oversight for a growing financial product.

Maddy summaryH 81 requires Vermont's Governor to obtain prior approval from the General Assembly before entering into certain federal immigration enforcement agreements (specifically those under 8 U.S.C. § 1357(g) and 19 U.S.C. § 1401(i)). The bill mandates a 60-day notice period before a vote, during which the Governor must provide the full agreement text, an analysis of fiscal/social/legal impacts, and hold public hearings. It also prohibits such agreements if the General Assembly isn't in session and requires annual reporting to legislative committees on related discussions. This directly affects the Governor and state agencies that might enter these agreements, adding a legislative review step to federal immigration partnerships.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require Vermont public schools, independent schools, career and technical centers, and prequalified private prekindergarten programs to ban student use of cell phones and personal electronic devices during the entire school day, from arrival to dismissal. It also prohibits schools from using social media to communicate with students directly. Exceptions are permitted for students with documented medical needs (requiring physician documentation) or for those using devices as part of an individualized education program (IEP) or 504 plan. The policy aims to reduce distractions and support student well-being, aligning with findings about youth mental health and social media use.

Maddy summaryH 48 prohibits vehicle owners and operators from installing aftermarket devices that increase soot or smoke emissions or modifying exhaust systems to enhance such emissions. It also bans purposefully releasing visible soot, smoke, or particulates from vehicles. Violations carry civil penalties of up to $500 for a first offense and up to $1,000 for repeat offenses. The bill amends Vermont statutes (10 V.S.A. § 567 and 23 V.S.A. § 1221) and takes effect July 1, 2025. It directly affects vehicle owners, mechanics, and operators of modified vehicles.