Rep. Kate Lalley

Maddy summaryThis bill would expand Vermont's 3SquaresVT program by allowing eligible SNAP recipients to use their benefits at participating restaurants through the federal Restaurant Meals Program. It also requires the state to develop a plan for calculating minimum 3SquaresVT benefits at 30 percent of the federal moderate-cost food plan, which would increase the amount of assistance provided. The legislation creates a new staff position and allocates $85,000 to help restaurants apply for and participate in the program while establishing eligibility criteria that prioritize local food availability and diverse cultural options. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2024, with a transition plan due to state committees by January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Office of Entrepreneurship within the Agency of Commerce and Community Development to support new and small businesses in Vermont. The office will focus on strengthening policies for entrepreneurs, providing technical assistance, helping businesses under five years old navigate state agencies, and ensuring at least five percent of state contracts go to these newer businesses. Additionally, the bill eliminates all first-year registration fees for new businesses and requires an annual report on contract awards to businesses under five years old, including data on demographic representation. A third provision directs the Agency of Commerce and Community Development to study and recommend ways to reduce regulations on home-based food businesses while protecting public health. The legislation takes effect on July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the Protecting Soils and Waters from Forever Chemicals Act, prohibits the land application of septage throughout Vermont and restricts landfill disposal of waste containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) when state standards are exceeded or when facilities lack proper certification. The legislation requires all solid waste management facilities to obtain state certification before operating, with specific exemptions for certain domestic wastewater treatment plants that meet defined conditions. Additionally, the bill bans the use of sludge as daily cover at landfills and mandates that the Secretary of Natural Resources and the Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets develop a memorandum of understanding by January 15, 2025, to enforce PFAS soil standards. These changes directly affect wastewater treatment facilities, landfills, and municipalities that manage septage and sludge waste.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates and expands the Municipal Planning and Resilience Grant Program to help Vermont towns and regional planning commissions prepare for climate-related hazards like flooding. The program will receive funding from a dedicated state fund, with 20 percent of revenues going to municipalities and 70 percent to regional planning commissions for performance-based contracts. Municipalities must vote to allocate local funds for planning purposes and submit plans for approval to qualify for grants, which can be used for acquiring development rights, conservation easements, or implementing climate resilience projects. The bill also establishes two new permanent full-time positions to administer the grants and assist with financing climate resilience projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the manufacture, sale, and distribution in Vermont of cosmetic and menstrual products containing specific harmful chemicals, including perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), ortho-phthalates, formaldehyde, lead, and asbestos. It also bans textiles and athletic turf fields that contain PFAS, with a provision for future restrictions on any product using PFAS if their use is deemed unavoidable. The law includes a one-year waiver system for manufacturers who cannot immediately eliminate certain chemicals due to technical limitations, and requires the Department of Health to develop a community engagement plan to address outreach to vulnerable populations. Violations of the ban are treated as violations of Vermont's Consumer Protection Act, giving the Attorney General and private parties the authority to pursue civil actions.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Vermont's landfill disposal requirements by adding new restrictions on specific waste materials and establishing stricter rules for facilities receiving waste from municipalities without approved waste management plans. It directly affects landfill operators, waste management facilities, and municipalities by prohibiting the disposal of items such as leaf and yard residuals, wood waste, and food residuals in landfills starting in 2016 and 2020, respectively. The legislation also requires facilities to remove mandated recyclables and hazardous materials from waste streams when receiving material from municipalities lacking approved implementation plans, while allowing for separate storage areas for these materials. Additionally, the bill clarifies certification requirements for solid waste management facilities and includes exemptions for waste collected during nonprofit litter cleanup events.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows municipalities in Vermont to post speed limits below 25 miles per hour in State-designated centers, which are specific downtown development districts. The change permits local legislative bodies to set lower speed limits in these areas without requiring a formal engineering and traffic investigation, provided they consider neighborhood character, land use, and pedestrian activity. The law applies specifically to designated centers under 24 V.S.A. chapter 76A and would take effect on July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to improve public transit access for rural Vermonters by creating a service model that ensures reliable transportation to essential services like healthcare, employment, and child care. It requires transit providers to conduct benefit and risk assessments to determine appropriate service levels while ensuring financial sustainability through Medicaid reimbursements and federal funding. The legislation also proposes establishing and funding a Mobility for All Pilot Program through Rural Community Transportation, Inc. to test innovative transit solutions in rural areas.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Vermont state departments to create and maintain public education materials about dementia risks and early detection for patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare providers. It requires the Departments of Health, Disabilities Aging, and Independent Living, along with the Department of Mental Health, to include dementia awareness in existing public health outreach programs. The legislation mandates education for healthcare providers on early detection methods and screening benefits, while also increasing public understanding of early warning signs and the importance of timely diagnosis. The bill specifically targets populations at higher risk for dementia and emphasizes cultural relevance and health literacy in its messaging.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes May 2023 as Jewish American Heritage Month in Vermont. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Jewish communities in the state. The measure acknowledges the historical contributions of Jewish Americans to Vermont and the nation, noting their early settlement and ongoing cultural significance. It does not change laws or policies but serves as a symbolic recognition of Jewish heritage and history.