Rep. Terri Williams

Maddy summaryThis House concurrent resolution honors former President James Earl Carter as a tireless international humanitarian and public servant. The bill recognizes his post-presidential work, including conflict mediation, election monitoring, disease eradication efforts, and advocacy for affordable housing through Habitat for Humanity. It acknowledges his receipt of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize and his decision to enter hospice care. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to former President Carter.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that formally honors Cynthia Gaboriault for her service as Concord Town Clerk in Vermont. It recognizes her 11 years of municipal work, including her election to the role in 2016 and her management of town operations, elections, and records through the COVID-19 pandemic. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the honor to both Gaboriault and the Town of Concord. This is a commemorative measure with no policy changes or legal requirements beyond the ceremonial acknowledgment.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that formally honors Wanda Grant, the long-serving Town Clerk-Treasurer of Kirby, Vermont. It recognizes her 41+ years of dedicated service to the town, including her role in overseeing elections, maintaining municipal records, and mentoring other officials. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the honor to Ms. Grant and the Town of Kirby. This is a commemorative measure rather than a policy change, and it does not affect any laws or regulations.

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 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 creates the Green Mountain Recreation Fund to support trail development and nonprofit organizations in Vermont. The fund would be financed by taking five percent of the existing tax on beer and wine sales. Money from the fund would hire three new full-time staff members to manage trail programs, provide technical assistance, and administer grants for organizational capacity and outdoor recreation projects. Additionally, the bill requires that at least 10 percent of new trails built on state land or with state funding be accessible to people with physical disabilities. The legislation also appropriates $5 million for a community grant program supporting outdoor recreation initiatives in 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires independent schools in Vermont to pay their teachers' retirement contributions and administrative expenses directly, rather than having these costs covered by the state education budget. It also clarifies that "education spending" includes the portion of retirement payments attributable to school districts, while excluding funds from other sources like endowments or federal grants. The changes take effect on July 1, 2024, and include requirements for independent schools to submit annual payment statements and for the state to report on implementation to relevant committees.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts the transportation of catalytic converters in Vermont by prohibiting movement between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. During regular hours, it requires anyone transporting a used catalytic converter to have a bill of sale that includes the vehicle's VIN number. The law directly affects individuals and businesses moving catalytic converters within the state and aims to prevent theft by limiting transport times and requiring documentation. It takes effect on July 1, 2023, and is intended to strengthen consumer protection and commerce regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that municipal zoning rules limiting the number of group homes do not apply to facilities housing high-risk, justice-involved youth. It amends state law to exclude such facilities from the definition of group homes that are permitted as single-family residential uses, while maintaining existing limits on the number of homes per lot. The change directly affects municipalities, zoning authorities, and operators of residential care facilities by creating a specific exemption for youth justice facilities. The legislation takes effect on July 1, 2023, and aims to provide clearer guidance on how different types of group homes are treated under local zoning regulations.