Rep. Terri Williams

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors organizations and individuals working to improve rural broadband access in Vermont. It recognizes the Communications Union Districts (CUDs) and related groups like the Vermont Communications Union Districts Association and the Vermont Community Broadband Board for their efforts in building broadband networks. The resolution acknowledges past legislative actions that created funding and oversight structures to support these broadband initiatives. It does not change any laws or policies but serves to formally recognize the achievements of these groups in expanding internet access to over 200 municipalities.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Rural Infrastructure Assistance Program to help Vermont's small towns access and manage federal and state funding for projects like clean water, housing, broadband, and climate resilience. The program provides direct support services including community needs assessments, funding application assistance, and project management help, with priority given to municipalities with the highest administrative capacity needs. An initial $3 million appropriation in 2024 funds the program, while the bill also directs remaining federal relief funds to prioritize communities with the greatest need based on a new administrative capacity index. Additionally, the legislation amends the Municipal and Regional Planning Fund to allocate 20 percent of its revenue directly to municipalities for planning purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates January 23-27, 2023, as the first annual Holocaust Education Week in Vermont. It directly affects Vermont schools and educational institutions by establishing a formal period for Holocaust education activities. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to the Vermont Holocaust Memorial and the Agency of Education to facilitate the event. This commemorative measure recognizes the historical significance of the Holocaust and aims to increase awareness through organized educational programming during the designated week.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changes to Vermont's housing programs to increase funding and expand eligibility for rental housing improvements, primarily affecting private landlords and nonprofit housing organizations. It would amend existing programs to allow grants and forgivable loans for rehabilitating non-compliant units, building new accessory dwelling units, and creating new rental units, with a cap of $50,000 per unit and a requirement for landlords to contribute at least 20% in matching funds or services. The legislation also creates a new Middle-Income Rental Housing Revolving Loan Program to provide subsidized loans for rental developments serving middle-income households, while exempting smaller municipalities from certain zoning requirements and allowing towns to register with state agencies to issue wastewater permits without full state permits. Additionally, it would reduce the number of residents who can appeal zoning decisions from 10 to a lower threshold and exempt certain downtown housing projects from state environmental review requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the Vermont National Guard Tuition Benefit Program to include courses at out-of-state colleges that offer degree programs not available in Vermont. It directly affects Vermont National Guard members who wish to pursue education at institutions outside the state. The key provision allows eligible service members to use their tuition benefits at these non-Vermont schools approved for federal funding, with benefits calculated at the University of Vermont's in-state tuition rate. The change takes effect on July 1, 2023, and does not alter existing benefits for in-state institutions.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies how wastewater systems in Vermont are permitted, specifically addressing indirect discharges to protect water quality standards. It updates state laws to align with a new Agency of Natural Resources rule that ensures water quality is maintained and minimizes risks to existing water uses. The changes adjust permit requirements for on-site sewage disposal systems, allowing some existing smaller systems to continue operating without permits while requiring permits for larger systems unless they meet water quality standards. The new rules take effect when the Agency of Natural Resources finalizes its Antidegradation Implementation Rule.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Vermont from adopting California's Clean Air Act waiver for setting motor vehicle emission standards. It directly affects the Secretary of Natural Resources and the Department of Motor Vehicles by amending state statutes to explicitly bar the use of California rules for new motor vehicles. The legislation repeals existing Vermont rules for low emission and zero emission vehicles and establishes a July 1, 2023 effective date for these changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to repeal Vermont's Global Warming Solutions Act and the Vermont Climate Council, shifting the state's climate policy from legally binding greenhouse gas reduction requirements to voluntary goals. The legislation would remove the Climate Council while keeping in place general directives for state agencies to consider emissions in their decision-making and requiring a comprehensive 20-year energy plan. Additionally, it repeals specific rules related to low and zero emission vehicles. The changes would take effect on July 1, 2023, and primarily affect state agencies, environmental regulations, and the structure of Vermont's climate governance.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Vermont Fair Repair Act, would require manufacturers of digital electronic equipment to provide independent repair shops and consumers with access to repair manuals, diagnostic tools, and replacement parts at fair and reasonable terms. The law defines key terms like "original equipment manufacturer" and "independent repair provider" to clarify who must comply with the new requirements. Under the bill, manufacturers must offer documentation at no charge and make tools available without restrictions, while parts must be sold at costs equivalent to those offered to authorized repair providers. The legislation specifically excludes medical devices and motor vehicles from its scope, focusing instead on consumer electronics and similar digital equipment. By establishing these rules, the bill aims to ensure that people can choose where to repair their devices without being forced to use the manufacturer's own service centers.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands access to veteran designations on Vermont driver's licenses, identification cards, and vehicle license plates to include individuals disabled during active duty for training. It requires applicants to provide proof of veteran status, such as a Department of Defense Form 214, and have their eligibility confirmed by the Office of Veterans' Affairs before the designation appears on their credentials. The legislation also mandates that special license plates include emblems recognizing specific groups like Purple Heart recipients, Pearl Harbor survivors, former prisoners of war, and disabled veterans. These changes apply to enhanced licenses, nondriver identification cards, and vehicle registration plates for eligible veterans and active military members.