Rep. Larry Labor

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 would allow Vermont to join the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact, an agreement among multiple states that makes it easier for licensed physician assistants to practice across state lines. Under the compact, a physician assistant holding a valid license in one participating state could obtain temporary permission to practice in other participating states without applying for a new full license in each location. The system maintains patient safety by ensuring that the physician assistant remains under the jurisdiction of the state where the patient is located during a medical visit and allows licensing boards to share information about disciplinary actions. The compact also includes special provisions to help military families by simplifying the licensing process for active-duty personnel and their spouses who move between states.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public utility companies to notify property owners when utility service is disconnected from rental properties, even if the tenant is the one paying the bill. The law applies to gas, electric, water, and wastewater services regulated by the Public Utility Commission and mandates that these notices be delivered in a specific format while protecting tenant privacy by excluding confidential account information. Property owners can request that notices be sent to property managers or other third parties instead, and the Public Utility Commission must develop rules for these notifications by January 15, 2024. Additionally, the commission must propose draft legislation to extend these notification requirements to utility disconnections not currently under its jurisdiction, including municipal water and sewer services.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes May as Mental Health Awareness Month in Vermont to raise public awareness about mental health challenges. It does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of the state's mental health needs and statistics. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to relevant mental health organizations and officials. While it highlights concerning data about suicide rates and access to care, the bill itself is a commemorative measure rather than a policy change.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that formally honors William Boyd Davies for his more than 40 years of moderating the Northeast Kingdom Legislative Breakfast Series in Newport. The resolution recognizes his role in facilitating community dialogue between state legislators and constituents, highlighting his contribution to civil discourse and democratic engagement in Vermont. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Davies as an official acknowledgment of his service. This document serves as a commemorative measure rather than establishing new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that honors Karen Horn of Moretown for her leadership in strengthening local government in Vermont. It recognizes her decades of work with the Vermont League of Cities and Towns, where she advised officials on municipal issues and helped secure transportation funding and tax authority for local governments. The resolution formally acknowledges her contributions to municipal policy and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to both Horn and the Vermont League of Cities and Towns.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the charter of the Northeast Kingdom Waste Management District to update its governance and budget procedures. It requires the District's Board of Supervisors to review proposed budgets after considering public comments and adopt them by January 15th each year. The amendment also establishes that if a budget is not approved by the start of a fiscal year, the District will continue operating under the previous year's budget, while ensuring the District remains obligated to pay bond principal, interest, and long-term contract obligations. Additionally, the bill sets the annual District meeting for budget adoption on the first Tuesday in March.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution expresses support for Abenaki communities in Vermont and encourages greater appreciation of Abenaki culture during Abenaki Recognition and Heritage Week and throughout the year. The bill directly affects the Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs and the four state-recognized Abenaki tribes and bands by directing the House Clerk to send copies of the resolution to these entities. The resolution acknowledges past injustices, including state-sanctioned eugenics and sterilizations, and recognizes existing legislative efforts such as free hunting and fishing licenses for certified Native Americans and the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It serves as a formal statement of support rather than creating new policy requirements or funding allocations.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that formally congratulates Christopher Young on being named the 2023 Vermont Principal of the Year. It recognizes his achievements as a school principal, including his leadership at North Country Union High School during the pandemic and his prior success at Craftsbury Academy and the Troy School. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Christopher Young and North Country Union High School. This type of legislative action is ceremonial and does not create new laws or policy changes.