Maddy summaryThis bill would allow certain undocumented students to pay in-state tuition rates and access state-funded financial aid at Vermont's public colleges if they meet standard residency requirements. It prohibits the Vermont State Colleges Corporation from excluding students based solely on immigration status and requires the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation to make state financial aid available to all residents regardless of immigration status. The law specifically includes protections for refugees, those granted parole to enter the U.S., and Afghan Allies Protection Act visa holders, while also clarifying residency rules for military families. The changes would take effect on July 1, 2025, and include provisions ensuring students can apply for and participate in financial aid programs to the full extent allowed by federal law.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 10 as Ken Squier Day to honor the late Vermont broadcaster and auto racing commentator. The legislation recognizes Squier's contributions to radio through his ownership of WDEV and founding of the Radio Vermont Group, as well as his pioneering work with the Motor Racing Network and NASCAR Hall of Fame induction. It also acknowledges his community leadership roles, including chairing the Vermont Symphony Orchestra Board and his extensive involvement in local sports broadcasting. The bill adds a new section to Vermont's statutes formally establishing the commemorative day without requiring any additional government funding or administrative changes.
Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution congratulates the 2023 Georgia Elementary and Middle School Chargers seventh- and eighth-grade girls' softball team for their undefeated 13-0 season. The document formally recognizes the individual players and their head coach, Seth Hungerford, for their athletic achievements and mentoring. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the school, serving as an official acknowledgment of the team's success.
Maddy summaryThis bill would eliminate registration fees for personal vehicles owned by volunteer firefighters that are authorized for emergency use. It applies to individual volunteer firefighters who have written permission to use their vehicles for fire or rescue activities and have permits for emergency lights and sirens. The legislation amends Vermont state law to set the registration fee at $0 for these specific vehicles, while maintaining a $15 fee for vehicles owned by volunteer fire departments themselves. The changes would take effect on July 1, 2024, and directly benefit volunteer firefighters in Vermont who currently pay standard registration costs for their emergency response vehicles.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new driver education and training program specifically for students enrolled in Vermont's home study program, allowing their parents or guardians to teach them driving skills. The legislation requires the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles and the Secretary of Education to approve at least one course that includes behind-the-wheel training, instruction on alcohol and drug effects on driving, insurance laws, and rules about vehicle idling. To qualify for a junior operator's license, home study students must complete this approved course, maintain a clean driving record, and log at least 40 hours of supervised practice driving. The bill also sets eligibility requirements for parents teaching the course, excluding those with recent traffic violations or serious criminal convictions, and mandates a report comparing driving records of students who completed home study programs versus traditional school-based programs.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont school districts to include military-related postsecondary opportunities in career development and personalized learning plans for students in grades 7 through 12. It also mandates that the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation provide information about military-related postsecondary options and financial aid in all planning resources it produces. The changes aim to ensure students are aware of military education pathways as part of their broader career and postsecondary planning. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2024.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to strengthen penalties for drug-related offenses in Vermont by clarifying legal definitions and increasing punishments for specific violations. It directly affects individuals charged with drug crimes, particularly those involving minors, repeat offenders, and cases resulting in death. The legislation amends the definition of "knowingly" to include conscious disregard of risk, increases penalties for selling drugs to minors and using minors in drug crimes, doubles penalties for second and subsequent trafficking offenses with mandatory minimum sentences, and prevents defendants from using the presence of multiple drugs as a defense when a death results from drug use.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to increase fines and add more points to driving records for using portable electronic devices like phones while driving in Vermont. It directly affects all drivers who use handheld devices or text while operating a moving vehicle on highways. The bill establishes higher penalties for violations in school zones and work zones where construction or maintenance crews are present, with fines ranging from $250 to $1,000 and additional points on driving records. It also creates a new Distracted Driving Diversion Program to offer an alternative to traditional penalties for eligible first-time offenders. The legislation applies to both junior operators and licensed drivers, with specific provisions preventing duplicate penalties for the same incident.
Maddy summaryThis bill aims to increase housing availability in Vermont by modifying state land use laws, municipal zoning regulations, and tax policies. It directly affects developers, municipalities, and housing providers by creating exemptions for certain housing projects under Act 250, which governs land use in the state. Key provisions include raising the threshold for housing projects that trigger state review in smaller municipalities, exempting conversions of hotels and other buildings into affordable housing from certain regulations, and allowing some municipalities with strong zoning laws to handle development reviews locally instead of through state commissions. The legislation also repeals previous rules that required special permits for priority housing projects and establishes new criteria for when housing construction counts toward state jurisdiction thresholds.
Maddy summaryThis bill aims to improve literacy instruction in Vermont schools by establishing science-based reading methods and expanding professional development for educators. It directly affects students in general education and those with disabilities, as well as teachers and administrators who deliver reading instruction. Key provisions include converting a limited-service literacy position to a permanent full-time role, extending the Advisory Council on Literacy through 2030, and creating a new position to research and recommend curriculum resources. The legislation also appropriates funding to support ongoing professional development focused on evidence-based reading practices and assessment methods.