Rep. Jed Lipsky

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that formally congratulates the Boyd Family Farm in Wilmington on the 100th anniversary of its current location. The resolution acknowledges the farm's history, noting that the family relocated there in 1923 after a flood displaced their original farm established in 1775. It highlights the farm's current operations, which include growing flowers, offering blueberry picking, providing wedding floral services, and running a community-supported agriculture program. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the farm as a gesture of recognition.

Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a ceremonial resolution that formally recognizes the 100th anniversary of the Vermont State Parks system. It commemorates the historical significance of the parks, which began in 1924 with a donation of land that became Mt. Philo State Park, and acknowledges the contributions of Civilian Conservation Corps workers and private foundations to their development. The resolution does not create new laws or change policies but serves to honor the parks' legacy and their role in Vermont's outdoor economy. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to relevant state agencies and the Vermont Parks Forever foundation.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates February 2024 as School Board Recognition Month in Vermont to honor the work of local school board members. It does not change any laws or policies but serves as a formal acknowledgment of the importance of these community leaders in public education. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the Vermont School Board Association, allowing the organization to promote awareness of the role school boards play in Vermont.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution honors Vermont television journalist Stewart Ledbetter for his 40 years of news reporting. The bill formally recognizes his career achievements, including his work as a news director, political campaign moderator, and recipient of multiple broadcast awards. It directs the House Clerk to send a copy of the resolution to Ledbetter and WPTZ, the television station where he worked.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new online directory for Vermont farms to list job openings and housing options for agricultural workers. Farms that post positions on the directory must provide affordable housing either on-site or nearby, and must disclose details about the job, housing arrangements, farm practices, and pay rates. The state will fund the program with $50,000 for implementation, and the directory will be free for users to access and set up accounts.

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.

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 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 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 House concurrent resolution honors Vermont National Guard Deputy Adjutant General Kenneth Gragg for his distinguished career in public service. The document recognizes his 46 years of military and civilian service, including his leadership in financial management, construction projects, and pandemic response efforts. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Gragg as a formal acknowledgment of his contributions. This is a ceremonial measure with no new laws or policy changes, serving only to publicly recognize his achievements.