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.
Sponsored bills
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 reduces overdose risks in Vermont by expanding access to buprenorphine treatment, legalizing drug-checking services, and creating a dedicated funding stream for opioid prevention. It allows healthcare providers to prescribe up to 24 milligrams of buprenorphine without prior authorization, permits community organizations to test substances for contaminants without fear of legal penalties, and establishes an Opioid Abatement Special Fund to finance naloxone distribution and treatment programs. The legislation also clarifies that drug-checking results cannot be used as evidence in court and ensures that individuals seeking these services face no arrest or prosecution for possession of the substances being tested.
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 directs the Secretary of State to conduct a study on the duties, workload, and salaries of municipal clerks across Vermont. The report will examine whether current compensation levels are adequate for the volume of work clerks handle under state laws and local decisions. It specifically looks at municipalities that rely solely on statutory fees to fund clerk salaries. The findings will be submitted to the General Assembly to inform future policy discussions.
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 legislative resolution formally congratulates individuals who achieved significant scouting milestones in 2022. It honors 35 young people who earned the Eagle Scout rank and one individual, Katherine Lewis, who received the Summit Award for Venturing. The General Assembly directs the Secretary of State to send copies of this recognition to each person named in the resolution. This ceremonial document acknowledges their accomplishments but does not create new laws or policy changes.
Maddy summaryThis House concurrent resolution congratulates Mikaela Shiffrin on her historic 2022-2023 World Cup Alpine ski racing achievements, including becoming the winningest female Alpine racer of all time with 88 victories and setting a new all-time World Cup record with 87 event wins. The resolution recognizes her accomplishments, which include winning races in all six World Cup Alpine disciplines and accumulating 138 career podiums. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Shiffrin and U.S. Ski & Snowboard as a formal acknowledgment of her record-setting performance.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Small Farmer Diversification and Transition Program within Vermont's Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets to provide financial grants to small farmers. The program offers up to $15,000 per farmer annually to help with costs related to diversifying farm products, transitioning between different types of farming, processing products on-site, or developing accessory on-farm businesses. Eligible applicants must demonstrate they are small farmers, have a viable plan for additional income, and meet specific animal housing limits, with applications accepted between November 1 and December 31 each year. The bill appropriates $350,000 in one-time funds for fiscal year 2024 to implement the program, which takes effect on July 1, 2023.