Rep. Rodney Graham

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont's Agency of Education to work with the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets to create a statewide curriculum covering food cultivation, farming practices, and nutrition for elementary and secondary schools. It also mandates that the State Board of Education and supervisory unions include agriculture and nutrition education in their quality standards and union-wide curricula. Additionally, the bill adds agriculture and nutrition education to the list of required natural sciences fields in the state's minimum course of study. These changes would affect all public schools in Vermont starting July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill would exempt all U.S. military retirement income and military survivor benefit income from Vermont state income tax. It directly affects active and retired military personnel, as well as the surviving spouses and dependents of deceased service members who receive these benefits. The legislation amends existing tax code sections to remove military retirement and survivor benefits from taxable income, while also clarifying that taxpayers can only choose one income exclusion option if they qualify for multiple types of exemptions. The bill states its purpose is to honor and thank military retirees and their families for their service, and it applies retroactively to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new permanent position of Dementia Coordinator within Vermont's Agency of Human Services to help coordinate state efforts and community partnerships in supporting people with dementia and their families. The Coordinator would update the state's Alzheimer's action plan, manage grant funding for expanded services, streamline government programs to reduce duplication, oversee dementia-specific training, and collect and share data to improve care quality. The role requires a master's or bachelor's degree in human services, public health, or public administration with professional experience, and the Commission on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders would recommend qualified candidates. An initial $150,000 appropriation funds the position in fiscal year 2024, with the Coordinator required to submit an annual report on dementia care status and legislative recommendations by December 1. The act takes effect on July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Vermont State Highway Safety Office to prepare a written report by January 15, 2024, recommending how the state should adjust its approach to educating about, enforcing, and prosecuting distracted driving violations for noncommercial drivers. The report must consult with various state agencies and organizations, examine current enforcement methods like fines and license suspensions, and specifically consider strategies for drivers under 18 years old. The legislation does not change any existing laws but requires officials to analyze what is working and what needs improvement in addressing distracted driving.

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 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 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.