Rep. Joseph Parsons

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont's Agency of Transportation to study whether direct-current fast chargers can be installed at locations that previously served as welcome centers. The legislation also asks the agency to update the state's National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan to include these chargers if the study finds them feasible. Additionally, the bill mandates that the agency submit a written report on the findings to the House and Senate Transportation Committees by December 15, 2023. The measure directly affects the state's transportation department and aims to improve electric vehicle charging options at former welcome center sites.

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 increases fines and adds more points to driving records for drivers who use portable electronic devices, such as phones, while operating a moving vehicle. It directly affects all drivers in Vermont who are caught texting or using handheld devices while driving. The law raises the minimum fine for a first violation from $25 to $100 and increases the maximum fine from $200 to $250, while also raising fines for repeat offenses and adding more points to driving records. Drivers who violate these rules in school zones or work zones face even higher penalties, including additional fines and more points on their license. The bill also clarifies that drivers who cause an accident due to texting will face a minimum $500 fine and 10 points on their driving record.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Vermont from adopting California's Clean Air Act waiver for setting motor vehicle emission standards. It directly affects the Secretary of Natural Resources and the Department of Motor Vehicles by amending state statutes to explicitly bar the use of California rules for new motor vehicles. The legislation repeals existing Vermont rules for low emission and zero emission vehicles and establishes a July 1, 2023 effective date for these changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to repeal Vermont's Global Warming Solutions Act and the Vermont Climate Council, shifting the state's climate policy from legally binding greenhouse gas reduction requirements to voluntary goals. The legislation would remove the Climate Council while keeping in place general directives for state agencies to consider emissions in their decision-making and requiring a comprehensive 20-year energy plan. Additionally, it repeals specific rules related to low and zero emission vehicles. The changes would take effect on July 1, 2023, and primarily affect state agencies, environmental regulations, and the structure of Vermont's climate governance.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands access to veteran designations on Vermont driver's licenses, identification cards, and vehicle license plates to include individuals disabled during active duty for training. It requires applicants to provide proof of veteran status, such as a Department of Defense Form 214, and have their eligibility confirmed by the Office of Veterans' Affairs before the designation appears on their credentials. The legislation also mandates that special license plates include emblems recognizing specific groups like Purple Heart recipients, Pearl Harbor survivors, former prisoners of war, and disabled veterans. These changes apply to enhanced licenses, nondriver identification cards, and vehicle registration plates for eligible veterans and active military members.

Maddy summaryThis bill would exempt small towns in Vermont from a state requirement to map forest blocks and habitat connectors on their municipal land use plans. The change directly affects municipalities that currently must include these specific environmental features in their planning documents under 24 V.S.A. § 4382. By removing this mapping requirement, the legislation reduces the planning obligations for smaller communities while leaving the broader state forest conservation framework intact. The bill aims to simplify municipal planning processes for smaller jurisdictions without altering the underlying environmental protection standards.