Rep. Brian Smith

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 proposes changes to Vermont's housing programs to increase funding and expand eligibility for rental housing improvements, primarily affecting private landlords and nonprofit housing organizations. It would amend existing programs to allow grants and forgivable loans for rehabilitating non-compliant units, building new accessory dwelling units, and creating new rental units, with a cap of $50,000 per unit and a requirement for landlords to contribute at least 20% in matching funds or services. The legislation also creates a new Middle-Income Rental Housing Revolving Loan Program to provide subsidized loans for rental developments serving middle-income households, while exempting smaller municipalities from certain zoning requirements and allowing towns to register with state agencies to issue wastewater permits without full state permits. Additionally, it would reduce the number of residents who can appeal zoning decisions from 10 to a lower threshold and exempt certain downtown housing projects from state environmental review requirements.

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 creates a Landfill Siting Commission to identify a new landfill location in Vermont, as the current Coventry landfill is expected to operate for only 22 more years. The commission would include representatives from the legislature, governor, civil engineers, geologists, and experts on environmental justice, and must recommend at least two potential sites or determine if out-of-state waste transport is more cost-effective by January 2024. The bill also establishes a Vermont Materials Management Council to assist with long-term solid waste planning and bans disposal of certain waste types like leachate and sludge from uncertified facilities. Additionally, it creates a Landfill Closure and Planning Account funded by increased taxes on solid and hazardous waste to support closing existing landfills, planning new ones, and remediating contamination.

Maddy summaryThis bill would change how general election ballots are distributed in Vermont by requiring voters to request their mail-in ballots instead of receiving them automatically. It directly affects active voters on the statewide voter checklist who currently receive ballots without asking for them. The key provision amends state law to mandate that the Secretary of State's office only mails ballots upon voter request for general elections. This change shifts the voting process from automatic distribution to an opt-in system for mail-in ballots.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Vermont's rules for handling abandoned motor vehicles by clarifying definitions and adjusting procedures for towing and paperwork. It expands the definition of "motor vehicle" to include any powered vehicle with registration plates, identification numbers, or titles, and sets specific criteria for what counts as abandoned based on how long a vehicle has been left without owner consent. The law increases the time towing companies have to complete required paperwork from 30 to 90 days and raises the state reimbursement rate for towing abandoned vehicles from public property from $40 to $125. Additionally, the bill establishes a $16,000 annual funding limit for towing services on public property, with no single company eligible for more than half of that amount. These changes take effect on July 1, 2023, and primarily affect towing operators, property owners, and state agencies involved in vehicle removal.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Vermont's Agency of Transportation to conduct a feasibility study on expanding passenger and freight rail service along two specific routes: one connecting Montreal, Quebec to East Northfield, Massachusetts via Newport, Vermont, and another linking Montreal to Boston via Island Pond, Vermont and Portland, Maine. The study will examine the practicality of these routes, including estimated costs, potential ridership, infrastructure improvements needed at rail yards, and operational requirements, while also considering seasonal and non-daily service options. The agency must complete the study and submit a written report with findings and an implementation plan to the House and Senate Transportation Committees by January 15, 2024. The legislation directly affects state transportation officials, rail operators in Vermont, Maine, and Quebec, and stakeholders interested in regional rail development.