Rep. Woody Page

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 requires Vermont's Department of Health to submit a report on current staff-to-patient ratios in healthcare facilities by January 15, 2024. The report will assess whether specific areas like trauma, psychiatric, intensive care, and surgical units should have mandated staffing standards. The department must also consider policies from other states and input from healthcare workers when making recommendations. This legislation does not establish new staffing requirements but instead initiates a review process to determine if such regulations are needed. The act takes effect on July 1, 2023, and applies to all healthcare facilities in Vermont.

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 aims to make housing more affordable by reducing zoning restrictions and regulatory barriers that limit where and how people can build homes. It directly affects local governments, developers, and residents by establishing statewide standards for residential zoning. Key provisions include requiring duplexes and small apartment buildings in areas with municipal water and sewer, limiting parking requirements to one space per unit, and allowing accessory dwelling units under the same rules as single-family homes. The legislation also prohibits deed restrictions that limit dwelling size or parking, requires municipalities to report new zoning rules to the state, and strengthens enforcement of fair housing laws.

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 expands the State Auditor's authority to examine the financial records of any company or organization that provides services to the State of Vermont. It requires the Secretary of Administration to update administrative guidelines so that all state contracts include language allowing the State Auditor to review contractor records, and it amends state law to formally grant this examination power. The law specifies that the State Auditor can review records in any format, but only those relevant to the specific state contract being audited. These changes take effect on July 1, 2023, and apply to all contractors doing business with the state.

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.