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.
Rep. Woody Page
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill requires commercial health insurance plans in Vermont to cover epinephrine auto-injectors without any out-of-pocket costs for patients. The law applies to individual and group health policies, hospital service corporations, and health maintenance organizations, but excludes limited benefit plans for specific diseases. Under the new rules, insured individuals would not face deductibles, coinsurance, co-payments, or other cost-sharing requirements when their healthcare provider prescribes these auto-injectors. The legislation takes effect on July 1, 2023.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the sale of cannabis and tobacco products in Vermont that use single-use filters, aiming to reduce environmental pollution from discarded cigarette butts and filter tips. The law bans any cannabis or tobacco product utilizing a single-use filter made of any material, including cellulose acetate, fibrous plastic, or biodegradable options, as well as attachable devices designed to facilitate filtration. Retailers and manufacturers would be restricted from selling these filtered products, while the ban takes effect on July 1, 2023. The legislation is based on findings that cigarette filters contribute significantly to litter and environmental contamination, and that they do not improve product safety.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates all golf courses in Vermont as protected green space areas, which would limit development on the land and subject it to state regulations for management and maintenance. It also includes the parking lots and buildings associated with golf course operations within this protected designation. The legislation allows for removal of this protection only through a formal process involving public notice and a hearing approved by the state commissioner. Additionally, the bill appropriates $1 million from the state's general fund to purchase golf course land for conversion into state parks. The law would take effect on July 1, 2023.