Rep. Katherine Sims

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes establishing a new Vermont Climate Infrastructure Fund to support climate-related projects and investments across the state. Administered by the State Treasurer's Office with an advisory board, the fund would coordinate financing efforts with existing agencies like the Vermont Economic Development Authority and Vermont Bond Bank to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve climate resilience. The fund would invest in clean energy solutions, forest and agricultural land improvements, watershed health, and projects that benefit underserved communities while also seeking federal funding opportunities and stimulating private investment.

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 would remove existing bans and penalties on the purchase, use, and possession of tobacco products in Vermont, including electronic cigarettes and other nicotine-delivery devices not approved by the FDA for medical purposes. It updates legal definitions to clarify what counts as a tobacco product and tobacco substitute, while maintaining age restrictions that prohibit anyone under 21 from buying, possessing, or attempting to purchase these items. The legislation also establishes civil penalties for retailers who sell to minors and requires annual compliance testing by the Division of Liquor Control to ensure at least 90% accuracy in age verification for buyers between 17 and 20 years old.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all Vermont public high school students to complete a semester-long personal finance course in either 11th or 12th grade as a graduation requirement. The State Board of Education must develop and maintain performance standards covering topics like budgeting, credit management, investing, taxes, and retirement planning. The bill also directs the Board to oversee course implementation by establishing teacher certification requirements, approving curriculum providers, and offering professional development for educators. The law takes effect on July 1, 2023, applying to students graduating in the 2024-2025 school year or later.

Maddy summaryThis bill would create a legal exception to Vermont's tobacco possession laws, allowing people under 21 to hold tobacco products when participating in Indigenous cultural practices. It amends existing statutes to add a specific provision that permits minors to possess tobacco in connection with Indigenous cultural tobacco practices, while maintaining the general rule that individuals under 21 cannot possess, purchase, or attempt to purchase tobacco products. The law would take effect immediately upon passage and applies specifically to Indigenous cultural contexts rather than general tobacco use.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a public prekindergarten education program in Vermont, making full-day early education available to three- and four-year-old children and five-year-olds not yet in kindergarten. It creates a new Department of Economic Empowerment by reorganizing the Department for Children and Families, adds a second Deputy Secretary to the Agency of Education with specific qualifications, and provides property tax exemptions for child care providers. The legislation also expands eligibility and payment rates for the Child Care Financial Assistance Program, creates a new Noncitizen Child Care Assistance Program, and introduces grants to support child care workforce retention.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates February 2023 as School Board Recognition Month in Vermont to acknowledge the contributions of school board members. It formally recognizes these citizen leaders for their essential role in public education governance and their unique form of civic engagement. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to the Vermont School Board Association. This is a ceremonial measure that does not change laws or policies but serves to honor school board members.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes transferring certain responsibilities from Vermont's State Board of Education to the Secretary of Education. The key changes would shift rule-making authority over educational quality standards, special education funding, and school accountability systems to the Secretary, while the Board would retain duties like establishing strategic vision and reviewing appeals. The legislation also modifies how the Board and Secretary collaborate on developing student performance standards and reporting on educational conditions across the state. These adjustments aim to reorganize how educational policy is developed and implemented within Vermont's education system.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Vermont State Building Security Board to oversee safety and security for state facilities and employees, excluding the State House which remains under the Sergeant at Arms. The Board will consist of seven members appointed by the Governor, Attorney General, State Employees' Association, and the Court Administrator, who will develop security plans, set statewide standards for security equipment and upgrades, and coordinate responses to security needs. The legislation also establishes a new Buildings and Courthouses Police Department to support security operations across state buildings and court facilities. The Board will hold regular meetings, produce annual reports on security incidents, and appoint a Director of Safety and Security to implement comprehensive security plans.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to gradually implement Green Mountain Care, a publicly financed health care program for all Vermont residents, over a ten-year period. It would begin with primary care coverage in the first year, add preventive dental and vision care in the second year, and expand to additional services in subsequent years based on recommendations from an advisory group. The legislation requires the Green Mountain Care Board to analyze and report on financing sustainability, economic impact, and cost containment measures before full implementation. It also seeks a federal waiver to adjust health insurance benefits and funding to avoid duplication with Green Mountain Care coverage.