Maddy summaryThis bill would require online companies to design their services with children's best interests in mind if those services are likely to be accessed by minors under 18. It mandates that companies consider different developmental stages when creating features and prohibits the use of deceptive user interface designs known as dark patterns that could manipulate children's choices. The law applies to businesses operating in Vermont and defines specific rules for how personal data about children can be collected, processed, and shared, including restrictions on profiling and geolocation tracking. Companies must also provide clear default settings that protect children's privacy rather than requiring them to opt out of data collection.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill directs Vermont's Public Utility Commission to create a statewide low-income electric ratepayer protection program that helps eligible households pay their electricity bills. The program would assist residential customers earning at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level, aiming to ensure those at or below 60 percent of state median income spend no more than 10 percent of their monthly income on electricity if they heat with electricity, or no more than six percent if they do not. The Commission must work with a collaborative group including utility companies, consumer representatives, and state agencies to design the program, which would use automatic screening methods based on existing financial assistance programs and include arrearage forgiveness. Funding for the program would be collected statewide from all customer classes in an equitable manner, with the Commission considering options like voluntary payments or surcharges on high-volume users. The bill also repeals an existing section of state law and takes effect immediately upon passage.
Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Thermal Energy Network Act, would bring utility-style thermal energy networks under the oversight of Vermont's Public Utility Commission. It defines thermal energy networks as infrastructure that distributes heat and cooling from non-fossil fuel sources to multiple buildings and requires the Commission to issue a certificate of public good before any private company can operate such a network for more than 20 customers. Municipalities would retain the ability to build and operate these networks without Commission approval, similar to how they currently manage water and sewer services. The bill also directs the Commission to create rules that simplify permitting, allow pilot projects, and prioritize serving low- and moderate-income customers.
Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the Protecting Soils and Waters from Forever Chemicals Act, prohibits the land application of septage throughout Vermont and restricts landfill disposal of waste containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) when state standards are exceeded or when facilities lack proper certification. The legislation requires all solid waste management facilities to obtain state certification before operating, with specific exemptions for certain domestic wastewater treatment plants that meet defined conditions. Additionally, the bill bans the use of sludge as daily cover at landfills and mandates that the Secretary of Natural Resources and the Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets develop a memorandum of understanding by January 15, 2025, to enforce PFAS soil standards. These changes directly affect wastewater treatment facilities, landfills, and municipalities that manage septage and sludge waste.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Community Resilience and Disaster Mitigation Grant Program and Fund to help Vermont municipalities prepare for and reduce the impact of natural disasters. The program would provide grants to cities, towns, and other local governments for projects like slope stabilization, watershed restoration, and drought mitigation, with priority given to communities facing higher vulnerability. Funding comes from a $15 million appropriation in fiscal year 2024 and an annual assessment on insurance companies writing policies in Vermont, capped at $4.3 million. The Department of Public Safety would administer both the grant program and the fund, which must keep records and submit annual reports on how money is spent.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Resilient Communities Fund to provide financial assistance to Vermont municipalities for planning and responding to floods, fires, environmental hazards, and other disasters, with priority given to projects that match federal grants and serve vulnerable communities. It requires the Division of Vermont Emergency Management to identify specific areas needing additional funding based on past disasters, current risks, and local capacity, and mandates a study to improve coordination between state and local disaster response efforts. Additionally, the bill directs the Secretary of Natural Resources to create rules for development permits in flood hazard areas and authorizes the creation of a State Urban Search and Rescue Team for rapid emergency response.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an extended producer responsibility program in Vermont to manage the collection and recycling of waste motor vehicle tires. It requires tire manufacturers to register with the state and either join an approved waste tire stewardship organization or implement their own plan before selling tires beginning in 2026. The program includes a fee system and mandates that manufacturers contribute to tire recycling efforts, with the Agency of Natural Resources overseeing compliance. Covered entities, such as tire retailers, must deliver waste tires to approved collection facilities to participate in the program.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Green Mountain Care Board to hold budget review hearings for hospitals within the local communities where those hospitals are located. The key provision mandates that the Board meet with hospitals in their local areas to discuss upcoming fiscal year budgets and provide public notice of these meetings. This change allows community members to attend and offer comments on proposed hospital budgets directly in their neighborhoods. The bill affects the Green Mountain Care Board's budget review process and gives local residents a more accessible opportunity to participate in hospital budget discussions.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes establishing a study committee to examine how Vermont could distribute sales and use tax revenue equally among all municipalities. The committee will also investigate other methods for sharing state revenue with local communities. The legislation does not change any current tax laws or revenue distributions but instead creates a group to research and recommend options for future policy changes. The bill affects state government structure by adding a committee tasked with analyzing revenue sharing mechanisms.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a refundable income tax credit of $500 for qualified emergency responders in Vermont, including licensed emergency medical personnel, first responders, and volunteer firefighters who are in good standing with the state. The credit applies to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2024, and is designed to recognize the public service provided by these individuals who deliver lifesaving measures. The legislation also requires the Vermont Fire Service Training Council to establish standards defining active service for volunteer firefighters to determine eligibility for the credit. This measure directly affects licensed medical personnel, first responders, and volunteer firefighters who meet the specified qualifications and serve within the state.