Rep. Mark Higley

Maddy summaryThis bill would exempt sales of precious metals sold for investment from Vermont's sales and use tax when the transaction is valued at $1,000 or more. It directly affects buyers of gold and silver bullion or coins who are purchasing for investment purposes rather than for industrial or artistic use. The law would continue to tax the first $1,000 of any such sale while exempting amounts above that threshold. The exemption applies specifically to rare coins with numismatic value and gold or silver bullion or coins traded according to their precious metal value. This change would take effect on July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont State Colleges and the University of Vermont to give admission preference to in-state students who have completed career technical education programs in fields that the institutions offer. The law applies to eligible residents who have finished relevant CTE training and seeks to create a direct pathway for these students into postsecondary programs aligned with their technical background. The preference would be implemented starting July 1, 2023, and applies specifically to both the state college system and the University of Vermont and State Agricultural College.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a pilot program to help middle schools in Vermont establish career and technical education programs for grades eight and nine. It provides $5.5 million in grant funding to eligible schools located more than 15 miles from existing career centers, with requirements that schools match the funding through in-kind contributions and commit to maintaining the programs for five years. The grants cover one full-time teacher and equipment costs for two years, after which schools must fund their own operations. The Agency of Education will report annually on student participation and program sustainability to the state legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows unified towns and gores in Essex County, Vermont to hire a professional assessor to handle property valuation duties. It amends state statutes to give the Board of Governors authority to appoint an outside assessor and an assessor clerk, similar to how other municipal boards select their officials. The changes grant these unified towns the power to incur debt and issue bonds to fund these positions, aligning their operational structure with other municipalities in the state. The legislation takes effect on July 1, 2023, and applies specifically to the unified towns and gores within Essex County.

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 requires Vermont's Agency of Transportation to study whether direct-current fast chargers can be installed at locations that previously served as welcome centers. The legislation also asks the agency to update the state's National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan to include these chargers if the study finds them feasible. Additionally, the bill mandates that the agency submit a written report on the findings to the House and Senate Transportation Committees by December 15, 2023. The measure directly affects the state's transportation department and aims to improve electric vehicle charging options at former welcome center sites.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Vermont State Highway Safety Office to prepare a written report by January 15, 2024, recommending how the state should adjust its approach to educating about, enforcing, and prosecuting distracted driving violations for noncommercial drivers. The report must consult with various state agencies and organizations, examine current enforcement methods like fines and license suspensions, and specifically consider strategies for drivers under 18 years old. The legislation does not change any existing laws but requires officials to analyze what is working and what needs improvement in addressing distracted driving.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Health Care Freedom of Conscience Act, would protect the rights of health care providers and institutions in Vermont to decline participation in medical services that conflict with their religious, moral, or ethical beliefs. It directly affects physicians, nurses, pharmacists, clinics, hospitals, and other health care entities by establishing their right to refuse services such as abortion, contraception, assisted reproduction, and physician-assisted suicide without facing penalties. The legislation prohibits discrimination against providers or institutions who exercise this right, banning actions like termination, demotion, loss of benefits, or denial of licenses or grants as retaliation for conscientious objections. To qualify for protection, health care institutions must provide patients with a consent form stating their right to decline certain services, while individual providers receive immunity from civil, criminal, and administrative liability for refusing to participate in objectionable care.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes specific requirements for obtaining informed consent before administering immunizations in Vermont, directly affecting healthcare providers and patients. It mandates that providers give individuals or their guardians a copy of the immunization package insert at least 24 hours before administration, obtain prior written consent, and inform patients they can refuse immunizations without facing threats or penalties. The bill also creates a legal defense for medical malpractice claims related to informed consent in immunization cases and requires expert testimony to prove that sufficient information was not provided. These provisions take effect on July 1, 2023, and apply to both adults and minors with parental or guardian consent requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds a new chapter to Vermont law that recognizes an individual's right to make their own health care decisions and refuse medical interventions, testing, or vaccines based on their religious, conscientious, or personal beliefs. It prohibits government agencies, employers, schools, healthcare providers, and other organizations from denying services, restricting employment, or imposing conditions on anyone exercising this right, even during public health emergencies. The law also allows individuals who suffer harm from violations of these rights to sue for damages and legal fees in Superior Court.