Maddy summaryThis bill would allow licensed security guards and private investigators to carry firearms in hospital buildings while performing their official duties, expanding current exemptions that already permit law enforcement and military personnel to do so. The legislation amends Vermont state law to add these two professional groups to the list of individuals who may legally possess firearms in healthcare facilities, provided they hold the required security or firearms certifications. Hospitals would need to post notices at public entrances informing visitors of this exception to the general prohibition on firearms in hospital buildings. The change applies only when these professionals are actively working and does not alter the existing ban on firearm possession by the general public in healthcare settings.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to standardize the opening time for all polling places across Vermont, which currently have a uniform closing time of 7:00 p.m. The legislation would establish a specific opening hour that all polling locations must follow, ensuring consistency statewide. It directly affects election officials and voters who rely on polling place hours for planning. The bill would require all polling places to open at the same designated time, creating uniformity in election day procedures.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes three main benefits for Vermont veterans. First, it requires the state to create and maintain a confidential database of veterans in Vermont, collecting information from various agencies while protecting personal details from public access. Second, it reduces motor vehicle registration fees for veterans with honorable discharges, offering either a 50% discount or a full waiver for vehicles purchased with VA financial assistance. Third, it increases the amount of U.S. military retirement pay exempt from Vermont state income tax, raising the exclusion limit for single filers from $10,000 to $15,000 and adjusting thresholds based on total income levels.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changes to Vermont's child abuse and neglect investigation and substantiation standards, as well as procedures for placing individuals on the Child Protection Registry. It establishes a tiered registry system that considers different degrees of abuse or neglect and aims to balance child protection with employment consequences for those substantiated for abuse. The legislation also defines specific types of harm and risk, clarifies investigation procedures including mandatory recording of interviews, and sets standards for determining whether reports are substantiated based on a preponderance of evidence. Additionally, the bill maintains immunity for good faith reporters while allowing for liability if multiple reports are found to lack a good faith basis.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Green Mountain Recreation Fund to support trail development and nonprofit organizations in Vermont. The fund would be financed by taking five percent of the existing tax on beer and wine sales. Money from the fund would hire three full-time staff members to manage trail programs, administer grants, and provide technical assistance to trail groups. Additionally, the bill establishes grant programs for nonprofit trail organizations and municipalities to advance outdoor recreation initiatives. The legislation directly affects trail stewardship groups, local governments, and the organizations that manage recreational trails across the state.
Maddy summaryThis bill increases fines and adds more points to driving records for drivers who use portable electronic devices, such as phones, while operating a moving vehicle. It directly affects all drivers in Vermont who are caught texting or using handheld devices while driving. The law raises the minimum fine for a first violation from $25 to $100 and increases the maximum fine from $200 to $250, while also raising fines for repeat offenses and adding more points to driving records. Drivers who violate these rules in school zones or work zones face even higher penalties, including additional fines and more points on their license. The bill also clarifies that drivers who cause an accident due to texting will face a minimum $500 fine and 10 points on their driving record.
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 proposes changes to Vermont's housing programs to increase funding and expand eligibility for rental housing improvements, primarily affecting private landlords and nonprofit housing organizations. It would amend existing programs to allow grants and forgivable loans for rehabilitating non-compliant units, building new accessory dwelling units, and creating new rental units, with a cap of $50,000 per unit and a requirement for landlords to contribute at least 20% in matching funds or services. The legislation also creates a new Middle-Income Rental Housing Revolving Loan Program to provide subsidized loans for rental developments serving middle-income households, while exempting smaller municipalities from certain zoning requirements and allowing towns to register with state agencies to issue wastewater permits without full state permits. Additionally, it would reduce the number of residents who can appeal zoning decisions from 10 to a lower threshold and exempt certain downtown housing projects from state environmental review requirements.
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.