Rep. Tom Burditt

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all connected devices sold in Vermont to meet specific minimum security standards, directly affecting manufacturers and retailers of internet-capable consumer electronics. The law mandates that these devices use encrypted communications, support automatic security updates, require strong passwords with default password resets, maintain vulnerability management systems, and provide clear privacy policies with data deletion options. Violations of these standards would be treated as unfair and deceptive acts under state commerce law, with the regulations taking effect on July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Genetic Information Privacy Act, establishes new privacy protections for consumers who use direct-to-consumer genetic testing services. It requires these companies to obtain clear, specific consent from customers before collecting, using, or sharing their genetic data, and mandates transparent privacy policies that explain how data will be handled. The law also prohibits companies from sharing genetic information with health insurers, life insurers, or employers without explicit customer permission, while requiring robust security measures and giving consumers the right to access, delete, or destroy their genetic data and biological samples.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands eligibility for Vermont's Child Care Financial Assistance Program by adjusting income thresholds and co-payment rules to help more families access subsidized child care. Under the new provisions, families earning up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level would qualify for subsidies, while those earning 150 percent or less would pay no co-payment regardless of family size. The bill also changes how child care providers are paid by decoupling reimbursement rates from the Step Ahead Recognition System (STARS) and instead tying them to market rates from the Vermont Child Care Market Rate Survey with tiered caps based on provider ratings. These changes would take effect on July 1, 2023, and directly impact families seeking employment or training and the child care providers serving them.

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 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 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 would allow children to attend school and child care facilities without required immunizations if their parents or guardians provide a signed statement affirming conscientious or personal beliefs against vaccination. To qualify, parents must annually submit a form stating they have reviewed educational materials about vaccine risks and the dangers of vaccine-preventable diseases, particularly for those who cannot be vaccinated. The bill also permits exemptions when a licensed health care practitioner certifies in writing that a specific immunization could be harmful to a child's health. These provisions would take effect on July 1, 2023, and the signed exemption forms would not be used as evidence in civil proceedings.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont's Department of Health to submit an annual report on adverse reactions reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System. The report must include data on the number of reactions, details by vaccine type and recipient age, emergency visits, hospitalizations, permanent disabilities, deaths, and information about compensation support activities. Health care practitioners administering vaccines in Vermont are also required to report all significant adverse events to the system, even if the vaccine connection is uncertain. The annual report will be sent to state health committees, posted online, and shared electronically with health care providers. The law takes effect on July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis Vermont joint resolution formally applies to Congress to call a Convention of the States under Article V of the U.S. Constitution, which would allow state legislatures to propose constitutional amendments. The resolution specifically requests that any resulting convention be limited to proposing amendments that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit federal power and jurisdiction, and restrict terms of office for federal officials and members of Congress. By submitting this application, Vermont joins other states in seeking a constitutional process to address concerns about federal spending, mandates, and overreach. The resolution directs Vermont's Secretary of State to send copies of this application to federal officials and other state legislatures to track progress toward the required two-thirds state threshold.

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.