Rep. Conor Casey

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Vermont's Agency of Transportation to develop a funding plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and expanding access to efficient, low-cost transportation options. It establishes a working group to study regional climate initiatives and implements a self-funded fee system that charges higher fees for less efficient vehicles while rebating funds to owners of more efficient cars. The legislation also allocates money for electric vehicle incentives, e-bike programs, public transit improvements, and infrastructure updates, while requiring the agency to work with Amtrak and provide training on complete streets design to municipalities.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Vermont's Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to update the state's School Bus Manual and revise commercial driver's license tests by January 1, 2024. The manual update aims to align it with other state manuals, remove legal jargon, and clarify requirements with illustrations through public input gathered at five statewide meetings. The bill also requires knowledge tests for school bus operators to focus only on skills relevant to the specific type of vehicle they will drive. Additionally, it mandates the creation of at least four practice test locations across the state to help drivers prepare for skills exams under realistic conditions. These changes directly affect commercial driver training programs, school bus operators, and individuals seeking to operate large passenger vehicles in Vermont.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to protect the academic freedom of public educators in Vermont by affirming their right to teach about gender identity and systemic and structural racism. It directly affects teachers and school staff in the state's public education system. The legislation would establish legal protections ensuring educators can address these topics without facing retaliation or censorship. The bill is currently in its early stages and has been referred to the Committee on Education for review.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Affordable Heat Act, which establishes a Clean Heat Standard to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from heating in Vermont's residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. The program requires energy companies and heating fuel sellers to earn tradeable clean heat credits by delivering low-carbon heating technologies, efficiency improvements, or weatherization services to customers. The Public Utility Commission will manage the credit system and ensure the program protects low-income households and minimizes costs for all energy users.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution honoring the memory of former Vermont Representative Warren Kitzmiller, who served in the House for 21 years and was a longtime Montpelier resident. It extends condolences to his family and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to them. The document does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal tribute to his public service and community involvement.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Public Utility Commission's authority to regulate thermal energy networks, which distribute heat from noncombustible sources like geothermal systems to buildings for heating and cooling. It requires the Commission to create rules for permitting these networks and mandates a public good certificate before any company can build such infrastructure, ensuring projects align with regional and municipal planning. The legislation also prohibits expanding natural gas service into new areas and directs the Commission to develop a tiered discount system for low-income energy assistance. Additionally, it sets up a collaborative group to design an electricity affordability program focused on helping low-income residential customers pay their utility bills.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Vermont State employees who are members of the State Employees' Retirement System to count their previous temporary or seasonal state employment as creditable service toward their retirement benefits. The key provision adds a new section to the retirement law that grants credit for any temporary or seasonal state employment held before the employee became a formal member of the retirement system. This change applies to all current and future members of the retirement system who previously worked in temporary state positions and provides an effective date of July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Commissioner of Buildings and General Services to conduct a feasibility study on building a state-owned public restroom near the Vermont Capitol Complex. The study must evaluate whether a facility open 24 hours a day, seven days a week is practical, and the commissioner must issue a request for proposals by September 1, 2023. By October 15, 2024, the commissioner must submit the study results to the House Committee on Corrections and Institutions and the Senate Committee on Institutions. The legislation affects state building officials and relevant legislative committees, requiring them to assess the possibility of adding this public amenity to the Capitol area.