Rep. Kate McCann

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors Sergeant at Arms Janet Miller for her service to the Vermont General Assembly. It recognizes her long career, which includes managing security, coordinating events, and overseeing the Legislative Council before she was elected to her current role five times. The resolution also acknowledges her specific contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, including helping the legislature transition back to in-person meetings. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of this honor to Janet Miller, who has announced her retirement effective March 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands anti-discrimination protections in Vermont by adding housing status, which includes homelessness, to the list of protected characteristics in state laws covering public accommodations, housing, employment, and land use decisions. The legislation prohibits businesses, landlords, employers, and government agencies from refusing service, denying housing, discriminating in employment, or making discriminatory housing advertisements based on whether a person is homeless or perceived to be homeless. By amending existing statutes across multiple areas, the bill ensures that individuals experiencing homelessness receive the same legal protections against unfair treatment as other protected groups. The changes apply to public accommodations, real estate transactions, employment practices, and land use permitting, requiring compliance from owners, operators, employers, and relevant agencies throughout the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes creating a temporary 10-year income tax surcharge on earnings above $500,000, with the revenue directed to a state reserve fund. It would increase taxes on secondary home ownership, short-term property sales with significant profits, and rentals at above-market rates. The legislation also introduces tax incentives for landlords who allow tenants to purchase their rental units or rent at below-market rates. Additionally, the bill establishes a task force to develop further tax incentives and penalties aimed at promoting affordable housing.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Vermont's Agency of Digital Services to work with the Division of Artificial Intelligence and submit a report to the General Assembly by October 1, 2024. The report will provide recommendations on educating the public about deepfake technology risks, offering security resources to protect against misuse, addressing potential threats to state government operations, and evaluating the need for state-level regulation of deepfakes. Additionally, the report must assess how President Biden's recent executive order on artificial intelligence impacts the state. This measure focuses on gathering information and guidance rather than creating new laws or regulations at this time.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that officially recognizes the week of February 26 to March 1 as Public Schools Week in Vermont. It does not create new laws or change policies but instead acknowledges the importance of public schools as community institutions and major employers. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies to various education-related organizations, including the Vermont Secretary of Education and state education associations. This measure serves to honor the role of public schools in Vermont society without affecting any operational or funding aspects of the education system.

Maddy summaryThis bill would establish the Legislative Employees Labor Relations Act to grant collective bargaining rights to most employees of the Vermont General Assembly. It would allow these workers to negotiate wages, benefits, and working conditions through a formal union process, similar to how employees in the Executive and Judicial branches currently operate. The law would exclude managerial and confidential employees from these bargaining rights. If passed, the bill would create a new legal framework specifically for legislative staff labor relations.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution designates February 16, 2024, as Vermont Outdoor Recreation Day at the State House to honor the state's natural landscape and outdoor activities. The measure recognizes Vermont's extensive trail systems, wildlife areas, and ski resorts as important assets for the economy, community well-being, and quality of life. While the resolution does not create new laws or funding, it formally acknowledges the value of outdoor recreation and directs state officials to be notified of the designation. The bill was passed by both the Senate and House without requiring a vote, following standard procedure for ceremonial resolutions.

Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a ceremonial resolution that formally recognizes the 100th anniversary of the Vermont State Parks system. It commemorates the historical significance of the parks, which began in 1924 with a donation of land that became Mt. Philo State Park, and acknowledges the contributions of Civilian Conservation Corps workers and private foundations to their development. The resolution does not create new laws or change policies but serves to honor the parks' legacy and their role in Vermont's outdoor economy. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to relevant state agencies and the Vermont Parks Forever foundation.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to reorganize Vermont's education system by converting the Agency of Education into a Department of Education that reports directly to the State Board of Education. It would eliminate the Secretary of Education position and create a new Commissioner of Education role to oversee the department and manage the public school system. The legislation also requires the State Board of Education to have membership that reflects the state's geographic diversity and student enrollment patterns. Additionally, the bill establishes a professional development institute within the department to support evidence-based teaching practices and student support services.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution honors Vermont television journalist Stewart Ledbetter for his 40 years of news reporting. The bill formally recognizes his career achievements, including his work as a news director, political campaign moderator, and recipient of multiple broadcast awards. It directs the House Clerk to send a copy of the resolution to Ledbetter and WPTZ, the television station where he worked.