Rep. Kate McCann

Maddy summaryThis House concurrent resolution honors the organizations and individuals working to improve rural broadband access in Vermont through Communications Union Districts. It recognizes the ten regional districts that have formed to build fiber optic networks in areas where other providers struggle to reach. The resolution acknowledges the progress these districts have made in 2023, including new construction and customer additions. This formal acknowledgment does not create new laws or funding but serves to publicly recognize the efforts of these broadband initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis Senate concurrent resolution honors the individuals and organizations that led flood recovery efforts in Montpelier and Barre City during the severe flooding of July 2023. The bill recognizes specific leaders who coordinated volunteer teams, established response hubs, and created relief funds to support affected residents and businesses. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to the named organizations and individuals as a formal acknowledgment of their contributions. The measure serves as a commemorative gesture rather than establishing new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate concurrent resolution commemorates the 175th anniversary of the National Life Insurance Company's original chartering in 1848. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the company's executive leadership as a formal acknowledgment of its history and contributions. It highlights the company's founding by notable figures like Henry Clay, its early operations in Vermont, and its recent charitable efforts during the 2023 floods. This legislative action serves as a ceremonial recognition rather than creating new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Vermont municipalities to remove sediment, rocks, and debris from waterways without needing a state permit, provided the work meets specific federal exemption criteria. The law defines "maintenance" as repairing structures like dams and dikes, and allows municipalities to proceed without state approval when the work is exempt from federal Corps of Engineers permitting, qualifies for self-verification, or occurs in non-navigable waters. The legislation also clarifies definitions for terms like "instream material" and "watercourse" to establish clear boundaries for when permits are required versus when they are not. Additionally, the bill specifically authorizes the City of Barre to remove material from the Stevens Branch of the Winooski River for maintenance purposes without a permit.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits public and school libraries in Vermont from banning or removing books and other library materials based on partisan or doctrinal disapproval. It requires the State Librarian to create rules that protect library collections, aligning with the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights, and mandates that each library adopt a materials retention policy complying with these rules. Libraries that violate these retention rules would lose eligibility for state grants and funding, as they must submit an affidavit confirming compliance before receiving any state financial support. The legislation applies to both public and school libraries and takes effect on July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Program, which would require fossil fuel companies that operated in Vermont between 2000 and 2019 to pay for their share of climate change costs. The program targets entities involved in extracting coal, oil, or natural gas, charging them based on how much greenhouse gas their products contributed to global emissions. Money collected from these payments would go into a dedicated fund to finance climate resilience projects like flood protections, upgraded infrastructure, and health programs addressing climate-related health risks. The law defines specific types of infrastructure projects eligible for funding and establishes rules for determining which companies must pay and how much they owe.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont school districts and approved independent schools to create and enforce policies for selecting library materials, guided by the First Amendment and established intellectual freedom standards. The legislation specifically prohibits removing library materials based on partisan politics, author or character demographics, personal discomfort, or content addressing sexual health and student educational needs. School library staff will be responsible for curating collections that match students' developmental levels while protecting students' First Amendment rights. The policy must be made available to the public and takes effect on July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow certain undocumented students to pay in-state tuition rates and access state-funded financial aid at Vermont's public colleges if they meet standard residency requirements. It prohibits the Vermont State Colleges Corporation from excluding students based solely on immigration status and requires the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation to make state financial aid available to all residents regardless of immigration status. The law specifically includes protections for refugees, those granted parole to enter the U.S., and Afghan Allies Protection Act visa holders, while also clarifying residency rules for military families. The changes would take effect on July 1, 2025, and include provisions ensuring students can apply for and participate in financial aid programs to the full extent allowed by federal law.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a two-year pilot program to fund a community-based organization that coordinates mental wellness and climate resilience efforts across Vermont. The program would receive $100,000 in fiscal year 2025 from the state's General Fund to support activities that address how extreme weather events and other social stresses impact mental health. The coordinating body must include representatives from diverse groups including schools, faith organizations, environmental groups, disaster response agencies, and people with lived experience of mental health challenges. The program uses a public health approach to prevent mental health problems before they emerge and to help entire communities build resilience against various adversities.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow Vermont residents who are not U.S. citizens to qualify for scholarships and operate regulated child care facilities. It removes citizenship requirements for two specific programs: scholarships for current early childhood providers and scholarships for those seeking to become providers, as well as the ability to run a licensed child care center. The changes apply to both existing providers and those looking to enter the field, regardless of their immigration status.