Rep. Sara Coffey

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 that congratulates Dan Yates on being named the 2022 Vermont Community Banker of the Year. It directly affects only Dan Yates, the president of Brattleboro Savings & Loan, by formally recognizing his achievements in community banking and civic leadership. The resolution does not create any new laws, regulations, or funding; it simply directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the acknowledgment to Yates. This type of bill is non-binding and has no impact on policy or government operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to make housing more affordable by reducing zoning restrictions and regulatory barriers that limit where and how people can build homes. It directly affects local governments, developers, and residents by establishing statewide standards for residential zoning. Key provisions include requiring duplexes and small apartment buildings in areas with municipal water and sewer, limiting parking requirements to one space per unit, and allowing accessory dwelling units under the same rules as single-family homes. The legislation also prohibits deed restrictions that limit dwelling size or parking, requires municipalities to report new zoning rules to the state, and strengthens enforcement of fair housing laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the immediate family of a deceased military veteran to request changes to their death certificate to record that the death was caused or hastened by a service-connected injury or illness. The law permits a surviving spouse or child to apply for these corrections within six months of the veteran's death, provided they submit supporting evidence to the State Registrar. This provision adds a new category of applicants beyond healthcare professionals and funeral directors who can currently request death certificate amendments. The changes would take effect on July 1, 2023, and aim to ensure accurate documentation of veteran deaths related to military service.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require dog trainers in Vermont to obtain informed consent from clients before beginning training sessions. Under the proposed law, trainers must explain the specific methods and equipment they plan to use, along with the associated risks and benefits. The bill also mandates that trainers inform clients about any known behavioral diagnoses, the purpose of recommended interventions, and all available training options including the choice to forgo training entirely. This requirement directly affects professional dog trainers and their clients by establishing a standardized process for transparency and consent in dog training services.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows licensed marriage and family therapists to supervise the training of individuals seeking licensure as independent clinical social workers in Vermont. Currently, supervision for this role is limited to social workers, mental health counselors, psychologists, physicians, or out-of-state equivalents, but this legislation would expand the list to include marriage and family therapists. The change is made by amending state law to recognize marriage and family therapists as qualified supervisors for the required 3,000 hours of supervised practice needed for independent clinical social worker licensure. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2023, and applies to people pursuing licensure as independent clinical social workers in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases daily compensation for jurors serving in Vermont Superior Court from $30 to $50 per day. The change applies to both grand and petit jurors, as well as talesman, unless they receive equivalent pay from their employers. It also maintains reimbursement for travel expenses at the rate allowed for state employees. The legislation takes effect on July 1, 2023.