Rep. Laura Sibilia

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new rule requiring any legislation that creates new state-directed spending obligations on Vermont's Education Fund to be introduced as a stand-alone bill rather than combined with other measures. The rule defines state-directed spending as supplemental state aid appropriated from the Education Fund to school districts for specific purposes that cannot be included in a school district's general education spending. Under this rule, passing such bills on third reading, voting on Senate amendments, and adopting committee conference reports would require a two-thirds vote of members present. The measure directly affects how future spending bills related to the Education Fund are drafted, introduced, and voted on by the Vermont House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 18, 2024, as USS VERMONT (SSN 792) Day in Vermont to honor the submarine that was commissioned on that date in 2020. The resolution recognizes the vessel as the third U.S. naval ship named after Vermont and acknowledges the crew's service with Hawaii as their home port. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the submarine and its support group. This is a commemorative measure with no regulatory or funding implications.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates the winning school teams of the 2024 Jr Iron Chef VT competition. It recognizes the middle and high school teams that competed in a statewide culinary event organized by Vermont Afterschool, which challenges students to create nutritious, locally-sourced dishes. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to each winning team and to the organizing group. This measure does not change any laws or policies but serves to acknowledge the achievements of the participating schools.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires sellers and landlords in Vermont to disclose flood risk information to buyers and tenants, including whether properties are in mapped flood hazard areas and if they have experienced past flooding. It also establishes accessibility standards for state-funded residential construction and updates definitions and disclosure requirements for mobile homes and mobile home parks. The legislation creates legal consequences for sellers who fail to provide required flood information, allowing buyers to terminate contracts or seek damages. Additionally, the bill mandates that mobile home sales include written disclosures about flooding history and requires appraisal reports to separate the value of the mobile home from its location.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Tree Fruit Farmer Assistance Program to provide financial grants to Vermont tree fruit farmers who experienced production losses in 2023 due to freezing or frost conditions. The program requires farms to be currently operating, in good standing with the state agriculture agency, and to submit applications by a specified deadline. Grants are calculated using a formula that considers the farm's tree fruit acreage, compares 2023 revenue to 2022 revenue, and reduces awards for any crop insurance payments already received for the same losses. The bill appropriates $10 million from the General Fund to implement the program, with any unused funds to be transferred to the Working Lands Enterprise Fund by December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis House concurrent resolution commemorates the 100th anniversary of U.S. Navy Torpedoman 2nd Class Henry Breault becoming the first submariner to receive the Medal of Honor. The document honors Breault's heroic act of returning to a sinking submarine to rescue a trapped crewmate, an event that occurred on October 28, 1923, when his vessel collided with a commercial ship in the Panama Canal. The resolution formally recognizes this historical milestone and directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to the Submarine Force Library and Museum and to historian Ryan Walker. This legislative action serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of Breault's service and sacrifice rather than establishing new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Vermont Baby Bond Trust, a state-administered fund designed to provide financial support to children born on or after July 1, 2024, who qualify for Medicaid or similar health coverage at birth. The program would allow eligible children to receive bonds that can be used for education, purchasing a home, starting a business, or contributing to retirement accounts once they reach adulthood. The trust would be managed by the State Treasurer, who would invest the funds to generate earnings while keeping the assets separate from general state funds and exempt from state taxes. Money in the trust would only be disbursed for approved purposes and would not count as income or assets when determining eligibility for other assistance programs.

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 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 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.