Rep. Laura Sibilia

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all Vermont public high school students to complete a semester-long personal finance course in either 11th or 12th grade as a graduation requirement. The State Board of Education must develop and maintain performance standards covering topics like budgeting, credit management, investing, taxes, and retirement planning. The bill also directs the Board to oversee course implementation by establishing teacher certification requirements, approving curriculum providers, and offering professional development for educators. The law takes effect on July 1, 2023, applying to students graduating in the 2024-2025 school year or later.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows elementary school students in Vermont to transfer to a public elementary school in a different school district within the same supervisory union, provided the receiving school has available capacity. The legislation establishes a tuition-free transfer system where the receiving district cannot charge fees to students from other districts in the same supervisory union. Key provisions include setting transfer limits of at least 5% or 10 students from each sending school, using lottery systems when demand exceeds capacity, and ensuring special education services follow the student to their new school. The bill also outlines application deadlines, notification requirements, and conditions under which students may remain enrolled year after year.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates February 2023 as School Board Recognition Month in Vermont to acknowledge the contributions of school board members. It formally recognizes these citizen leaders for their essential role in public education governance and their unique form of civic engagement. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to the Vermont School Board Association. This is a ceremonial measure that does not change laws or policies but serves to honor school board members.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Vermont's State Refugee Office to hire an outside contractor to create a comprehensive list of organizations serving the state's immigrant community, including refugees, asylum seekers, and other immigrants. The assessment will gather information on what services these organizations provide, where their funding comes from, how they work with the State Refugee Office, and their organizational structure. The State Refugee Office must issue a request for proposals by September 15, 2023, complete the inventory by November 15, 2024, and submit the final report to state committees by December 1, 2024. The bill appropriates $25,000 in state funds to pay for this study and takes effect on July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Vermont Broadband Internet Access Service Privacy Act to protect customer data collected by internet service providers operating in the state. It directly affects broadband providers and the subscribers who use their services by requiring companies to obtain customer consent before using or sharing certain personal information. The law defines specific types of data that require protection, including browsing history, device identifiers, and sensitive information like health or financial records, while allowing providers to use aggregated, anonymized data without consent. Providers must choose between an opt-in system, where customers must explicitly agree to data use, or an opt-out system, where customers can decline by objecting after being notified. The legislation incorporates federal privacy standards that were previously revoked at the national level, giving Vermont consumers greater control over their personal information.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases fines and adds more points to driving records for drivers who use portable electronic devices, such as phones, while operating a moving vehicle. It directly affects all drivers in Vermont who are caught texting or using handheld devices while driving. The law raises the minimum fine for a first violation from $25 to $100 and increases the maximum fine from $200 to $250, while also raising fines for repeat offenses and adding more points to driving records. Drivers who violate these rules in school zones or work zones face even higher penalties, including additional fines and more points on their license. The bill also clarifies that drivers who cause an accident due to texting will face a minimum $500 fine and 10 points on their driving record.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors organizations and individuals working to improve rural broadband access in Vermont. It recognizes the Communications Union Districts (CUDs) and related groups like the Vermont Communications Union Districts Association and the Vermont Community Broadband Board for their efforts in building broadband networks. The resolution acknowledges past legislative actions that created funding and oversight structures to support these broadband initiatives. It does not change any laws or policies but serves to formally recognize the achievements of these groups in expanding internet access to over 200 municipalities.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Rural Infrastructure Assistance Program to help Vermont's small towns access and manage federal and state funding for projects like clean water, housing, broadband, and climate resilience. The program provides direct support services including community needs assessments, funding application assistance, and project management help, with priority given to municipalities with the highest administrative capacity needs. An initial $3 million appropriation in 2024 funds the program, while the bill also directs remaining federal relief funds to prioritize communities with the greatest need based on a new administrative capacity index. Additionally, the legislation amends the Municipal and Regional Planning Fund to allocate 20 percent of its revenue directly to municipalities for planning purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates January 23-27, 2023, as the first annual Holocaust Education Week in Vermont. It directly affects Vermont schools and educational institutions by establishing a formal period for Holocaust education activities. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to the Vermont Holocaust Memorial and the Agency of Education to facilitate the event. This commemorative measure recognizes the historical significance of the Holocaust and aims to increase awareness through organized educational programming during the designated week.

Maddy summaryThis bill would remove property tax exemptions for churches and other charitable organizations if they use their property for lobbying or political activities. It requires these organizations to submit annual certifications to the Vermont Department of Taxes confirming they are not conducting disqualifying political activities on their exempt properties. The legislation defines lobbying and political activity using existing federal tax code standards and establishes that violations could lead to denial or revocation of the tax exemption.