Rep. Tristan Roberts

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Vermont's laws to strengthen protections for threatened and endangered species by requiring the Secretary of Natural Resources to revise the state species list every three years and to designate critical habitat for each listed species. It prohibits the sale, transport, or import of these species within the state and restricts their taking to specific purposes like scientific research or enhancing their survival. The legislation also mandates that the Secretary develop rules to help farmers and foresters avoid harming species or their habitats while consulting with affected landowners and neighboring jurisdictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Center of Literacy Research and Reading Success within Vermont's Agency of Education to oversee statewide literacy assessment, instruction, and teacher training. It requires public schools to provide research-based reading instruction and mandates screening for reading proficiency in kindergarten through third grade, with additional screening for students in grades four through eight who fall below proficiency. The legislation prohibits the use of the three-cueing system in literacy instruction and sets new standards for educator preparation programs and licensing related to reading instruction. The bill also creates funded positions to support literacy work, develops a model student reading plan, and requires annual reporting on student reading performance and district compliance starting in 2026.

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 requires manufacturers of heating and cooling systems sold in Vermont to allow warranties to be transferred to subsequent owners without restrictions. It also mandates that warranty terms must apply equally to both residential and commercial customers. The law aims to protect consumers by preventing manufacturers from limiting warranty transfers or treating different types of users differently. These changes would take effect on July 1, 2024, and apply to all heating and cooling systems sold or used in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a temporary Data Trusts Study Committee to examine how data trusts could balance consumer privacy rights with the benefits of increased data sharing. The committee will be composed of state legislators, government officials, and experts from legal, business, and technology sectors, and will study whether data trusts could serve as an alternative to Vermont's existing personal information protection companies. The committee must submit its findings and any legislative recommendations by December 15, 2024, and will cease to exist on December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 10 as Ken Squier Day to honor the late Vermont broadcaster and auto racing commentator. The legislation recognizes Squier's contributions to radio through his ownership of WDEV and founding of the Radio Vermont Group, as well as his pioneering work with the Motor Racing Network and NASCAR Hall of Fame induction. It also acknowledges his community leadership roles, including chairing the Vermont Symphony Orchestra Board and his extensive involvement in local sports broadcasting. The bill adds a new section to Vermont's statutes formally establishing the commemorative day without requiring any additional government funding or administrative changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a new 11 percent excise tax on the retail sale of firearms, firearm precursor parts, and ammunition in Vermont, which would be paid by sellers at the time of each transaction. The tax applies to both licensed firearm dealers and ammunition vendors, with licensed dealers required to collect the tax during background checks and remit it quarterly to the state. All revenue generated from this tax would be deposited into the Domestic and Sexual Violence Special Fund, which supports grants for domestic and sexual violence prevention services. The legislation excludes transfers exempt from background checks, such as those to law enforcement agencies or immediate family members, and would take effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Vermont's Act 250 land use regulations to increase transparency and improve the permit review process. It requires the Natural Resources Board to publish past court decisions, application documents, and guidance materials online, and to establish clearer rules for how permits are evaluated and denied. The legislation also sets specific time limits for processing applications, creates a formal reconsideration process for denied permits, and mandates annual reports on board performance and enforcement actions. Additionally, it clarifies definitions of project changes and allows certain energy efficiency improvements to be excluded from triggering new permit requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $200,000 from the state's General Fund to reimburse the Burlington Fire Department for emergency medical services provided to individuals experiencing drug overdoses. The money is distributed through the Department of Health as a grant to the City of Burlington, with the requirement that these funds supplement rather than replace existing city funding for the fire department. The legislation takes effect on July 1, 2024, and is intended to help cover the costs associated with responding to overdose incidents in Burlington.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires postsecondary schools in Vermont to designate a Student Liaison Officer to assist students experiencing homelessness and those exiting the foster care system with navigating financial aid and available services. The legislation mandates that these institutions create policies to give priority access to class enrollment and on-campus housing for these student populations, while also allowing waivers for registration and laboratory fees. Schools must ensure homeless students can access housing during school breaks and that enrollment policies account for barriers like work obligations and transportation challenges. The law takes effect on July 1, 2024, and applies to all postsecondary institutions operating within Vermont.