Rep. Mollie Burke

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a default maximum speed limit of 35 miles per hour for unposted and unpaved town highways in Vermont. It directly affects municipalities that maintain these roads, which are currently mapped under state law but lack posted speed limits. The law would apply automatically to these roads unless towns choose to post different limits, standardizing speed regulations for unpaved municipal routes across the state. This change aims to provide clear guidance for drivers on rural town roads that do not currently have visible speed limit signs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers in Vermont to provide employees with reasonable opportunities to eat and use toilet facilities during work periods. For shifts lasting six hours or more, employers must offer at least 30 minutes of paid or unpaid breaks for eating, resting, and using facilities, unless safety concerns require adjustments. The law applies to workplaces with three or more employees and allows employers to offer more generous break policies while prohibiting retaliation against workers who use their break rights. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2023, and gives state attorneys general authority to enforce compliance through civil penalties and investigations.

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 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 prohibits operating motor vehicles with inadequate or modified exhaust systems, such as those lacking interior baffles, gutted mufflers, or amplification devices, on Vermont highways. It directly affects vehicle owners and drivers by requiring their vehicles to meet specific mechanical noise standards. The law allows exceptions for vehicles used in authorized public racing or speed demonstrations and prevents non-compliant vehicles from passing state inspections. Violations carry escalating civil penalties ranging from $100 for a first offense to $350 for subsequent violations, with the changes taking effect on July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill introduces several employment protections for workers in Vermont, including requirements for pay transparency, anti-discrimination measures, schedule stability, and expense reimbursement. It mandates that employers disclose pay scales to job applicants and current employees, prohibits using past salary information to limit new offers, and requires companies with 10 or more employees to submit gender and race breakdowns of employee compensation to the Department of Labor. The legislation also expands wage discrimination protections to include race and gender identity, requires employers to provide at least 14 days notice of work schedules with specific exceptions for changes, and obligates employers to reimburse necessary work-related expenses. These changes directly affect employers and employees across various industries in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Vermont's Agency of Transportation to develop a funding plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and expanding access to efficient, low-cost transportation options. It establishes a working group to study regional climate initiatives and implements a self-funded fee system that charges higher fees for less efficient vehicles while rebating funds to owners of more efficient cars. The legislation also allocates money for electric vehicle incentives, e-bike programs, public transit improvements, and infrastructure updates, while requiring the agency to work with Amtrak and provide training on complete streets design to municipalities.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Vermont municipalities to install seasonal pedestrian crossing signs in crosswalks from May 1 to October 15 and gives cities and towns the authority to set lower speed limits on state highways within their jurisdictions. It specifically permits cities to establish speed limits between 25 and 50 mph and allows towns with designated downtown or village centers to set 25 mph limits on state roads. The legislation also directs the state Traffic Committee not to raise speed limits on state highways after a municipality requests a reduction, unless an engineering study shows keeping the limit lower would create a greater safety hazard. These changes aim to enhance pedestrian safety and provide more local control over traffic conditions while maintaining state oversight through engineering reviews.

Maddy summaryThis bill introduces several measures aimed at improving firearm safety and accountability in Vermont. It requires firearms not in immediate possession to be securely stored separately from ammunition, mandates dealers to post storage guidelines and provide written safety information, and establishes criminal and civil liability for unsafe storage that leads to injury or death. The legislation also adds a 10-day waiting period for all firearm sales, allows family members to petition for emergency risk protection orders, prohibits firearm possession at licensed alcohol-serving venues, and bars individuals convicted of hate-motivated crimes from owning firearms. Additionally, the bill includes funding to help residents purchase secure storage equipment.