Rep. Kristi Morris

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the Vermont National Guard Tuition Benefit Program to include courses at out-of-state colleges that offer degree programs not available in Vermont. It directly affects Vermont National Guard members who wish to pursue education at institutions outside the state. The key provision allows eligible service members to use their tuition benefits at these non-Vermont schools approved for federal funding, with benefits calculated at the University of Vermont's in-state tuition rate. The change takes effect on July 1, 2023, and does not alter existing benefits for in-state institutions.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Vermont's Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to update the state's School Bus Manual and revise commercial driver's license tests by January 1, 2024. The manual update aims to align it with other state manuals, remove legal jargon, and clarify requirements with illustrations through public input gathered at five statewide meetings. The bill also requires knowledge tests for school bus operators to focus only on skills relevant to the specific type of vehicle they will drive. Additionally, it mandates the creation of at least four practice test locations across the state to help drivers prepare for skills exams under realistic conditions. These changes directly affect commercial driver training programs, school bus operators, and individuals seeking to operate large passenger vehicles in Vermont.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to protect the academic freedom of public educators in Vermont by affirming their right to teach about gender identity and systemic and structural racism. It directly affects teachers and school staff in the state's public education system. The legislation would establish legal protections ensuring educators can address these topics without facing retaliation or censorship. The bill is currently in its early stages and has been referred to the Committee on Education for review.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Vermont's Municipal Energy Resilience Grant Program to include funding for purchasing or replacing equipment that reduces energy consumption, in addition to existing provisions for improving municipal building efficiency and heating systems. The program will provide grants to cities, towns, fire districts, and incorporated villages, with up to $500,000 per municipality for approved energy projects and up to $4,000 for community outreach activities. Funding totaling $45 million will be drawn from the American Rescue Plan Act, with grants prioritized for municipalities facing the highest energy burdens and those lacking administrative support. The Department of Buildings and General Services will administer the program in coordination with Efficiency Vermont and regional planning commissions, which will help municipalities apply and conduct necessary energy assessments.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Vermont Fair Repair Act, would require manufacturers of digital electronic equipment to provide independent repair shops and consumers with access to repair manuals, diagnostic tools, and replacement parts at fair and reasonable terms. The law defines key terms like "original equipment manufacturer" and "independent repair provider" to clarify who must comply with the new requirements. Under the bill, manufacturers must offer documentation at no charge and make tools available without restrictions, while parts must be sold at costs equivalent to those offered to authorized repair providers. The legislation specifically excludes medical devices and motor vehicles from its scope, focusing instead on consumer electronics and similar digital equipment. By establishing these rules, the bill aims to ensure that people can choose where to repair their devices without being forced to use the manufacturer's own service centers.

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 creates a Landfill Siting Commission to identify a new landfill location in Vermont, as the current Coventry landfill is expected to operate for only 22 more years. The commission would include representatives from the legislature, governor, civil engineers, geologists, and experts on environmental justice, and must recommend at least two potential sites or determine if out-of-state waste transport is more cost-effective by January 2024. The bill also establishes a Vermont Materials Management Council to assist with long-term solid waste planning and bans disposal of certain waste types like leachate and sludge from uncertified facilities. Additionally, it creates a Landfill Closure and Planning Account funded by increased taxes on solid and hazardous waste to support closing existing landfills, planning new ones, and remediating contamination.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows municipal boards of abatement in Vermont to waive very small tax amounts when needed to balance municipal financial accounts. It directly affects towns and their finance departments by authorizing them to abate de minimis taxes, water charges, sewer charges, interest, or collection fees under specific circumstances. The key provision adds a new category to existing abatement rules, permitting the waiver of minor tax discrepancies that arise when reconciling municipal accounts according to standard accounting practices. This change takes effect on July 1, 2023, and applies to all municipalities in the state.