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.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a two-year pilot program to fund a community-based organization that coordinates mental wellness and climate resilience efforts across Vermont. The program would receive $100,000 in fiscal year 2025 from the state's General Fund to support activities that address how extreme weather events and other social stresses impact mental health. The coordinating body must include representatives from diverse groups including schools, faith organizations, environmental groups, disaster response agencies, and people with lived experience of mental health challenges. The program uses a public health approach to prevent mental health problems before they emerge and to help entire communities build resilience against various adversities.
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 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 would update Vermont's local property tax exemption for newly constructed homes and dwellings by increasing the exempted value from $75,000 to $125,000. It applies to buildings used exclusively as homes, dwelling houses, or farm buildings that are being built or constructed within 24 months of the town meeting vote. The exemption would last for a maximum of five years, determined by each town's vote, and short-term rentals would remain ineligible for this benefit. Additionally, the bill requires the Commissioner of Taxes to annually adjust the exemption amount for inflation using the Consumer Price Index, with adjusted figures made available to all municipalities.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows Vermont towns to vote on adding an optional surcharge to property transfer taxes for high-value real estate transactions. The surcharge applies only to properties worth $1 million or more, with rates ranging from 0.5% to 2% depending on the property value. Revenue collected from the surcharge must be used to fund infrastructure that supports the creation of workforce housing, which is defined as owner-occupied homes or rental units priced at or below 150% of local averages. Seventy percent of the collected funds go to the municipality that imposed the surcharge, while 30 percent is deposited into the state's General Fund. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2024, giving towns the option to implement this measure at their annual town meetings.
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 modifies Vermont's Act 250 land use law to better support climate change resilience and infrastructure development. It directly affects utility companies, developers, and local communities by requiring a "certificate of public good" before new electric and gas infrastructure projects can begin construction. The bill also clarifies that certain energy and telecommunications facilities are exempt from specific development definitions under Act 250, while establishing stricter timelines for processing applications and requiring annual performance reports from the Board of Zoning Appeals. Additionally, it mandates that applicants provide notice to landowners and local officials at least 30 days before filing applications, with provisions for dismissing incomplete applications after six months to prevent delays.