Sen. Ruth Hardy

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Thermal Energy Network Act to bring thermal energy distribution systems under the oversight of Vermont's Public Utility Commission. It defines thermal energy networks as infrastructure that transfers heat from noncombustion sources to buildings for heating, cooling, and hot water, and grants the Commission authority to regulate companies operating these systems. The legislation requires a certificate of public good before any private provider can build a network serving more than 20 customers, while municipalities retain the ability to operate such networks without Commission approval. The Public Utility Commission must develop permitting rules by July 2025 that prioritize serving low and moderate-income customers, ensure simple and expeditious approval processes, and allow pilot projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill would prohibit most individuals from possessing semiautomatic assault weapons in Vermont, with exceptions for law enforcement officers and active military personnel. It defines these weapons as semiautomatic rifles, pistols, or shotguns with specific features like detachable magazines and certain grip or stock configurations, while excluding manually operated firearms and those with limited magazine capacity. Violations could result in up to one year in prison, a $500 fine, or both. The law would take effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changes to compensation and benefits for Vermont state legislators, including allowing them to participate in flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care expenses. It establishes specific salary amounts for leadership roles like the Speaker and Senate President Pro Tempore, ties future pay adjustments to the mean Vermont wage, and provides compensation for up to 20 days of work during legislative adjournments. The legislation also expands leave of absence rules to permit members to take time off from any job, creates a working group to review legislative staffing and session length, and offers orientation stipends for newly elected members.

Maddy summaryThis House concurrent resolution honors Vermont National Guard Deputy Adjutant General Kenneth Gragg for his distinguished career in public service. The document recognizes his 46 years of military and civilian service, including his leadership in financial management, construction projects, and pandemic response efforts. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Gragg as a formal acknowledgment of his contributions. This is a ceremonial measure with no new laws or policy changes, serving only to publicly recognize his achievements.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies the authority of Vermont municipalities to regulate private airstrips through zoning laws. It directly affects local governments and private airstrip operators by explicitly allowing zoning bylaws to govern the location, construction, repair, maintenance, and alteration of restricted landing areas. The key provision amends existing zoning statutes to include restricted landing areas alongside other land uses that municipalities can regulate for public health, safety, and welfare. This change takes effect on July 1, 2024, giving local communities clearer legal grounds to manage airstrip development within their jurisdictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits credit reporting agencies from including medical debt in consumer credit files, directly affecting individuals with unpaid medical bills and the agencies that compile credit reports. It prevents hospitals, outpatient clinics, surgical centers, and medical debt collectors from reporting or selling medical debt information to credit reporting agencies. The law defines medical debt according to existing state statutes and applies to large healthcare facilities and their associated debt collection activities. If passed, these restrictions would take effect on July 1, 2024, ensuring medical debt does not appear on credit reports.

Maddy summaryThis bill would limit hospital liens on patient injury settlements in Vermont by prohibiting hospitals from claiming liens when patients have health insurance, including Medicare, Medicaid, or plans where the hospital is a participating provider. It would cap hospital liens at 25 percent of the net amount received by the patient and require hospitals to pay a fair share of legal and administrative costs associated with obtaining the settlement. The changes would apply to patients injured in accidents not covered by workers' compensation and would take effect on July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill introduces three main safety measures for Vermont drivers, vehicle buyers, and road users. It requires all new driver's license applicants aged 18 and older to complete a driver education course with at least 30 hours of classroom instruction and six hours of driving practice, while also setting new qualifications for driver education instructors including experience and testing requirements. The legislation mandates that new car manufacturers share crash-test data and information about the specific crash-test dummies used with dealers, who must then make this information available to consumers online or in person. Additionally, the bill directs the state transportation agency to update its complete streets guidance to better prioritize the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes procedures for obtaining emergency court orders against stalking or sexual assault outside of regular court hours, including weekends and holidays. It allows individuals to file complaints and affidavits electronically or through designated authorized personnel, who can administer oaths over the telephone and communicate requests to judges for immediate review. The bill requires that any issued orders include a hearing date within 14 days for the defendant to contest the order, and it mandates that all orders and affidavits carry specific warnings about criminal penalties for violations or false statements.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the open carry of firearms at polling places, political debates, and public demonstrations in Vermont. It directly affects individuals who wish to carry visible firearms in these specific locations, while allowing law enforcement officers and government employees to carry firearms for official duties. The legislation defines a public demonstration as gatherings of 25 or more people expressing views or grievances and sets penalties of up to one year in prison or a $1,000 fine for violations. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage and does not regulate firearms carried in motor vehicles.