Sen. Ginny Lyons

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a temporary Basic Needs Budget Technical Advisory Commission to review and update how Vermont calculates its basic needs budget and livable wage standards. The commission will include representatives from government agencies, legislative bodies, small businesses, and community organizations, and must submit its findings by January 1, 2024. Additionally, the bill requires the state to develop a public online calculator that shows how much state and federal assistance individuals and families might receive based on their income, household size, and other factors. The commission will have access to expert analysis and public testimony, with funding allocated for member compensation and technical support.

Maddy summaryThis bill would remove state-level bans and penalties on the purchase, use, and possession of tobacco products in Vermont, including products like bidis and electronic cigarettes that contain nicotine. It updates legal definitions to clarify what counts as tobacco products and tobacco substitutes, ensuring consistency across state statutes. The legislation maintains existing age restrictions, prohibiting anyone under 21 from possessing, purchasing, or attempting to purchase tobacco products, while also keeping penalties for retailers who sell to minors. The bill includes provisions for compliance testing by the Division of Liquor Control and mandates annual reporting on enforcement efforts to relevant state committees.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a rebuttable presumption that first-time offenders convicted of nonviolent felonies or misdemeanors will receive probation instead of jail time. It directly affects individuals charged with crimes that do not involve sexual exploitation of children or other specifically listed violent offenses. The law requires courts to consider factors like weapon use, threats, and victim vulnerability before deciding whether to override the presumption and impose a different sentence. Prosecutors can challenge the presumption by presenting evidence, while defendants have the right to respond and support their case for probation. The bill also clarifies definitions of nonviolent crimes and sets maximum probation terms of two years for misdemeanors and four years for felonies.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public schools and regional career and technical education centers in Vermont to install water bottle filling stations in new buildings or during major renovations. The law applies to construction projects starting on or after July 1, 2023, and defines major renovations as projects costing $500,000 or more or those involving substantial plumbing work. Schools must provide at least one station for every 200 people, ensure each floor has access to a station, and place them near high-traffic areas like cafeterias and gyms. The bill also mandates that these stations dispense clean, filtered water and allows students and staff to bring reusable water bottles made of durable materials with spill-proof lids.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes legislative oversight for payment reform and conflict-free case management changes affecting individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, and service agencies in Vermont. It requires the Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living to consider individual life circumstances and budget needs alongside standardized assessments, evaluate fiscal impacts on recipients and agencies, and gather input from stakeholders before implementing federally required case management changes. The legislation also mandates that proposed policy changes be presented to relevant legislative committees by February 1, 2023, and repeals a previous 2022 act related to these same topics.