Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Vermont's domestic violence protection order system to include military protection orders, allowing them to be recognized and enforced within the state like other foreign protection orders. It directly affects victims of abuse by military personnel and law enforcement officers who may need to enforce these orders. The key provision amends state law to define military protection orders as those issued by commanding officers in the armed forces or National Guard against individuals under their command, provided the order was issued on a Department of Defense form, the defendant received actual notice, and the order remains in effect. Law enforcement officers will be authorized to enforce these orders through arrests and assistance with residence or child custody issues, while courts must verify that the defendant is a current service member and the order meets specific validity requirements before enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the open carry of loaded firearms in public places, with exceptions for hunters, law enforcement, government employees, and situations involving imminent harm. It also restricts self-defense claims by requiring that defensive force used outside a person's home be necessary when no other means of avoiding the threat were available. Additionally, the bill mandates that firearms surrendered under abuse prevention orders must be stored by law enforcement agencies or federally licensed firearms dealers approved by the Department of Public Safety.

Maddy summaryThis Senate concurrent resolution honors Helen Estroff of Montpelier for her distinguished public service in the Vermont executive branch and her role as Calendar Clerk of the Vermont Senate. The document recognizes her 34-year career, which included positions in state financial oversight, higher education, and transportation, as well as her work ensuring legislative schedules were properly organized and printed. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Ms. Estroff as a formal acknowledgment of her contributions. This measure does not create new laws or policies but serves as an official commendation of her service.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate concurrent resolution that honors Steven D. Marshall of Swanton for his 35 years of service as the Assistant Secretary of the Vermont Senate. The resolution recognizes his professional contributions, including his role in the American Society of Legislative Clerks and Secretaries and his work on revisions to legislative procedure manuals. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Marshall as a formal acknowledgment of his exemplary service. This document serves as an official commendation rather than a law that creates new policies or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Vermont's anti-discrimination laws to include protection against discrimination and harassment based on hair type, texture, and style associated with race, as well as weight. It directly affects individuals in public accommodations, housing transactions, and educational settings by adding these characteristics to the list of protected traits. The law prohibits businesses, landlords, and schools from refusing services, denying housing, or creating hostile environments because of a person's hair or weight. These changes amend existing state statutes to explicitly define hair traits and weight as protected categories under fair employment, public accommodations, and housing laws.

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 allows landowners in Vermont to legally prohibit hunting and fishing on their property by using visible purple paint markings on trees or posts near property boundaries. The paint must be a specific size and height, and landowners must also record the posting with their town clerk's office when the markings are first applied. Unlike traditional signs that require annual updates and recording, the paint marking option only needs initial registration with the town, though the owner must still maintain the markings visibly. The law also requires that any permission-only signs include the owner's contact information and be dated each year. These changes take effect on July 1, 2023, and apply to owners or those with exclusive rights to take game on private land or waters.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows state employees in Vermont to choose their collective bargaining representatives through a card check process, where a union is certified if it receives support from at least 50 percent plus one of the employees in a bargaining unit. The legislation modifies existing state laws to permit this alternative to secret ballot elections, which would otherwise be required for determining union representation. It applies to state employees, teachers, and administrators, establishing specific procedures for verifying petition signatures and certifying unions without a vote if the signature threshold is met. The bill also sets conditions ensuring that card check certification only occurs when no other union is currently recognized as the exclusive representative for the bargaining unit.