Sen. Thomas Chittenden

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont schools to notify parents and guardians within one school day when a harassment, hazing, or bullying complaint is filed against their child or another student. It mandates that school harassment prevention policies explain how sexual harassment complaints will be handled and establish a clear definition of supportive measures like counseling, schedule adjustments, and safety escorts that schools must offer to students involved in complaints. The legislation also sets investigation timelines, requiring schools to begin investigating complaints within one school day and complete internal reviews within 30 days unless special circumstances exist. These changes apply to all educational institutions in Vermont and take effect on July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates August 31 as Overdose Awareness Day in Vermont to raise awareness about drug overdoses and honor those affected by them. The legislation requires the Vermont State flag to be flown at half-staff on all state-owned flagpoles each August 31 to mark the observance. It also adds these provisions to the state code and includes a clause that will repeal the designation in 2033. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2023, and is based on findings about rising opioid-related deaths in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors Rotary International for its charitable work and congratulates five Vermont Rotary clubs on their 100th anniversary. It recognizes the organization's history in Vermont, its global humanitarian programs, and the clubs' contributions to community relief efforts. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to relevant Rotary leaders and clubs.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution honoring Marshall Webb, a nonprofit cofounder and environmental advocate who passed away in 2022. It recognizes his contributions to Shelburne Farms, a Vermont center for sustainability education, and acknowledges his personal connection to the organization and the state. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to Webb's family and Shelburne Farms as a formal expression of appreciation. This measure does not change laws or policies but serves to publicly acknowledge Webb's legacy and impact on the community.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires legislative approval from the Vermont General Assembly before the Vermont State Colleges can close, reduce, or convert any physical library that existed on January 1, 2023. It also prevents the colleges from reducing library staff positions, employees, or work hours below the levels established on that same date without state approval. The law affects the Vermont State Colleges Corporation and its library operations across all campuses. If passed, the colleges would need explicit permission from lawmakers before making changes to their library facilities or staffing levels.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows high school students to keep their legal residency in a school district if they completed ninth grade there, even if their parents move away. It directly affects students who might otherwise lose access to local schools due to their parents' change of residence. The key provision adds a new rule to Vermont's education code that lets students maintain residency through graduation based on their ninth-grade attendance rather than their parents' current location. This change takes effect on July 1, 2023, and applies to any student enrolled in the same district on October 1 of their tenth-grade year.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires gas stations and convenience stores in Vermont to inform customers before placing a hold on their credit or debit card for an amount larger than the actual gasoline purchase. The law mandates that this notice must be clear and displayed near the payment area before the customer completes their transaction. It applies to both the store itself and any third parties who might place these holds on card accounts. The measure aims to improve transparency for consumers by ensuring they are aware of potential temporary holds on their funds before buying fuel.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Vermont statute governing the Board of Trustees of the University of Vermont and State Agricultural College to increase the total number of trustees from 25 to 27 members. The change adds two new faculty trustee positions that will be elected by the university faculty to six-year terms, with the Faculty Senate overseeing the election process. The bill also clarifies student trustee selection procedures, establishing that student representatives must be full-time undergraduate or graduate students who are at least 18 years old. These provisions take effect immediately upon passage, with new faculty trustees required to be elected by August 1, 2023, to fill the expanded board.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to exempt all U.S. military retirement income and military survivor benefit income from Vermont state income tax. It directly affects active and retired military personnel, as well as surviving spouses and dependents of deceased service members who receive these benefits. The legislation amends Vermont tax code to remove military retirement and survivor income from taxable income calculations, while also clarifying that taxpayers must choose between this exemption and other retirement income exclusions if they qualify for multiple. The bill includes a statement of purpose honoring military service and applies retroactively to January 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill would restrict trapping of fur-bearing animals in Vermont to only those authorized for property defense or conducted by licensed nuisance wildlife control operators. It establishes a new nuisance wildlife trapping license and requires anyone setting traps on another person's property to provide prior notice and obtain permission. The law allows landowners, their employees, and government officials to trap animals threatening domestic animals, property, agricultural crops, or public infrastructure, but mandates that traps be checked every 24 hours and that trapped animals be released if uninjured or humanely killed. Anyone taking animals for compensation must hold a valid nuisance wildlife trapping license, and all pelts taken under these provisions must be inspected and certified before storage, sale, or transfer.