Sen. Andrew Perchlik

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 joint resolution directs the Vermont legislature to reconvene no later than Tuesday, January 24, 2023, if both the Senate and House of Representatives adjourn on Friday, January 20, 2023. The measure establishes a specific weekend adjournment schedule for the legislative session, ensuring lawmakers return to work within a three-day window. It applies directly to the state's elected representatives and sets a concrete date for resuming legislative business after the designated break.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes safety zones around occupied buildings in Vermont, prohibiting firearm discharge within 500 feet of any inhabited dwelling, camp, or connected structures like barns and stables. The law requires property owners to post visible signs at each corner of these zones stating "safety zone, shooting prohibited," and defines the area as enclosed land for regulatory purposes. Exceptions allow shooting on owned or permitted land and for law enforcement officers acting in their official capacity. Violations of the prohibition result in a $50 fine, and the measure takes effect on July 1, 2023.

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 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.