Sen. Alison Clarkson

Maddy summaryThis bill designates January 23-27, 2023, as the first annual Holocaust Education Week in Vermont. It directly affects Vermont schools and educational institutions by establishing a formal period for Holocaust education activities. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to the Vermont Holocaust Memorial and the Agency of Education to facilitate the event. This commemorative measure recognizes the historical significance of the Holocaust and aims to increase awareness through organized educational programming during the designated week.

Maddy summaryThis bill introduces several new regulations on firearms in Vermont, including a 72-hour waiting period for most firearm transfers after a background check, a ban on manufacturing and possessing large capacity ammunition feeding devices, and a requirement that firearms not in immediate possession be locked in a safe or rendered inoperable. It also prohibits possession of semiautomatic assault weapons, bans the use of 3D printers to manufacture firearms and the distribution of related digital instructions, and allows firearms industry members to be sued for public nuisance damages. Additionally, the bill offers homeowners insurance premium discounts to policyholders who can certify their firearms are stored according to the new safe storage requirements. These changes directly affect firearm owners, manufacturers, dealers, and insurance companies within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal mechanism in Vermont to protect survivors of domestic abuse, stalking, or sexual assault from being targeted by abusive litigation. It allows courts to issue orders that restrict individuals who have a history of abusing, stalking, or sexually assaulting someone else from filing or continuing lawsuits primarily intended to harass or intimidate that survivor. The law defines abusive litigation as legal actions that lack legal or factual basis, have been previously dismissed, or are filed by someone with a prior history of similar abusive conduct against the same person. Courts can grant these restrictions without charging filing fees, and the bill includes specific procedures for requesting and hearing these orders while maintaining existing remedies available to parties.

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 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 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.