Sen. Alison Clarkson

Maddy summaryS 133 streamlines housing development by modifying municipal zoning rules to allow additional dwelling units on single parcels and requiring industrial zones converted to residential to accommodate at least five units per acre. It clarifies "served by municipal sewer and water infrastructure" to identify areas where housing expansions are permitted, excluding flood zones and certain protected areas. The bill mandates reports by 2026 on inclusionary zoning tools and minimal construction design standards to simplify permitting. It also exempts small sawmills (producing ≤3.5 million board feet annually) from certain permit requirements and updates Act 250 land use planning processes.

Maddy summaryHCR 57 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing March 25, 2025, as National Medal of Honor Day in Vermont. It formally acknowledges Vermont's historical connection to Medal of Honor recipients, including the youngest recipient, 11-year-old Willie Johnston. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to provide copies to Vermont veterans organizations and the Vermont National Guard Library and Museum. As a symbolic gesture with no legal effect, it does not create new policies or obligations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 66) regulates motor vehicle noise by prohibiting certain exhaust modifications and requiring mufflers for engine compression brakes. It bans straight pipes, gutted mufflers, and unapproved exhaust systems on most vehicles, while requiring motorcycles (post-1985) to meet federal noise standards. Truck operators must equip compression brakes (like "Jake brakes") with mufflers to prevent excessive noise, failing which vehicles will fail safety inspections. The law affects drivers of modified cars, trucks, and motorcycles, with new rules taking effect July 1, 2026. It also requires a report by December 2025 on proposed noise level limits and enforcement procedures.

Maddy summaryS 119 requires early childhood educators in Vermont to obtain state licensure to work with children from birth through age eight. It establishes three license levels (I, II, III) with specific responsibilities, such as Early Childhood Educator I working under supervision, while II and III can serve as lead educators or provide guidance. The bill creates a Vermont Board of Early Childhood Educators to oversee licensing, define practice standards, and enforce rules, excluding teachers already licensed under existing education programs. This directly affects early childhood educators in both public and nonpublic settings who currently do not hold state licenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Vermont's State Registrar to correct a death certificate to match the deceased person's gender identity at the time of death. It directly affects transgender and non-binary individuals whose gender identity wasn't reflected on their death certificate, as well as their family members or healthcare providers seeking to update the record. The law permits corrections upon application by healthcare professionals, medical examiners, or close family members (spouse, parent, adult child, etc.), with the Department of Health required to create rules specifying acceptable evidence (like advanced directives) and forms for the process. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025, and is currently under review by the Health and Welfare Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the mandatory $4 dog license fee surcharge to $6 per license to fund Vermont's Dog, Cat, and Wolf-Hybrid Spaying and Neutering Program. It transfers administration of the program from the Agency of Agriculture to the Department for Children and Families' Office of Economic Opportunity. Key changes include requiring pet owners to pay a $50 co-payment per animal, adding rabbits to the program's definition of "companion animals," allowing up to five animals per owner to be served, and setting new rules for veterinarian reimbursement and voucher validity (8 weeks). The program will be updated to include these changes, effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHCR 30 is a memorial resolution honoring Donald H. Turner Jr., a former Vermont Representative, House Republican Leader, and Milton Town Manager. The resolution expresses the General Assembly's condolences to his family following his death in November 2024 and directs copies of the resolution to his family, the Milton Town Clerk, and the Milton Fire Department. This procedural resolution commemorates his public service, including his 30+ years with the Milton Fire Department and his legislative career representing Milton.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires candidates for Vermont state and county offices to submit a simple "affirmative statement" if they haven't made or received campaign contributions or expenses above reporting thresholds. It also adds penalties for late filings: $10 per day (capped at $1,000 total) after a 5-day grace period to correct missing reports. Candidates must file this statement even when no other reporting is required under existing law. Penalties may be reduced if the candidate demonstrates good cause for the delay. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Vermont municipalities from enacting rules that limit or ban the use of hygienic face masks. It directly affects local governments (cities and towns) and residents by preventing them from adopting mask restrictions through ordinances or other local regulations. The law adds a new provision to state law (24 V.S.A. § 2295a) that overrides any conflicting local charter provisions. The bill would take effect on July 1, 2025, and currently awaits committee review after its first reading on February 25, 2025.

Maddy summaryS 84 requires Vermont's State Commissioner of Buildings and General Services to spend at least 80% of the annual budget for print, digital, radio, and television advertising on local news and broadcast organizations. It directly affects all state agencies purchasing advertising, mandating they contract with organizations meeting specific local criteria (e.g., producing original local content, employing dedicated staff, meeting publication frequency standards, and disclosing ownership). The bill exempts tourism-focused ads from the 80% requirement and mandates an annual report to the legislature by June 30 detailing all state advertising spending. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.