This bill amends the composition of Vermont's Basic Needs Budget Technical Advisory Committee by adding a legislative member to its membership. The change ensures that legislative representatives participate in advising on the state's basic needs budget planning process. The amendment was concurred by both legislative chambers and was signed into law by the Governor in June 2023. This adjustment modifies the committee structure without altering the fundamental budget allocation procedures.
This bill modifies the duties of Vermont's Department of Vermont Health Access and related health care agencies. It requires the department to work with federally qualified health centers to develop a payment method for Medicaid services that matches or exceeds current rates, with a report due by October 2023. The legislation also directs state officials to recommend payment increases for patient-centered medical homes and to report on funding needs for these programs. Additionally, the bill changes hospital lien rules by limiting liens to one-third of patient recovery amounts and preventing liens when patients have health insurance, while also authorizing pilot projects to improve hospital efficiency and reduce health inequities.
This bill authorizes Department of Corrections employees to serve as notaries public when performing official duties, removing the usual requirement to pay notary fees. The law defines official duties as notarizing documents related to their employment, court matters, victim services, or other state responsibilities. Corrections staff must believe the document is work-related or beneficial to their agency to qualify under this exemption. The change applies immediately upon passage and affects only state corrections personnel acting within their job scope.
This bill reduces overdose risks in Vermont by expanding access to buprenorphine treatment, legalizing drug-checking services, and creating a dedicated funding stream for opioid prevention. It allows healthcare providers to prescribe up to 24 milligrams of buprenorphine without prior authorization, permits community organizations to test substances for contaminants without fear of legal penalties, and establishes an Opioid Abatement Special Fund to finance naloxone distribution and treatment programs. The legislation also clarifies that drug-checking results cannot be used as evidence in court and ensures that individuals seeking these services face no arrest or prosecution for possession of the substances being tested.
This bill enacts Vermont's adoption of the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact, a national agreement that allows licensed psychologists to provide services across state lines under specific conditions. The legislation primarily affects psychologists licensed in Vermont and other participating states by establishing rules for telepsychology practice and temporary in-person practice lasting up to 30 days per calendar year. Key provisions create a system for sharing licensure and disciplinary information between states, authorize psychologists to practice in other compact states without obtaining additional licenses, and establish a commission to oversee implementation and compliance. The bill aims to increase access to psychological services while maintaining public safety through standardized regulations and mutual recognition of licenses among participating states.
This bill approves the adoption of a new charter for the Town of Ludlow, Vermont, which updates the town's governing rules. The key provision grants the Select Board authority to decide which items appear on the ballot for town meetings, unless specific laws or a citizen vote say otherwise. This change allows local officials more flexibility in managing town meeting procedures while maintaining oversight by the community. The bill was signed into law by the Governor in June 2023 and applies specifically to the Town of Ludlow.
This bill approves a previously voter-approved amendment to the City of Rutland's charter, allowing the city to implement a one percent local sales tax. The amendment authorizes the Board of Aldermen to impose this tax to help fund municipal expenses and reduce reliance on property taxes or water and sewer fees. Revenues from the tax must be used for specific purposes including capital improvement reserves, pension deficit reductions, or infrastructure projects like building and street repairs. The law takes effect immediately upon passage and was signed into law by the Governor in June 2023.
This bill approves a charter amendment for the City of Burlington that implements ranked choice voting for local elections. It directly affects voters in Burlington who will now be able to rank candidates in order of preference instead of selecting only one. The key provision requires candidates to receive at least 40 percent of the vote to win, with lower-preference votes transferred to remaining candidates if no one reaches that threshold. Once enacted, this system eliminates the need for separate runoff elections for Mayor, City Councilors, school commissioners, and ward election officers. The change takes effect immediately upon becoming law.
This bill approves a charter amendment for the Town of Shelburne that was previously voted on by local residents. The key provision authorizes the town selectboard to impose a one percent tax on sales, meals, alcoholic beverages, and hotel rooms. This new tax authority will be collected and managed according to existing state tax collection laws. The legislation takes effect immediately upon passage and formalizes the town's ability to generate additional revenue through this local option tax.
This bill formally approves a charter amendment for the City of Burlington that was previously voted on by residents in March 2023. The amendment establishes rules for where Burlington voters can cast early or absentee ballots and determines how polling places are located within the city's wards. Specifically, it requires the City Council to decide on the number and location of polling places in consultation with election officials, ensuring each ward has a polling place unless a more accessible facility exists nearby. The law also mandates that multiple polling places in the same building must be kept separate from one another.
This bill approves an amendment to the Town of Middlebury's charter that changes how the Town Treasurer is selected. Previously, the Treasurer was an elected position, but the amendment shifts this role to an appointment made by the Selectboard. The change takes effect immediately upon the bill's passage, with any current elected Treasurer's term ending by March 7, 2024, when the Selectboard appoints a successor. This adjustment aligns with a proposal that Middlebury voters approved in March 2023.
This bill approves amendments to the City of Burlington's charter that establish new election boundaries for the city's four electoral districts. The changes, which were previously voted on by Burlington voters in March 2023, update the legal map used to divide the city into districts for the 2024 annual meeting and all future elections. The bill incorporates specific geographic descriptions and street boundaries to define the East and Central districts, with similar detailed provisions for the remaining two districts. Once signed into law, these boundary changes will guide how the city is organized for voting purposes in upcoming elections.
