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 clarifies and updates Vermont's rules for issuing permits to burn natural wood, brush, weeds, or grass in the open air. It requires individuals to obtain written permission from a town forest fire warden before starting such fires, except during periods when the state commissioner prohibits permits due to high fire hazard. The law also defines what materials count as "natural wood" and lists specific situations where permits are not needed, such as burning in snow-covered areas, designated fire rings, or locations at least 200 feet from flammable vegetation.
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 Vermont law requires firearm owners to securely store guns in locked containers or with safety devices to prevent children and prohibited individuals from accessing them, with criminal penalties for negligent storage that results in harm. Gun dealers must display warning signs about suicide and domestic violence risks associated with firearm access, while the law also expands the definition of household members to include dating partners for certain protective order provisions. The legislation aims to reduce suicide and community violence by limiting impulsive access to firearms, particularly in homes where children or prohibited persons might otherwise gain unauthorized access.
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 expands civil liability for businesses that sell alcohol to intoxicated individuals, allowing injured parties to sue both the alcohol seller and, in some cases, the building owner. It permits lawsuits against licensees who sell alcohol to minors, visibly intoxicated people, or those who would likely become intoxicated from the amount served, and adds provisions for negligent service. The law also establishes requirements for liquor liability insurance coverage and mandates that landlords be notified when their tenants violate alcohol laws. These changes take effect on July 1, 2023, with some provisions delayed until July 1, 2024.
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 establishes the legal framework for radiologist assistants to practice in Vermont under the supervision of licensed radiologists. It defines supervision as requiring a radiologist to be readily available for consultation, either in person or remotely via telephone or video, and allows assistants to work under more than one supervising radiologist. The legislation sets clear boundaries on what radiologist assistants can do, prohibiting them from interpreting images, making diagnoses, or prescribing medications, while allowing them to communicate preliminary observations about technical performance and findings from radiologist reports. The bill also requires that assistants and their primary supervising radiologist work at the same healthcare facility or affiliate, with additional safety measures for remote supervision scenarios.
This bill sets specific property tax rates and yields for fiscal year 2024, affecting property owners in the state. It adjusts the property dollar equivalent yield to $15,443.00, the income dollar equivalent yield to $17,537.00, and the nonhomestead property tax rate to $1.391. Additionally, the education fund reserve property tax rate offset is reduced from $22,000,000.00 to $13,000,000.00. These changes determine how much tax revenue is generated from property values and income for the state budget.
