Rep. Caleb Elder

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates Aziza Malik, an elementary school teacher in Burlington, on being named the 2024 Vermont Teacher of the Year. It does not create new laws or change policies but serves to formally recognize her achievement and the work of the state's education agency. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to both Aziza Malik and Champlain Elementary School. This type of bill has no legal effect beyond acknowledging the award and the recipient's contributions to education.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Vermont Veterans' Home Board to establish a nursing home in Vermont that provides services and supports to Vermont veterans who do not currently reside at the Home. The legislation requires the new facility to comply with all applicable state and federal licensing and regulatory requirements. By adding a new subdivision to the relevant statute, the bill formally expands the Board's powers and duties to include this new service option. The measure was signed into law by the Governor in June 2024.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution urges the United States to create a National Human Rights Institution, a type of independent government body that other 120 countries have established to protect and promote human rights. The bill is based on United Nations recommendations and international standards that encourage nations to set up such institutions to oversee human rights issues. It would direct the Secretary of State to send the resolution to President Biden, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, and Vermont's congressional representatives. The measure does not create the institution itself but formally calls for its establishment and asks federal officials to consider the request.

Maddy summaryThis Vermont bill requires health insurance companies to cover diagnostic breast imaging services without charging patients any co-pays, deductibles, or other fees. It applies to insurers, hospitals, and health maintenance organizations that offer health insurance plans in the state. The law mandates coverage for screening mammograms and other medically necessary breast imaging when recommended by a healthcare provider to detect breast cancer or abnormalities. Additional coverage is required for ultrasound or other imaging if mammogram results are inconclusive or if a patient has dense breast tissue. The requirements apply to screenings performed at facilities accredited by the American College of Radiologists and take effect for plans issued on or after January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis House concurrent resolution celebrates the 50th anniversary of the National Conference of State Legislatures, an organization founded in 1975 that supports state and territorial legislators and their staff. The resolution recognizes the group's role in advancing state legislative effectiveness, fostering cooperation between states, and providing a unified voice for state legislatures in the federal system. It directs the Vermont Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The measure is a commemorative action with no policy changes or budgetary impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the Medicaid Expansion Act of 2024, expands eligibility for Vermont's Dr. Dynasaur children's health insurance program to include young adults up to age 26, in addition to the current age limit of 21. The expansion applies to residents whose family income is at or below 312 percent of the federal poverty level, and it also extends coverage to pregnant individuals of any age. The legislation authorizes the state to charge monthly premiums for pregnant women and young adults whose family income exceeds 195 percent of the federal poverty level, with collected fees directed toward offsetting program costs. By aligning Dr. Dynasaur eligibility with federal Medicaid standards for young adults, the bill aims to reduce the number of uninsured and underinsured Vermonters in this age group.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Vermont-Ireland Trade Commission, a new entity within the State Treasurer's office designed to promote trade and investment between Vermont and Ireland. The Commission will consist of 10 members appointed by the Governor, Speaker of the House, Senate Committee on Committees, and the State Treasurer, who will serve staggered four-year terms and meet quarterly to advance bilateral economic cooperation. The Commission is authorized to raise funds through donations and grants to cover its administrative expenses and must submit annual reports to the Governor and General Assembly, with members receiving no state compensation for their service.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a memorial resolution honoring Honoree Fleming, a former Dean of Education at Castleton State College who was tragically killed in 2023. The resolution expresses the General Assembly's sympathy to her family and directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to her family, the Castleton Town Clerk, and the university president. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal acknowledgment of her life and contributions to education and science. The measure was adopted by both the House and Senate without requiring a vote on the main text.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Vermont Baby Bond Trust, a state-administered fund designed to provide financial support to children born on or after July 1, 2024, who qualify for Medicaid or similar health coverage at birth. The program would allow eligible children to receive bonds that can be used for education, purchasing a home, starting a business, or contributing to retirement accounts once they reach adulthood. The trust would be managed by the State Treasurer, who would invest the funds to generate earnings while keeping the assets separate from general state funds and exempt from state taxes. Money in the trust would only be disbursed for approved purposes and would not count as income or assets when determining eligibility for other assistance programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Vermont Human Rights Commission to hire three new full-time staff positions in fiscal year 2025. The funding of $300,000 from the General Fund will cover salaries and benefits for an Education and Outreach Coordinator, an Intake Specialist, and a Staff Attorney Investigator. These roles are designed to expand the commission's capacity for public education, case intake, and legal investigation of discrimination complaints. The changes take effect on July 1, 2024, and directly affect the commission's operational staffing and budget.