Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Office of Entrepreneurship within the Agency of Commerce and Community Development to support new and small businesses in Vermont. The office will focus on strengthening policies for entrepreneurs, providing technical assistance, helping businesses under five years old navigate state agencies, and ensuring at least five percent of state contracts go to these newer businesses. Additionally, the bill eliminates all first-year registration fees for new businesses and requires an annual report on contract awards to businesses under five years old, including data on demographic representation. A third provision directs the Agency of Commerce and Community Development to study and recommend ways to reduce regulations on home-based food businesses while protecting public health. The legislation takes effect on July 1, 2024.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Community Resilience and Disaster Mitigation Grant Program and Fund to help Vermont municipalities prepare for and reduce the impact of natural disasters. The program would provide grants to cities, towns, and other local governments for projects like slope stabilization, watershed restoration, and drought mitigation, with priority given to communities facing higher vulnerability. Funding comes from a $15 million appropriation in fiscal year 2024 and an annual assessment on insurance companies writing policies in Vermont, capped at $4.3 million. The Department of Public Safety would administer both the grant program and the fund, which must keep records and submit annual reports on how money is spent.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans in Vermont to cover diagnostic tests used for screening purposes using the same terms as they cover screening tests for the same condition. It applies to all health insurance plans and ensures that cost-sharing requirements like copayments and deductibles are identical for diagnostic and screening tests. The legislation aims to eliminate disparities in coverage between diagnostic and screening tests for the same disease or illness.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Vermont's sports wagering laws to strengthen oversight and consumer protections. It requires sports wagering operators to pay annual fees and mandates stricter criminal background checks for applicants and company principals. The legislation also updates penalties for illegal wagering operations and directs funds toward problem gambling prevention programs. Additionally, it adds restrictions on advertising aimed at minors and requires a report on how problem gambling funding aligns with similar state programs.
Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes May 2023 as Jewish American Heritage Month in Vermont. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Jewish communities in the state. The measure acknowledges the historical contributions of Jewish Americans to Vermont and the nation, noting their early settlement and ongoing cultural significance. It does not change laws or policies but serves as a symbolic recognition of Jewish heritage and history.
Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes May as Mental Health Awareness Month in Vermont to raise public awareness about mental health challenges. It does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of the state's mental health needs and statistics. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to relevant mental health organizations and officials. While it highlights concerning data about suicide rates and access to care, the bill itself is a commemorative measure rather than a policy change.
Maddy summaryThis bill defines and protects certain health care activities related to reproductive health and gender-affirming care from civil and criminal liability. It establishes that licensed health care providers in Vermont can legally offer these services to patients regardless of where the patient is located, as long as the services are permitted under Vermont law. The law also protects insurance coverage for these services and prohibits conversion therapy from being classified as gender-affirming care. The protections apply to the provision, prescription, distribution, and use of FDA-approved medications for pregnancy termination as of January 1, 2023. The bill became effective immediately upon passage and was signed into law by the Governor in May 2023.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that honors Karen Horn of Moretown for her leadership in strengthening local government in Vermont. It recognizes her decades of work with the Vermont League of Cities and Towns, where she advised officials on municipal issues and helped secure transportation funding and tax authority for local governments. The resolution formally acknowledges her contributions to municipal policy and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to both Horn and the Vermont League of Cities and Towns.
Maddy summaryThis House resolution expresses support for Abenaki communities in Vermont and encourages greater appreciation of Abenaki culture during Abenaki Recognition and Heritage Week and throughout the year. The bill directly affects the Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs and the four state-recognized Abenaki tribes and bands by directing the House Clerk to send copies of the resolution to these entities. The resolution acknowledges past injustices, including state-sanctioned eugenics and sterilizations, and recognizes existing legislative efforts such as free hunting and fishing licenses for certified Native Americans and the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It serves as a formal statement of support rather than creating new policy requirements or funding allocations.
Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution formally congratulates individuals who achieved significant scouting milestones in 2022. It honors 35 young people who earned the Eagle Scout rank and one individual, Katherine Lewis, who received the Summit Award for Venturing. The General Assembly directs the Secretary of State to send copies of this recognition to each person named in the resolution. This ceremonial document acknowledges their accomplishments but does not create new laws or policy changes.