Rep. Jubilee McGill

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the exclusion of agricultural workers from Vermont's State Labor Relations Act, granting them collective bargaining rights previously denied. It directly affects farm workers across Vermont by amending the definition of "employee" to include them, ending a specific exemption that had kept them outside labor protections. The key mechanism is revising Section 1502 of the law to delete the provision that barred agricultural laborers from being covered under collective bargaining rules. The change takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HCR 26) honoring Burlington High School alumna Ilona Maher for winning a bronze medal with the U.S. women's rugby sevens team at the 2024 Paris Olympics. It formally congratulates her on this achievement and directs Vermont's Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to her. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely serves to recognize her athletic accomplishment and community ties. It was adopted by the Vermont House and Senate in February 2025 as a symbolic gesture.

Maddy summaryH 303 bans the land application of septage (septic tank waste), sludge (wastewater treatment byproduct), and biosolids (treated sewage solids) for agricultural use. It also prohibits selling compost or soil products containing these materials. The law applies directly to farmers, waste treatment facilities, and businesses producing agricultural products. The ban takes effect July 1, 2025, replacing current testing requirements for land application.

Maddy summaryVermont's H 296 would adopt the Dietician Licensure Compact, allowing licensed dietitians in Vermont to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. This compact directly affects licensed dietitians seeking to work across state lines and improves public access to dietetics services by eliminating redundant licensing requirements. The key mechanism establishes a "compact privilege" equivalent to a state license, streamlining practice for professionals while maintaining state-level regulatory authority over patient care standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts Vermont's Department of Corrections (DOC) from cooperating with federal immigration authorities. It prohibits DOC staff from contacting federal agencies about an individual's immigration status, prolonging detention to investigate status, or accepting requests for immigration enforcement support. The DOC must terminate existing agreements with federal immigration authorities within 30 days and submit annual reports to legislative committees detailing any federal requests for assistance. Additionally, the DOC must create staff training protocols and penalties for noncompliance with these restrictions.

Maddy summaryH.297 creates the Free Degree Promise Grant Program to provide free associate’s degrees at Vermont’s Community College of Vermont (CCV) for eligible students. It directly affects Vermont students who completed CCV’s Early College program (earning 20+ credits), require full-time enrollment (12+ credits), and meet income thresholds. The program covers remaining tuition/fees after other aid and provides $500-$1,000 per semester for books/supplies based on household income, with support for up to five semesters or degree completion. This aims to address equity gaps in college access, particularly for low-income, first-generation, and historically underserved students.

Maddy summaryH 295 requires Vermont employers to pay employees for unused vacation time they have earned when leaving a job, whether voluntarily or involuntarily. The bill amends state law to mandate that final wage payments include the value of accrued vacation leave, ensuring employees receive compensation for time earned but not taken. This applies to all Vermont employers and takes effect on July 1, 2025. Employees will no longer forfeit earned vacation benefits upon separation from employment.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Vermont's State Registrar to amend a death certificate to reflect the deceased person's gender identity at the time of death. It permits correction upon application by a healthcare provider, medical examiner, or close family members (spouse, child, parent, or guardian). The Department of Health must create rules specifying acceptable evidence (like advanced directives) and required forms for these requests. The changes take effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs federal disability and survivor benefits received by foster children and youth in the justice system into a dedicated account managed by the Office of the Treasurer. It requires a study committee to develop a plan for returning these funds to individuals when they age out of state care. The bill also directs the Department for Children and Families to use federal funds for legal representation in foster care cases (as permitted under federal rules) to offset any budgetary impact from the new benefit management system. These provisions aim to secure benefits for youth in state custody while maintaining existing legal support services.

Maddy summaryThis Vermont bill (H 263) establishes a legal right for employees to ignore work communications from employers during nonworking hours, defined as times outside an employee's scheduled work hours. It directly affects all Vermont employers and their employees covered under state labor laws. Key provisions require employers to create a written policy supporting this right (with exceptions for emergencies or last-minute schedule changes), prohibit policies that reduce compensation or time-off rights, and allow employees to file complaints for repeated violations, which could result in a $100 administrative penalty per violation. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.