Rep. Jubilee McGill

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Thermal Energy Network Act, would bring utility-style thermal energy networks under the oversight of Vermont's Public Utility Commission. It defines thermal energy networks as infrastructure that distributes heat and cooling from non-fossil fuel sources to multiple buildings and requires the Commission to issue a certificate of public good before any private company can operate such a network for more than 20 customers. Municipalities would retain the ability to build and operate these networks without Commission approval, similar to how they currently manage water and sewer services. The bill also directs the Commission to create rules that simplify permitting, allow pilot projects, and prioritize serving low- and moderate-income customers.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new grant program administered by the Agency of Human Services to help municipalities and other organizations acquire or renovate existing buildings for permanent supportive housing. The program provides up to $4.5 million in 2025 funding for projects that convert buildings into multiple studio apartments with kitchens and bathrooms, while requiring energy-efficient renovations. Each funded site must employ or contract two staff members to provide daily on-site support services such as case management, support groups, and connections to community resources. The bill targets individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, those recovering from mental health or substance use disorders, aging out of foster care, and other vulnerable populations. Eligible applicants must submit proposals identifying specific buildings, outlining costs and local contributions, and demonstrating accessibility to healthcare and transportation.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the Protecting Soils and Waters from Forever Chemicals Act, prohibits the land application of septage throughout Vermont and restricts landfill disposal of waste containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) when state standards are exceeded or when facilities lack proper certification. The legislation requires all solid waste management facilities to obtain state certification before operating, with specific exemptions for certain domestic wastewater treatment plants that meet defined conditions. Additionally, the bill bans the use of sludge as daily cover at landfills and mandates that the Secretary of Natural Resources and the Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets develop a memorandum of understanding by January 15, 2025, to enforce PFAS soil standards. These changes directly affect wastewater treatment facilities, landfills, and municipalities that manage septage and sludge waste.

Maddy summaryThis bill protects employees from being fired, discriminated against, or retaliated against for taking time off to serve as volunteer firefighters or volunteer emergency medical personnel. It also allows employers to claim a $500 tax credit for each volunteer firefighter or emergency medical personnel they employ for at least 12 weeks during the tax year. To qualify for protections, employees must provide written proof from their volunteer department to their employer, and employers are not required to pay employees for time spent on volunteer duties. The tax credit is available to private employers who maintain workers' compensation insurance and meet state registration requirements. These changes take effect on July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires municipalities in Vermont to allow tiny houses as permitted uses in zoning regulations. It specifies that one tiny house can be placed on a lot of one acre or more, while two tiny houses are permitted on lots of two acres or more. The legislation also includes a provision that tiny houses do not need wastewater capacity if they are occupied by family members of someone living in an existing single-family home on the same lot. This change directly affects local zoning authorities and homeowners considering tiny house construction or placement.

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 prohibits the manufacture, sale, and distribution in Vermont of cosmetic and menstrual products containing specific harmful chemicals, including perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), ortho-phthalates, formaldehyde, lead, and asbestos. It also bans textiles and athletic turf fields that contain PFAS, with a provision for future restrictions on any product using PFAS if their use is deemed unavoidable. The law includes a one-year waiver system for manufacturers who cannot immediately eliminate certain chemicals due to technical limitations, and requires the Department of Health to develop a community engagement plan to address outreach to vulnerable populations. Violations of the ban are treated as violations of Vermont's Consumer Protection Act, giving the Attorney General and private parties the authority to pursue civil actions.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Vermont's landfill disposal requirements by adding new restrictions on specific waste materials and establishing stricter rules for facilities receiving waste from municipalities without approved waste management plans. It directly affects landfill operators, waste management facilities, and municipalities by prohibiting the disposal of items such as leaf and yard residuals, wood waste, and food residuals in landfills starting in 2016 and 2020, respectively. The legislation also requires facilities to remove mandated recyclables and hazardous materials from waste streams when receiving material from municipalities lacking approved implementation plans, while allowing for separate storage areas for these materials. Additionally, the bill clarifies certification requirements for solid waste management facilities and includes exemptions for waste collected during nonprofit litter cleanup events.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Vermont state departments to create and maintain public education materials about dementia risks and early detection for patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare providers. It requires the Departments of Health, Disabilities Aging, and Independent Living, along with the Department of Mental Health, to include dementia awareness in existing public health outreach programs. The legislation mandates education for healthcare providers on early detection methods and screening benefits, while also increasing public understanding of early warning signs and the importance of timely diagnosis. The bill specifically targets populations at higher risk for dementia and emphasizes cultural relevance and health literacy in its messaging.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Vermont's adult protective services laws to clarify how caregivers are defined and held accountable. It expands the legal definition of a caregiver to include anyone voluntarily or contractually responsible for providing care to elders or people with disabilities, while also removing "negligently" from certain misconduct descriptions to focus on reckless behavior. The legislation adds protections for personal health information by explicitly referencing federal privacy laws alongside state regulations. These changes directly affect agencies, facilities, and individuals providing care to vulnerable adults, ensuring clearer standards for who qualifies as a caregiver and how their actions are evaluated.