Rep. Dane Whitman

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 bill honors Barbara Reilly for over 40 years of dedicated service at the Vermont Veterans' Home. It recognizes her work in the kitchen, housekeeping, and activities programs, where she built close relationships with veterans and their families. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the honor to Ms. Reilly. This is a commemorative measure with no policy changes or budgetary impact.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution honors Michele Burgess for her 47-plus years of dedicated service at the Vermont Veterans' Home. The document recognizes her career progression from institutional orderly to activities department supervisor, highlighting her contributions to resident programs and veteran liaison work. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Burgess as a formal acknowledgment of her retirement. This is a commemorative measure that does not create new laws or change existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes May 2024 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Vermont. It aims to raise public awareness about mental health challenges and reduce stigma surrounding mental illness. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to NAMI Vermont and the state Commissioner of Mental Health. This is a symbolic measure that does not create new laws or require funding, but rather serves to highlight the importance of mental health support during the designated month.

Maddy summaryThis Senate concurrent resolution honors Sue Allen for her distinguished career spanning journalism, government, politics, and the nonprofit sector. The document recognizes her unique professional path, which includes working as a journalist, serving as press secretary for two Vermont governors, and holding leadership roles in media and public service. The resolution formally acknowledges her contributions to Vermont public life and directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to Sue Allen and the Bennington Banner.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution honoring Alexander and Marilyn Mahar, a couple who made significant contributions to the Town of Bennington community. It recognizes their legacy through their long-standing funeral home business, Alexander's charitable golf tournaments that raised over $200,000 for local hospice care, and both spouses' volunteer work and community involvement. The resolution expresses the General Assembly's condolences to the Mahar family and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to them.

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 Vermont bill requires health insurance plans to cover colorectal cancer screening without any cost-sharing fees for insured individuals aged 50 and older. The law mandates that insurers offer two screening options for average-risk individuals: annual fecal occult blood testing with a sigmoidoscopy every five years, or a colonoscopy every ten years, following U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines. For people at high risk due to family history, genetic conditions, prior cancer, or chronic digestive diseases, the bill requires coverage for screening and tests as recommended by their treating physician. The coverage must include all associated costs such as lab services, physician fees, and facility use without deductibles or co-pays, and applies to plans issued on or after January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution recognizes May 2024 as National Foster Care Month in Vermont to highlight the importance of foster care services and support for children and youth in the state. The document formally acknowledges the role of foster families in providing safe homes and helping young people transition to independence, while noting that over 390,000 children nationwide are currently in foster care. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to several foster care organizations and the Commissioner for Children and Families to promote awareness during the designated month. This measure does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic recognition of foster care's societal value.

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.