Rep. Dane Whitman

Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a House concurrent resolution that congratulates Kevin J. Goodhue on nearly 50 years of service with the Bennington Rural Fire Department. The resolution recognizes his career progression from entry-level firefighter to chief and his ongoing role as an active second lieutenant. It highlights specific achievements including establishing a junior firefighter program in 2003 and improving radio communications in 2004. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Goodhue as a formal acknowledgment of his contributions to public service.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Vermont's emergency housing eligibility rules by requiring medical certification for disability documentation. It allows households who cannot prove SSI or SSDI eligibility to use a specific form to document qualifying health conditions for temporary emergency housing. The form must include personal information, a description of the disability, risks to health and safety without housing, and verification from a licensed healthcare provider. This change affects individuals seeking emergency housing assistance and healthcare professionals providing disability certifications.

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 House concurrent resolution honors Michael Gonneville, a physical education instructor at Northfield Elementary School in Vermont, for his 46 years of teaching and for creating the school's Walking Wednesdays program. The resolution recognizes Gonneville's role in establishing a walking-to-school initiative that has continued for 17 years, connecting students, families, and community members in a mile-long walk from Norwich University to the school. It also acknowledges the program's special tradition where students recite the Pledge of Allegiance with veterans at The Veterans' Place Inc. during their weekly walk. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies to Gonneville, the school principal, and the supervisory union superintendent.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 26, 2024, as Robert Frost Day in Vermont to honor the state's first Poet Laureate on the 150th anniversary of his birth. The resolution recognizes Frost's literary achievements, including four Pulitzer Prizes, his deep connection to Vermont landscapes, and his contributions to education at institutions like Bread Loaf School of English. The General Assembly formally acknowledges Frost's legacy by naming this specific date in his honor. The Secretary of State will send copies of the resolution to the Robert Frost Stone House in Shaftsbury and the Bread Loaf School of English in Ripton.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that formally congratulates the 2024 Mt. Anthony Union High School Patriots wrestling team on winning their school's 35th consecutive state championship. The resolution recognizes the team's victory in all five weight categories at the state tournament held in Brandon and acknowledges the contributions of the wrestlers and coaching staff. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the high school as an official record of the General Assembly's recognition.

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 is a ceremonial resolution that honors Sergeant at Arms Janet Miller for her service to the Vermont General Assembly. It recognizes her long career, which includes managing security, coordinating events, and overseeing the Legislative Council before she was elected to her current role five times. The resolution also acknowledges her specific contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, including helping the legislature transition back to in-person meetings. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of this honor to Janet Miller, who has announced her retirement effective March 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill would add xylazine, a veterinary sedative, to Vermont's list of regulated drugs. It directly affects individuals who possess, dispense, or sell the substance by making it illegal to do so outside of approved veterinary use. The key provision prohibits the non-veterinary handling of xylazine, treating it similarly to other controlled substances under state law. This change aims to increase oversight of the drug's availability and use within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands anti-discrimination protections in Vermont by adding housing status, which includes homelessness, to the list of protected characteristics in state laws covering public accommodations, housing, employment, and land use decisions. The legislation prohibits businesses, landlords, employers, and government agencies from refusing service, denying housing, discriminating in employment, or making discriminatory housing advertisements based on whether a person is homeless or perceived to be homeless. By amending existing statutes across multiple areas, the bill ensures that individuals experiencing homelessness receive the same legal protections against unfair treatment as other protected groups. The changes apply to public accommodations, real estate transactions, employment practices, and land use permitting, requiring compliance from owners, operators, employers, and relevant agencies throughout the state.