Rep. Jim Carroll

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont's Medicaid program to provide coverage for one breast pump per child born to Medicaid beneficiaries. It allows pregnant Medicaid recipients to order and receive a breast pump before the baby is born, but only after reaching 27 weeks of pregnancy. The legislation directs the Agency of Human Services to seek necessary federal approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to implement this coverage change. If federal approval is not needed, the coverage provisions would take effect on July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Vermont's Fair Employment Practices Act by legally defining "constructive discharge" to include situations where working conditions are so difficult or conduct is so outrageous that a reasonable employee would feel forced to resign. It also updates the state's legislative leave law to ensure all employed legislators can take time off for official duties without losing job status, seniority, or benefits, while requiring employers to maintain insurance and benefits at the same level as if the legislator were working. Employers must provide written notice within 14 days of filing for election or accepting a new position, and may appeal to the State Labor Relations Board if they can demonstrate that granting leave would cause unreasonable hardship. The changes apply to employers with more than five employees and take effect on July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows collective bargaining representatives to be certified through voluntary employer recognition combined with majority employee sign-up, rather than requiring a secret ballot election. It applies to employees in Vermont who seek union representation and modifies state labor laws to provide this alternative certification path. The legislation requires employers to grant recognition if a majority of employees sign authorizations supporting a specific representative, unless the employer objects and the Labor Relations Board determines the petition should proceed to a formal election. Additionally, the bill extends this voluntary recognition process to school districts for teachers and administrators, allowing them to be recognized without a referendum when a majority signs supporting petitions. The certification valid for at least one year and allows for reelection or recertification through the same majority sign-up process.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal framework for recovery residences in Vermont, which are shared living spaces designed to support individuals recovering from substance use disorders. It requires these residences to be certified by recognized organizations and mandates written rental agreements that outline policies, consequences for noncompliance, and alternative housing options for temporary removals. The legislation also directs municipalities to treat recovery residences as single-family homes for zoning purposes and requires the Department of Corrections to report on furloughed individuals residing in such facilities. Additionally, the bill creates a Recovery Stabilization Study Committee to further examine recovery housing needs and the bill aims to reduce homelessness and overdose deaths by expanding access to these supportive living environments.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all Vermont public high school students to complete a semester-long personal finance course in either 11th or 12th grade as a graduation requirement. The State Board of Education must develop and maintain performance standards covering topics like budgeting, credit management, investing, taxes, and retirement planning. The bill also directs the Board to oversee course implementation by establishing teacher certification requirements, approving curriculum providers, and offering professional development for educators. The law takes effect on July 1, 2023, applying to students graduating in the 2024-2025 school year or later.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers in Vermont to pay tipped workers the standard minimum wage starting January 1, 2024, instead of allowing a reduced "tipped minimum wage." It applies to employees in hotels, motels, tourist places, and restaurants who regularly receive more than $120 per month in tips. The legislation also sets a transitional phase where tipped workers must receive at least half the minimum wage beginning July 1, 2023, before reaching full minimum wage coverage in 2024. The standard minimum wage itself continues to increase annually by either 5% or the Consumer Price Index, whichever is smaller, ensuring tipped workers benefit from these raises once the transition is complete.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a public prekindergarten education program in Vermont, making full-day early education available to three- and four-year-old children and five-year-olds not yet in kindergarten. It creates a new Department of Economic Empowerment by reorganizing the Department for Children and Families, adds a second Deputy Secretary to the Agency of Education with specific qualifications, and provides property tax exemptions for child care providers. The legislation also expands eligibility and payment rates for the Child Care Financial Assistance Program, creates a new Noncitizen Child Care Assistance Program, and introduces grants to support child care workforce retention.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers in Vermont to provide employees with reasonable opportunities to eat and use toilet facilities during work periods. For shifts lasting six hours or more, employers must offer at least 30 minutes of paid or unpaid breaks for eating, resting, and using facilities, unless safety concerns require adjustments. The law applies to workplaces with three or more employees and allows employers to offer more generous break policies while prohibiting retaliation against workers who use their break rights. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2023, and gives state attorneys general authority to enforce compliance through civil penalties and investigations.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution honoring the memory of former Representative Joseph L. Krawczyk Jr. of Bennington. It formally extends the General Assembly's sincere sympathy to his family following his death on December 13, 2022. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Krawczyk's family. It recognizes his extensive service as a Vietnam veteran, Army colonel, state legislator, and community leader.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors organizations and individuals working to improve rural broadband access in Vermont. It recognizes the Communications Union Districts (CUDs) and related groups like the Vermont Communications Union Districts Association and the Vermont Community Broadband Board for their efforts in building broadband networks. The resolution acknowledges past legislative actions that created funding and oversight structures to support these broadband initiatives. It does not change any laws or policies but serves to formally recognize the achievements of these groups in expanding internet access to over 200 municipalities.