Maddy summaryThis bill establishes specific requirements for obtaining informed consent before administering immunizations in Vermont, directly affecting healthcare providers and patients. It mandates that providers give individuals or their guardians a copy of the immunization package insert at least 24 hours before administration, obtain prior written consent, and inform patients they can refuse immunizations without facing threats or penalties. The bill also creates a legal defense for medical malpractice claims related to informed consent in immunization cases and requires expert testimony to prove that sufficient information was not provided. These provisions take effect on July 1, 2023, and apply to both adults and minors with parental or guardian consent requirements.
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Maddy summaryThis bill adds a new chapter to Vermont law that recognizes an individual's right to make their own health care decisions and refuse medical interventions, testing, or vaccines based on their religious, conscientious, or personal beliefs. It prohibits government agencies, employers, schools, healthcare providers, and other organizations from denying services, restricting employment, or imposing conditions on anyone exercising this right, even during public health emergencies. The law also allows individuals who suffer harm from violations of these rights to sue for damages and legal fees in Superior Court.
Maddy summaryThis bill would allow children to attend school and child care facilities without required immunizations if their parents or guardians provide a signed statement affirming conscientious or personal beliefs against vaccination. To qualify, parents must annually submit a form stating they have reviewed educational materials about vaccine risks and the dangers of vaccine-preventable diseases, particularly for those who cannot be vaccinated. The bill also permits exemptions when a licensed health care practitioner certifies in writing that a specific immunization could be harmful to a child's health. These provisions would take effect on July 1, 2023, and the signed exemption forms would not be used as evidence in civil proceedings.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont's Department of Health to submit an annual report on adverse reactions reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System. The report must include data on the number of reactions, details by vaccine type and recipient age, emergency visits, hospitalizations, permanent disabilities, deaths, and information about compensation support activities. Health care practitioners administering vaccines in Vermont are also required to report all significant adverse events to the system, even if the vaccine connection is uncertain. The annual report will be sent to state health committees, posted online, and shared electronically with health care providers. The law takes effect on July 1, 2023.
Maddy summaryThis Vermont joint resolution formally applies to Congress to call a Convention of the States under Article V of the U.S. Constitution, which would allow state legislatures to propose constitutional amendments. The resolution specifically requests that any resulting convention be limited to proposing amendments that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit federal power and jurisdiction, and restrict terms of office for federal officials and members of Congress. By submitting this application, Vermont joins other states in seeking a constitutional process to address concerns about federal spending, mandates, and overreach. The resolution directs Vermont's Secretary of State to send copies of this application to federal officials and other state legislatures to track progress toward the required two-thirds state threshold.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a default maximum speed limit of 35 miles per hour for unposted and unpaved town highways in Vermont. It directly affects municipalities that maintain these roads, which are currently mapped under state law but lack posted speed limits. The law would apply automatically to these roads unless towns choose to post different limits, standardizing speed regulations for unpaved municipal routes across the state. This change aims to provide clear guidance for drivers on rural town roads that do not currently have visible speed limit signs.
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.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates January 23-27, 2023, as the first annual Holocaust Education Week in Vermont. It directly affects Vermont schools and educational institutions by establishing a formal period for Holocaust education activities. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to the Vermont Holocaust Memorial and the Agency of Education to facilitate the event. This commemorative measure recognizes the historical significance of the Holocaust and aims to increase awareness through organized educational programming during the designated week.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands the Vermont National Guard Tuition Benefit Program to include courses at out-of-state colleges that offer degree programs not available in Vermont. It directly affects Vermont National Guard members who wish to pursue education at institutions outside the state. The key provision allows eligible service members to use their tuition benefits at these non-Vermont schools approved for federal funding, with benefits calculated at the University of Vermont's in-state tuition rate. The change takes effect on July 1, 2023, and does not alter existing benefits for in-state institutions.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Vermont from adopting California's Clean Air Act waiver for setting motor vehicle emission standards. It directly affects the Secretary of Natural Resources and the Department of Motor Vehicles by amending state statutes to explicitly bar the use of California rules for new motor vehicles. The legislation repeals existing Vermont rules for low emission and zero emission vehicles and establishes a July 1, 2023 effective date for these changes.