Rep. Mary-Katherine Stone

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution officially recognizes May 6-12, 2024, as National Nurses Week in Vermont and designates May 9, 2024, as ANA-Vermont Hill Day at the State House. The measure honors the nursing profession by acknowledging nurses' contributions to healthcare, particularly during the pandemic, and invites the public to express gratitude to nurses on that date. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to ANA-Vermont, the organization overseeing the commemoration. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal acknowledgment of the nursing profession's importance.

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 bill formally approves an amendment to the City of Burlington's charter that was previously voted on by local residents in March 2024. The change updates state law to clarify how the city can borrow money, allowing the city council to pledge the city's credit for loans up to 25 percent of annual taxes or for emergency situations. It also creates specific exceptions that let the city's chief administrative officer borrow up to $10 million in anticipation of revenue from the Electric Department for working capital, while other temporary loans must be repaid from property taxes once collected. The amendment takes effect immediately upon the bill's passage and signing into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Vermont's animal welfare laws to improve how the state tracks and reports on animal care and complaints. It requires animal shelters and rescue organizations to include imported animals in their standards of care reporting and asks state agencies to estimate the number and type of animal welfare complaints they receive. The legislation also updates a specific numerical threshold in the regulations from 50 to 67, likely adjusting a compliance or reporting limit. These changes affect state agencies responsible for animal welfare oversight and organizations that care for animals in Vermont.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends existing laws to strengthen protections against child sexual abuse by clarifying that manipulating a child for sexual contact is prohibited. It directly affects adults who may exploit children through emotional or psychological pressure to engage in sexual activities. The key provision adds the phrase "with intent" to the legal language, ensuring that deliberate manipulation is explicitly covered under the statute. The legislation reflects findings that most child sexual abuse is committed by someone known to the child and their family. Once signed into law, it provides clearer legal grounds for prosecuting cases involving coercive manipulation of minors for sexual purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Vermont's child abuse and neglect investigation procedures and establishes a tiered Child Protection Registry to balance child safety with employment considerations for those with substantiated allegations. It requires investigators to conduct thorough, unbiased investigations that include home visits, interviews with children (sometimes without parental approval), and assessments of risk to all children in the household. The bill also clarifies that a "substantiated report" means there is sufficient evidence to believe abuse or neglect occurred, and it allows the Department to place substantiated cases on the Registry immediately in cases of sexual or serious physical abuse while permitting administrative review.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates three Vermont teachers who were selected as finalists for the 2024 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The resolution recognizes Kathy Gingras, Alyssa Castellini, and Jo Ann Harvey for their outstanding work in mathematics and science education. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to each honored teacher. This type of bill does not change laws or policies but serves to formally acknowledge the achievements of educators.

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 bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates the Boys & Girls Clubs of Vermont's 2024 Youth of the Year honorees and designates April 4, 2024 as Boys & Girls Club Day at the State House. The resolution recognizes Braden Howe from Brattleboro and Henry Tornwini from Burlington, who were selected for their achievements and community contributions. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to the honored youth, serving as an official acknowledgment of their accomplishments. This type of measure does not change laws or policies but instead provides formal recognition and public appreciation for the individuals and organization involved.