Rep. Mary-Katherine Stone

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow Vermont to join the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact, an agreement among multiple states that makes it easier for licensed physician assistants to practice across state lines. Under the compact, a physician assistant holding a valid license in one participating state could obtain temporary permission to practice in other participating states without applying for a new full license in each location. The system maintains patient safety by ensuring that the physician assistant remains under the jurisdiction of the state where the patient is located during a medical visit and allows licensing boards to share information about disciplinary actions. The compact also includes special provisions to help military families by simplifying the licensing process for active-duty personnel and their spouses who move between states.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Vermont state departments to create and maintain public education materials about dementia risks and early detection for patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare providers. It requires the Departments of Health, Disabilities Aging, and Independent Living, along with the Department of Mental Health, to include dementia awareness in existing public health outreach programs. The legislation mandates education for healthcare providers on early detection methods and screening benefits, while also increasing public understanding of early warning signs and the importance of timely diagnosis. The bill specifically targets populations at higher risk for dementia and emphasizes cultural relevance and health literacy in its messaging.

Maddy summaryThis bill approves amendments to the City of Burlington charter that expand voting rights for certain noncitizen residents. The changes allow noncitizens who live permanently in the United States, are at least 18 years old, have taken a Voter's Oath, and are registered to vote to participate in local Burlington elections. These noncitizen voters can only vote for local city and school district officials and ballot questions specific to their ward or city district, not for state or federal offices. The bill also requires the city's administrative officer to create forms and procedures to identify these voters on registration checklists. This legislation was passed by the legislature and enacted despite a gubernatorial veto.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes May 2023 as Jewish American Heritage Month in Vermont. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Jewish communities in the state. The measure acknowledges the historical contributions of Jewish Americans to Vermont and the nation, noting their early settlement and ongoing cultural significance. It does not change laws or policies but serves as a symbolic recognition of Jewish heritage and history.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes May as Mental Health Awareness Month in Vermont to raise public awareness about mental health challenges. It does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of the state's mental health needs and statistics. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to relevant mental health organizations and officials. While it highlights concerning data about suicide rates and access to care, the bill itself is a commemorative measure rather than a policy change.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a formal resolution honoring 21 Vermont youth athletes who competed in snowboarding and skiing events at the 2023 USASA National Championships in Colorado. The resolution recognizes these athletes for representing Vermont with distinction and winning medals in various disciplines during the competition. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to each honored athlete as an official acknowledgment of their achievements. The bill does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial recognition of the athletes' accomplishments.

Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates the Burlington High School Seahorses team for winning the 2023 Vermont-NEA Scholars' Bowl state championship. The resolution recognizes the six student team members and their coach for their academic achievements in a competition that tests knowledge across various subjects. It formally acknowledges their victories in the state tournament and expresses good wishes for their upcoming national competition. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of this recognition to Burlington High School.

Maddy summaryThis Vermont law requires firearm owners to securely store guns in locked containers or with safety devices to prevent children and prohibited individuals from accessing them, with criminal penalties for negligent storage that results in harm. Gun dealers must display warning signs about suicide and domestic violence risks associated with firearm access, while the law also expands the definition of household members to include dating partners for certain protective order provisions. The legislation aims to reduce suicide and community violence by limiting impulsive access to firearms, particularly in homes where children or prohibited persons might otherwise gain unauthorized access.

Maddy summaryThis bill approves a charter amendment for the City of Burlington that implements ranked choice voting for local elections. It directly affects voters in Burlington who will now be able to rank candidates in order of preference instead of selecting only one. The key provision requires candidates to receive at least 40 percent of the vote to win, with lower-preference votes transferred to remaining candidates if no one reaches that threshold. Once enacted, this system eliminates the need for separate runoff elections for Mayor, City Councilors, school commissioners, and ward election officers. The change takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally approves a charter amendment for the City of Burlington that was previously voted on by residents in March 2023. The amendment establishes rules for where Burlington voters can cast early or absentee ballots and determines how polling places are located within the city's wards. Specifically, it requires the City Council to decide on the number and location of polling places in consultation with election officials, ensuring each ward has a polling place unless a more accessible facility exists nearby. The law also mandates that multiple polling places in the same building must be kept separate from one another.