Rep. Mary-Katherine Stone

Maddy summaryVermont's H.47 adopts the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, enabling licensed dentists and dental hygienists from Vermont to practice in other participating states without obtaining full new licenses. The bill creates a "compact privilege" that allows professionals to work across state lines while adhering to each state's scope of practice rules. It streamlines access to dental services by reducing redundant licensing requirements, sharing disciplinary information between states, and specifically aiding military members and their spouses. This affects licensed dental professionals seeking to practice in multiple states, not the general public directly. The policy change simplifies interstate practice without altering individual state licensing standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill would prohibit individuals from knowingly carrying firearms on premises licensed to serve alcohol in Vermont, such as bars and restaurants. Business owners would be required to post clear notices about the ban at all public entrances. Violating the possession rule could result in fines up to $1,000 or up to one year in jail, while failing to post notices would incur a $500 fine. Exceptions include law enforcement officers on duty, National Guard members, and venue owners who legally possess firearms. The bill is currently pending referral to the Judiciary Committee after its first reading.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts U.S. military retirement income and survivor benefit payments from Vermont income tax for eligible residents. It adds these income types to Vermont’s list of excluded income in the tax code (specifically amending 32 V.S.A. § 5811), meaning military retirees and surviving spouses won’t pay state tax on these payments. The change applies retroactively to tax years beginning January 1, 2026. It directly affects Vermont taxpayers who receive military retirement or survivor benefits, providing them tax relief on this specific income source.

Maddy summaryH 30 reduces the use of seclusion and restraint on children and youth in residential programs under Vermont's Department for Children and Families (DCF). It defines these terms in law (33 V.S.A. § 3206), requires residential programs to report data consistently, and mandates DCF to update its IT system for better data collection. The bill also requires staff training on alternatives to seclusion and restraint. These changes directly affect children in DCF custody and the residential programs serving them.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a Vermont personal income tax credit for homeowners who make safety and accessibility modifications to their primary residence (homestead). It covers qualified expenses like ramps, stair lifts, widened doorways, bathroom renovations, and other safety-focused home improvements, up to a lifetime maximum of $15,000. Unreimbursed costs for these modifications can reduce income tax liability, with unused credit amounts carried forward for up to three years. The credit applies to taxable years beginning January 1, 2025, and is designed to help residents safely age in place.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal framework for overdose prevention centers in Vermont, allowing supervised spaces where individuals can consume pre-obtained drugs under the care of trained staff. The centers would provide harm reduction services such as sterile needle distribution, drug checking, overdose reversal medication, first aid, and referrals to addiction treatment. The legislation grants immunity from arrest, prosecution, and civil liability to participants, staff, and property owners for activities related to drug use within these centers, though immunity does not extend to driving violations or unrelated civil claims. A pilot program is funded with $1.1 million in 2025 to support the City of Burlington in opening a center, with ongoing funding intended through 2028. The Department of Health must develop operating guidelines by September 2024 and conduct a study on the program's impact by December 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates the 2024 Burlington-Colchester Division I championship SeaLakers girls' ice hockey team for winning their state title. The document formally recognizes the team's victory over BFA-St. Albans Comets and lists the players and coaches who contributed to the win. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Burlington and Colchester High Schools for record-keeping purposes. The bill does not create new laws or policy changes but serves as an official acknowledgment of the team's athletic achievement.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates Aziza Malik, an elementary school teacher in Burlington, on being named the 2024 Vermont Teacher of the Year. It does not create new laws or change policies but serves to formally recognize her achievement and the work of the state's education agency. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to both Aziza Malik and Champlain Elementary School. This type of bill has no legal effect beyond acknowledging the award and the recipient's contributions to education.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Vermont to join the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, a national agreement that allows occupational therapists and assistants licensed in one member state to practice in other member states without obtaining additional licenses. The legislation adds a new subchapter to Vermont's occupational therapy laws that establishes a "compact privilege" for qualified practitioners, enabling them to work across state lines while maintaining their home state's primary regulatory authority. Key provisions include requirements for sharing disciplinary and investigative information between states, provisions for military members and their spouses to practice where they are stationed, and support for telehealth services. The compact aims to increase public access to occupational therapy services while preserving each state's ability to protect public health and safety through its own licensing standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Vermont Veterans' Home Board to establish a nursing home in Vermont that provides services and supports to Vermont veterans who do not currently reside at the Home. The legislation requires the new facility to comply with all applicable state and federal licensing and regulatory requirements. By adding a new subdivision to the relevant statute, the bill formally expands the Board's powers and duties to include this new service option. The measure was signed into law by the Governor in June 2024.