Rep. Brian Cina

Maddy summaryHCR 54 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Thomas Paul Salmon, a former Vermont Representative, Governor (75th), and Interim University of Vermont President. The resolution expresses the General Assembly's condolences to his family following his death on January 14, 2025, and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to them. It commemorates his career, including his two terms as governor (1972-1978) and his six-year tenure as UVM Interim President. As a non-binding memorial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents.

Maddy summaryHCR 13 is a non-binding memorial resolution honoring Robert Louis Picher, the former Clerk of the Vermont House of Representatives. It commemorates his 30 years of service (1963-1993, plus 2002 acting role), military career, legal background, and community contributions. The resolution expresses the Vermont General Assembly’s condolences to his family and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to them. This is purely ceremonial with no policy changes or affected constituents.

Maddy summaryH 456 creates a state-funded community support system for individuals recently released from incarceration or with prior criminal justice involvement who face homelessness or need housing. It allocates $1.3 million for housing grants through Pathways Vermont, $1 million for community housing development (prioritizing Black, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, disabled, and women), and $1 million for residential treatment of substance use and mental health conditions. Additional funds support recovery services, restorative justice programs, and community-based case management. The bill redirects resources from new prison construction toward housing, health services, and economic opportunities to reduce recidivism. It directly affects justice-involved individuals experiencing housing instability or needing health support upon release.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require Vermont health insurance plans to cover prosthetic and orthotic devices at least as comprehensively as Medicare does. It mandates coverage for medically necessary devices that meet specific criteria, including those needed for daily activities (like bathing, running, or strength training), with providers determining appropriateness. Insurers must also report claims data on these devices to the state for 2026-2028 and cannot deny coverage based on disability. The bill directly affects Vermont residents needing these devices and requires insurers to avoid annual/lifetime dollar limits or unfavorable cost-sharing for coverage.

Maddy summaryH 452 proposes to decriminalize the personal possession, cultivation, and noncommercial use of psilocybin-containing mushrooms for adults aged 21 and older in Vermont. It establishes the Psilocybin Therapeutic Consultation Program to create a regulated framework for therapeutic use. Licensed health providers (including mental health professionals, physicians, and nurse practitioners) would undergo certified training to offer initial evaluations, guided sessions in safe environments, and post-session support. The program aims to develop education and safety protocols for psilocybin use under state law, though the bill is currently pending review by the Human Services Committee.

Maddy summaryH 428 requires court-appointed guardians for adults with disabilities to complete mandatory training before starting their role and every three years thereafter. The training, developed jointly by the Probate Division and Vermont's Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living, covers guardianship duties, constitutional rights, civil rights for people with disabilities, and a court-approved handbook. This applies directly to individuals serving as legal guardians for adults with disabilities in Vermont. The bill aims to ensure guardians understand their responsibilities and the rights of the people they support. The law takes effect on September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryH 448 amends Vermont's State Employees’ Retirement System to create a new Group G membership category for specific state workers, including correctional facility staff, mental health care providers, and public safety employees. It changes retirement benefits for Group G members to a formula of 2.5% of average final compensation per year of service (capping at 50-60% depending on role), replaces their previous contribution rates with a pay-quartile system (starting at 11.23% in 2024 and decreasing to 8.93% by 2026), and expands creditable service for temporary/seasonal state work and prior military service without requiring additional contributions. These changes directly affect current and future Group G employees in designated state roles. The bill also establishes a statutory contractual right for all retirement system members.

Maddy summaryH 445 creates the Land Access and Opportunity Revolving Fund to support affordable housing for historically marginalized communities in Vermont. It is funded by a 1.5% income tax surcharge on earnings above $500,000 (repealed in 2031), administered by a new Land Access and Opportunity Board. The fund provides grants or loans for tenant-owned housing purchases, multi-unit renovations, cooperative housing development, and transitional housing projects with priority for marginalized groups. Projects must align with community resource integration, sustainable design, and support for those facing homelessness, disabilities, or justice system involvement.

Maddy summaryH 433 establishes a 10-year phased rollout of Green Mountain Care, Vermont's publicly financed health care program for all residents. It begins with universal primary care in Year 1, adds preventive dental and vision care in Year 2, and expands to additional services over the next eight years based on recommendations from the Green Mountain Care Board's Universal Health Care Advisory Group. The bill mandates that the Board verify specific criteria before implementation, including ensuring benefits have at least 80% actuarial value, maintaining economic sustainability, reducing administrative costs, and preventing duplication with existing insurance coverage. All Vermont residents are directly affected as the program aims to provide comprehensive coverage equivalent to the 2011 health care reform blueprint.

Maddy summaryVermont's H 440 bill would protect residential renters by restricting landlords from evicting tenants without a valid reason. Landlords could only terminate tenancies without cause for specific reasons like major renovations (exceeding 50% of unit value), owner-occupancy by the landlord or immediate family, or if a tenant refuses reasonable lease renewal terms. Tenants would receive 60 days' notice for stays under two years or 90 days for longer tenancies, plus relocation assistance equivalent to one month's rent. The bill does not apply to the first six months of a rental agreement.