Rep. Kate Logan

Maddy summaryH.638 establishes a voluntary certification program for recovery residences in Vermont through the Department of Health. It defines recovery residences as peer-support living spaces for people recovering from substance use disorders and sets six standards for certification, including meeting safety/sanitation rules, having a complaint process, and maintaining certification via a Vermont-approved organization. Certified residences must annually report data to the Department (e.g., resident numbers, employment changes) and undergo inspections with 10 days' notice. The bill directly affects recovery residences operating in Vermont, requiring them to meet these standards to participate in the program.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Vermont's definition of "victim" to include individuals affected by officer-involved shootings when the person shot was experiencing a mental health crisis. It requires the Victims Compensation Board to provide these individuals with access to services and compensation similar to other crime victims. The bill also mandates mental health crisis training for law enforcement officers as part of certification requirements and incorporates de-escalation techniques into the state's use-of-force policy. These changes directly affect victims of such incidents and their families, ensuring they receive support previously available only to traditional crime victims.

Maddy summaryH 397 updates Vermont's emergency management and flood response systems. It requires the Division of Emergency Management to annually report on mitigation plans to legislative committees and revise the State Emergency Management Plan every five years to cover response coordination, preparedness, and local planning templates. The bill expands grant funding for flood mitigation projects, including voluntary buyouts for flood-affected properties, and mandates new assistance for municipalities to access river monitoring and weather alert systems. It also provides municipalities with greater flexibility to borrow funds for emergency-related expenses and manage unspent budget balances. These changes directly affect state agencies, local governments, and communities in flood-prone areas.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Mollie Beattie Distinguished Service Award to honor the legacy of Mollie Beattie, former Commissioner of Vermont's Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation. Annually, the Department's Commissioner will present the award to current or former state employees or partners who advance conservation, public land accessibility, recreational quality, or sustainability of Vermont's public lands. The award commemorates the centennial of Vermont State Parks and recognizes contributions aligned with Beattie's values. It takes effect on July 1, 2025, and is purely ceremonial with no new funding or regulations.

Maddy summaryH 219 establishes the Department of Corrections’ Family Support Program, providing free parenting and trauma-informed family support services to all incarcerated individuals who are parents or guardians. The program aims to increase parents' knowledge and skills, offer resources for communicating with their children and caregivers, and create child-friendly visitation spaces. It also includes outreach for children's services and reentry support for parents. The bill directs the Department to include funding for these services in its annual budget, with initial implementation at the Chittenden Regional and Northern State Correctional Facilities and an intent to expand statewide by 2028, contingent on appropriated funds.

Maddy summaryH.96 increases the monetary thresholds requiring a certificate of need for healthcare projects in Vermont. It raises the cost limits from current levels (e.g., $1.5 million for facility capital costs to $10 million) to $10 million or $50 million for larger projects. The bill directly affects hospitals and healthcare facilities that would previously need state approval for projects exceeding these thresholds. It also exempts healthcare services or facility projects resulting from state contracts from the certificate requirement. This change reduces regulatory burden for many healthcare investments by raising the cost bar for mandatory review.

Maddy summaryJoint House Resolution 4 reaffirms the General Assembly's support for the Native American Indian tribes and bands currently recognized by Vermont law. It also reiterates support for the established system for extending future state recognition to other Native American Indian tribes and bands. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs.

Maddy summaryHCR 137 is a House concurrent resolution that celebrates the 40th anniversary of Robin’s Nest Children’s Center in Burlington’s Old North End. It acknowledges the center's history of providing early childhood care and education to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers since 1985.

Maddy summaryThis resolution, HCR 81, honors the life and public service of Brenda Churchill, a former Bakersfield Select Board member and advocate for transgender rights. It extends the Vermont General Assembly's condolences to her family and recognizes her contributions to local and state government, including her work on the Vermont Commission on Women.

Maddy summaryHCR 128 is a House concurrent resolution that designates May 6, 2025, as Homelessness Awareness Day in Vermont. This resolution formally recognizes the issue of homelessness within the state and directs a copy to be sent to the Housing and Homelessness Alliance of Vermont.