Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Fair Repair Act, aims to improve access to repair services for agricultural and forestry equipment by ensuring independent repair providers and equipment owners can obtain necessary parts, tools, and documentation. The legislation addresses challenges such as limited availability of authorized repair shops in rural areas, workforce shortages, and restrictions on software-related repairs that may prevent independent technicians from fixing equipment safely and effectively. By establishing clear definitions for key terms and promoting equitable access to repair resources, the bill seeks to extend equipment lifespans, reduce costs for farmers and foresters, and support Vermont's agricultural and forestry sectors. The measure does not mandate specific repair practices but creates a framework to facilitate fair access to the information and components needed for maintenance and repairs.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Vermont's unemployment insurance system to improve how employers are charged for benefits, protect workers affected by major disasters, and strengthen protections against benefit fraud. It requires employers to be exempt from experience-rating charges when employees receive unemployment benefits due to federally declared disasters, and it updates rules for handling overpayments by allowing more flexible repayment plans and clearer waiver processes. The legislation also clarifies penalties for individuals who intentionally misrepresent information to claim benefits and mandates that the state provide written notice of rights to appeal overpayment decisions.
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 establishes Vermont's Data Privacy Act to protect consumer personal data by requiring businesses to obtain clear, affirmative consent before collecting and using information. It directly affects adult residents of Vermont who use services from companies that process their personal data, while excluding individuals acting in commercial or employment contexts. Key provisions define sensitive data types like biometric, genetic, and health information, prohibit manipulative design patterns, and grant consumers rights to access, correct, and delete their data. The legislation also creates specific protections for children's online experiences and requires businesses to implement security measures and provide privacy notices.
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 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 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 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 expands state anti-discrimination laws to include hair type, texture, and hairstyles as protected characteristics under race. It specifically defines protective hairstyles such as braids, cornrows, locs, twists, and afros, as well as wigs and headwraps, as protected categories. The law applies to employers, landlords, and other entities covered by Vermont's existing fair employment and housing statutes, prohibiting discrimination based on these hair characteristics. The changes take effect on July 1, 2024, and were signed into law by the Governor in April 2024.
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.