Rep. Bob Hooper

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 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 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.

Maddy summaryThis bill approves amendments to the City of Burlington's charter that establish new election boundaries for the city's four electoral districts. The changes, which were previously voted on by Burlington voters in March 2023, update the legal map used to divide the city into districts for the 2024 annual meeting and all future elections. The bill incorporates specific geographic descriptions and street boundaries to define the East and Central districts, with similar detailed provisions for the remaining two districts. Once signed into law, these boundary changes will guide how the city is organized for voting purposes in upcoming elections.

Maddy summaryThis bill defines and protects certain health care activities related to reproductive health and gender-affirming care from civil and criminal liability. It establishes that licensed health care providers in Vermont can legally offer these services to patients regardless of where the patient is located, as long as the services are permitted under Vermont law. The law also protects insurance coverage for these services and prohibits conversion therapy from being classified as gender-affirming care. The protections apply to the provision, prescription, distribution, and use of FDA-approved medications for pregnancy termination as of January 1, 2023. The bill became effective immediately upon passage and was signed into law by the Governor in May 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that honors Karen Horn of Moretown for her leadership in strengthening local government in Vermont. It recognizes her decades of work with the Vermont League of Cities and Towns, where she advised officials on municipal issues and helped secure transportation funding and tax authority for local governments. The resolution formally acknowledges her contributions to municipal policy and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to both Horn and the Vermont League of Cities and Towns.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution expresses support for Abenaki communities in Vermont and encourages greater appreciation of Abenaki culture during Abenaki Recognition and Heritage Week and throughout the year. The bill directly affects the Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs and the four state-recognized Abenaki tribes and bands by directing the House Clerk to send copies of the resolution to these entities. The resolution acknowledges past injustices, including state-sanctioned eugenics and sterilizations, and recognizes existing legislative efforts such as free hunting and fishing licenses for certified Native Americans and the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It serves as a formal statement of support rather than creating new policy requirements or funding allocations.