Rep. Carol Ode

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates three Vermont teachers who were selected as finalists for the 2024 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The resolution recognizes Kathy Gingras, Alyssa Castellini, and Jo Ann Harvey for their outstanding work in mathematics and science education. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to each honored teacher. This type of bill does not change laws or policies but serves to formally acknowledge the achievements of educators.

Maddy summaryThis Vermont bill requires health insurance plans to cover colorectal cancer screening without any cost-sharing fees for insured individuals aged 50 and older. The law mandates that insurers offer two screening options for average-risk individuals: annual fecal occult blood testing with a sigmoidoscopy every five years, or a colonoscopy every ten years, following U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines. For people at high risk due to family history, genetic conditions, prior cancer, or chronic digestive diseases, the bill requires coverage for screening and tests as recommended by their treating physician. The coverage must include all associated costs such as lab services, physician fees, and facility use without deductibles or co-pays, and applies to plans issued on or after January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes May 2024 as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month in Vermont. It acknowledges the historical contributions and achievements of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans while also highlighting the discrimination they have faced, including exclusionary laws and internment during World War II. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the Asian Cultural Center of Vermont for awareness purposes. This is a ceremonial measure that does not change laws or policies but serves to honor and celebrate this community's heritage.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates the 2023 Green Mountain Council Class of Eagle Scouts in Vermont for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. It recognizes these young individuals for their dedication and service, noting that earning this rank is a significant accomplishment. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to each of the 50 scouts named in the text. This measure does not create new laws or policy changes but serves as a formal acknowledgment of their achievements.

Maddy summaryThis House concurrent resolution celebrates the 50th anniversary of the National Conference of State Legislatures, an organization founded in 1975 that supports state and territorial legislators and their staff. The resolution recognizes the group's role in advancing state legislative effectiveness, fostering cooperation between states, and providing a unified voice for state legislatures in the federal system. It directs the Vermont Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The measure is a commemorative action with no policy changes or budgetary impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Vermont's emergency housing eligibility rules by requiring medical certification for disability documentation. It allows households who cannot prove SSI or SSDI eligibility to use a specific form to document qualifying health conditions for temporary emergency housing. The form must include personal information, a description of the disability, risks to health and safety without housing, and verification from a licensed healthcare provider. This change affects individuals seeking emergency housing assistance and healthcare professionals providing disability certifications.

Maddy summaryThis House concurrent resolution honors the professional achievements of child and victim advocate Sally Borden. It recognizes her decades of work supporting victims of criminal acts, domestic violence, and child abuse through leadership roles at organizations like KidSafe Collaborative in Vermont. The resolution formally acknowledges her career accomplishments and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Borden and her organization. This legislative action serves as a ceremonial tribute rather than changing any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that formally honors the music therapists of Vermont for their work using evidence-based music interventions to help patients manage pain, anxiety, and other health challenges. It recognizes the growing importance of music therapy services in the state and acknowledges specific therapists who presented a devotional in the House of Representatives. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to the honored therapists and the Music Therapy Association of Vermont. This is a commemorative measure rather than a law that changes policy or requires new funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the Medicaid Expansion Act of 2024, expands eligibility for Vermont's Dr. Dynasaur children's health insurance program to include young adults up to age 26, in addition to the current age limit of 21. The expansion applies to residents whose family income is at or below 312 percent of the federal poverty level, and it also extends coverage to pregnant individuals of any age. The legislation authorizes the state to charge monthly premiums for pregnant women and young adults whose family income exceeds 195 percent of the federal poverty level, with collected fees directed toward offsetting program costs. By aligning Dr. Dynasaur eligibility with federal Medicaid standards for young adults, the bill aims to reduce the number of uninsured and underinsured Vermonters in this age group.