Rep. Carol Ode

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a paid family and medical leave insurance program in Vermont, allowing eligible employees to take time off work for specific life events while receiving wage replacement benefits. It directly affects workers employed by companies with at least 10 to 15 employees, depending on the type of leave, and defines covered situations including parental leave for birth or adoption, family leave for serious health conditions, bereavement leave, safe leave for domestic violence victims, and leave for military family members. The legislation sets clear definitions for who qualifies as an employee, employer, and family member, including provisions for domestic partners and individuals with significant personal bonds beyond traditional family relationships. Key provisions include requirements for employers to fund the insurance program and establish policies that allow workers to take approved leave without losing their jobs.

Maddy summaryThis House concurrent resolution honors former President James Earl Carter as a tireless international humanitarian and public servant. The bill recognizes his post-presidential work, including conflict mediation, election monitoring, disease eradication efforts, and advocacy for affordable housing through Habitat for Humanity. It acknowledges his receipt of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize and his decision to enter hospice care. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to former President Carter.

Maddy summaryThis bill officially recognizes March 2023 as Social Work Month in Vermont to honor the contributions of social workers to improving human well-being and addressing social issues. The resolution highlights the profession's role in various settings including schools, hospitals, and government agencies, as well as its work supporting diverse communities and addressing challenges like the opioid crisis. It marks the 60th anniversary of Social Work Month and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the National Association of Social Workers Vermont Chapter.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new process for the Vermont State Ethics Commission to investigate ethical misconduct by Executive Branch officials, including issues like discrimination, sexual harassment, and conflicts of interest. The legislation would grant the commission authority to receive complaints, conduct investigations, appoint special counsel, hold hearings, and recommend remedial actions such as mediation, additional training, or referrals to counseling services. The bill requires that these processes consider the severity of misconduct, timelines, and the privacy and rights of all parties involved.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors Rotary International for its charitable work and congratulates five Vermont Rotary clubs on their 100th anniversary. It recognizes the organization's history in Vermont, its global humanitarian programs, and the clubs' contributions to community relief efforts. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to relevant Rotary leaders and clubs.

Maddy summaryThis bill commemorates the 25th anniversary of Vermont's Downtown Program and designates March 22, 2023 as Downtown Day at the State House. It recognizes the program's role in supporting downtown development through tax incentives and financial assistance to designated districts. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies to the Downtown Coalition and the Vermont Downtown Development Board. This is a ceremonial measure that acknowledges past investments and contributions without changing existing laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution honoring Marshall Webb, a nonprofit cofounder and environmental advocate who passed away in 2022. It recognizes his contributions to Shelburne Farms, a Vermont center for sustainability education, and acknowledges his personal connection to the organization and the state. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to Webb's family and Shelburne Farms as a formal expression of appreciation. This measure does not change laws or policies but serves to publicly acknowledge Webb's legacy and impact on the community.

Maddy summaryThis bill approves amendments to the City of Burlington's charter that authorize the City Council to create an ordinance preventing landlords from eviding tenants without "just cause." The just cause provisions include nonpayment of rent, material breach of the rental agreement, violation of state tenant laws, and failure to accept reasonable renewal terms, while excluding rental agreement expiration as a sole reason for termination. The bill also exempts owner-occupied duplexes and triplexes, properties being withdrawn from the rental market, and buildings needing substantial renovations, and requires landlords to provide adequate notice and reasonable relocation expenses to affected tenants.

Maddy summaryThis Vermont joint resolution urges the U.S. Congress to admit Washington, DC, as a state in the Union. The measure addresses the District's lack of full voting representation in Congress, noting that while DC residents pay federal taxes and can vote in presidential elections, they currently have no voting members in the House or Senate. The resolution supports granting DC statehood to resolve this representation issue and calls for sending the document to federal officials and committees. It does not change any laws or policies directly but serves as a formal expression of support for statehood legislation already introduced in Congress.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Vermont Office of Film and Creative Media within the existing Vermont Council on the Arts to support the state's growing film and media industry. The new office will maintain databases of local professionals and resources, track employment opportunities for graduates, and establish a tax incentive program to attract outside production companies. Funding of $350,000 is provided to create one-and-a-half full-time positions to support these operations, with the office becoming operational on July 1, 2023. A supervisory board of five industry professionals will be appointed to advise the office on its activities. The bill directly affects film production companies, local creative media workers, and the Vermont Council on the Arts.