Rep. Carol Ode

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changes to Vermont's child abuse and neglect investigation and substantiation standards, as well as procedures for placing individuals on the Child Protection Registry. It establishes a tiered registry system that considers different degrees of abuse or neglect and aims to balance child protection with employment consequences for those substantiated for abuse. The legislation also defines specific types of harm and risk, clarifies investigation procedures including mandatory recording of interviews, and sets standards for determining whether reports are substantiated based on a preponderance of evidence. Additionally, the bill maintains immunity for good faith reporters while allowing for liability if multiple reports are found to lack a good faith basis.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require Vermont's Medicaid program to cover doula services for pregnant individuals, including support during prenatal visits, labor and delivery, and the postpartum period. To qualify for reimbursement, doulas must be certified by an approved national organization, complete additional training on Medicaid participation and special populations, pass a background check, and maintain liability insurance. The bill sets a maximum coverage limit of $850 per pregnancy, with specific allocations for prenatal visits, labor and delivery support, and postpartum care, while excluding reimbursement for travel expenses. The Department of Vermont Health Access would establish a registry of qualified doulas and create rules to implement these requirements, with the law taking effect on July 1, 2023, or upon federal approval of a state plan amendment, whichever occurs later.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the manufacture, sale, and distribution of specific products containing PFAS chemicals in Vermont, with different deadlines for different product categories. It immediately bans PFAS in pesticides, apparel, cookware, and paper products by January 1, 2024, while also restricting certain cosmetic products by 2026 and aiming for a complete PFAS ban across all products by 2030. The law requires manufacturers to submit confidential formula statements and mandates testing for pesticides packaged in fluorinated containers to detect chemical leaching. These provisions directly affect manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of the listed products while establishing clear compliance timelines and reporting requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to gradually implement Green Mountain Care, a publicly financed health care program for all Vermont residents, over a ten-year period. It would begin with primary care coverage in the first year, add preventive dental and vision care in the second year, and expand to additional services in subsequent years based on recommendations from an advisory group. The legislation requires the Green Mountain Care Board to analyze and report on financing sustainability, economic impact, and cost containment measures before full implementation. It also seeks a federal waiver to adjust health insurance benefits and funding to avoid duplication with Green Mountain Care coverage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont's Secretary of Natural Resources to manage all biosolids and domestic septage within the state as Class B materials, prohibiting their classification or use as higher-quality Class A or exceptional quality biosolids. The legislation establishes a testing program that facilities must follow before using or selling these waste products on land, with results made available to the public upon request. Rules developed under the bill will determine testing frequencies and parameters based on facility size, service area characteristics, and existing data, while also considering soil conditions when applying waste to fields. The changes take effect on January 1, 2024, with a one-year transition period allowing existing exceptional quality biosolids to be used or sold until July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the maximum grant amounts available from Vermont's Brownfield Revitalization Fund, raising assessment grants from $50,000 to $75,000 and remediation grants from $200,000 to $500,000, while also directing $1 million annually to regional planning commissions for brownfield site assessments. The legislation requires the Secretary of Commerce and Community Development to report annually to the legislature on how the fund is administered and how projects are prioritized for funding. It maintains the existing criteria for awarding grants, which consider factors like environmental health risks, economic development potential, housing needs, and geographic distribution of awards. The bill directly affects property owners, developers, and communities seeking to clean up and redevelop contaminated sites, as well as regional planning commissions that will administer assessment funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors organizations and individuals working to improve rural broadband access in Vermont. It recognizes the Communications Union Districts (CUDs) and related groups like the Vermont Communications Union Districts Association and the Vermont Community Broadband Board for their efforts in building broadband networks. The resolution acknowledges past legislative actions that created funding and oversight structures to support these broadband initiatives. It does not change any laws or policies but serves to formally recognize the achievements of these groups in expanding internet access to over 200 municipalities.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates January 23-27, 2023, as the first annual Holocaust Education Week in Vermont. It directly affects Vermont schools and educational institutions by establishing a formal period for Holocaust education activities. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to the Vermont Holocaust Memorial and the Agency of Education to facilitate the event. This commemorative measure recognizes the historical significance of the Holocaust and aims to increase awareness through organized educational programming during the designated week.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the Vermont National Guard Tuition Benefit Program to include courses at out-of-state colleges that offer degree programs not available in Vermont. It directly affects Vermont National Guard members who wish to pursue education at institutions outside the state. The key provision allows eligible service members to use their tuition benefits at these non-Vermont schools approved for federal funding, with benefits calculated at the University of Vermont's in-state tuition rate. The change takes effect on July 1, 2023, and does not alter existing benefits for in-state institutions.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Vermont's Agency of Transportation to develop a funding plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and expanding access to efficient, low-cost transportation options. It establishes a working group to study regional climate initiatives and implements a self-funded fee system that charges higher fees for less efficient vehicles while rebating funds to owners of more efficient cars. The legislation also allocates money for electric vehicle incentives, e-bike programs, public transit improvements, and infrastructure updates, while requiring the agency to work with Amtrak and provide training on complete streets design to municipalities.