Rep. Chloe Tomlinson

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 55) requires all health insurance plans in Vermont - including Medicaid - to cover gender-affirming health care services that are medically necessary and clinically appropriate, such as facial procedures and hair removal, without extra cost-sharing. It also mandates coverage for fertility-related services, including diagnostic care, IVF procedures, fertility preservation (like egg freezing), and related medications, while prohibiting financial barriers or restrictions based on donor use. The bill prohibits insurers from denying coverage for these services based on factors like donor sperm or eggs, though it excludes experimental procedures and nonmedical costs (e.g., donor fees). Insurers must report compliance annually to state health committees, and the Agency of Human Services must seek federal approval for Medicaid coverage changes. The bill directly affects all Vermont health insurers, Medicaid, and individuals seeking these specific health services.

Maddy summaryH.33 expands Vermont's unpaid leave protections to cover domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, bereavement, and military-related family exigencies, directly affecting employees working for businesses with 10+ employees (for parental leave) or 15+ employees (for other leave types). It redefines "family member" to include non-traditional relationships - like caregivers in non-legal bonds or LGBTQ+ families - without requiring legal documentation, and creates "safe leave" for victims of domestic violence or assault. The bill also mandates employer reporting to track how expanded leave impacts workers, particularly low-income employees and non-traditional families. These changes aim to make leave access more equitable while aligning with inclusive standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont's Department of Corrections to partner with local opioid treatment programs to provide medication for opioid use disorder (like buprenorphine or methadone) in correctional facilities. It ensures inmates with opioid use disorder can continue their prescribed medication upon admission and receive at least a 28-day supply upon release to maintain treatment continuity. The law updates existing medical care standards to mandate these partnerships through memorandums of understanding with community treatment providers. It directly affects incarcerated individuals in Vermont facilities who require opioid use disorder treatment, aligning their care with community-based treatment systems. The bill focuses on concrete policy changes to improve access to evidence-based treatment during incarceration and transition to community care.