Rep. Daisy Berbeco

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to improve emergency medical services in Vermont by providing $20 million annually from 2024 to 2028 to support ambulance operations, training, and equipment. It requires health insurance plans and Medicaid to cover emergency medical services for patients who do not need to be transported to a hospital. The legislation also establishes a refundable income tax credit for qualified emergency responders and creates a study committee to examine the EMS system. Additionally, the bill sets requirements for Medicaid reimbursement rates for ambulance services and restricts transporting patients to destinations where the ambulance service has a financial interest.

Maddy summaryThis bill would remove existing bans and penalties on the purchase, use, and possession of tobacco products in Vermont, including electronic cigarettes and other nicotine-delivery devices not approved by the FDA for medical purposes. It updates legal definitions to clarify what counts as a tobacco product and tobacco substitute, while maintaining age restrictions that prohibit anyone under 21 from buying, possessing, or attempting to purchase these items. The legislation also establishes civil penalties for retailers who sell to minors and requires annual compliance testing by the Division of Liquor Control to ensure at least 90% accuracy in age verification for buyers between 17 and 20 years old.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows children to express their preferences in child custody cases by amending Vermont state law to include the child's wishes as a factor courts must consider when determining parental rights and responsibilities. The legislation establishes specific procedures for children to address the court directly, permitting those aged 14 and older to speak if they request it, while allowing younger children to do so if the court determines it serves their best interests. To protect children during these proceedings, the bill requires that children generally not address the court in the presence of the parents unless the judge finds it beneficial, and mandates alternative methods for gathering input if a child is not allowed to testify. Additionally, the law requires the appointment of a guardian ad litem to represent the child's interests whenever the court seeks the child's input on custody matters.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Vermont state legislators to take temporary or partial leave from their full-time or part-time jobs while serving in the General Assembly. It directly affects employees who must leave their current positions to take legislative office. The key provision ensures that taking this leave does not result in loss of job status, seniority, or eligibility for insurance and other employee benefits. The changes would take effect on July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a public prekindergarten education program in Vermont, making full-day early education available to three- and four-year-old children and five-year-olds not yet in kindergarten. It creates a new Department of Economic Empowerment by reorganizing the Department for Children and Families, adds a second Deputy Secretary to the Agency of Education with specific qualifications, and provides property tax exemptions for child care providers. The legislation also expands eligibility and payment rates for the Child Care Financial Assistance Program, creates a new Noncitizen Child Care Assistance Program, and introduces grants to support child care workforce retention.

Maddy summaryThis bill would expand health insurance eligibility in Vermont to include all income-eligible adults over 18 who are currently excluded from Medicaid and health exchange subsidies due to their immigration status. It requires the state to provide hospital, medical, dental, and prescription drug coverage for these individuals that matches the benefits available under the existing Medicaid program. The law also mandates that the state protect applicants' confidentiality and prohibits sharing their information with the federal government. Coverage would begin on July 1, 2024, and applies to Vermont residents who meet income requirements but are ineligible for current public health programs because of immigration status.

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 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.