Rep. Taylor Small

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to remove certain plant and fungi-derived substances from Vermont's list of regulated drugs, meaning they would no longer be subject to criminal penalties for possession or use. Specifically, it excludes peyote, ayahuasca, mescaline, psilocybin, psilocin, ibogaine, and N,N-dimethyltryptamine from the legal definition of regulated drugs under state law. The legislation applies to these specific compounds and the plants or fungi that contain them, regardless of whether they are used for medicinal, spiritual, religious, or other purposes. If passed, the changes would take effect on July 1, 2023, and would be implemented by the state Board of Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the State of Vermont to develop a comprehensive plan for transitioning to a regenerative economy by 2026, which aims to repair and restore natural and human resources rather than simply reducing harm. The legislation mandates that the state be divided into 11 regions, each forming a People's Assembly to create local plans through broad public engagement involving community members, businesses, and organizations. These regional plans must address specific goals including regenerative agriculture, food justice, waste reduction, renewable energy, and racial equity while guiding state investments and policy decisions. The bill establishes a long-term target of achieving 90 percent of a regenerative economy by December 31, 2046, and requires all state funding streams to align with the resulting roadmap.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, establishes a regulatory framework for kratom products in Vermont to ensure safety and transparency for consumers. It directly affects businesses that manufacture, sell, or distribute kratom products by requiring them to register annually, pay fees, and provide third-party lab test results proving their products meet specific safety standards. Key provisions include setting a minimum age of 18 for purchasing kratom, mandating clear labeling of active ingredient amounts, and prohibiting the sale of products contaminated with harmful substances or synthetic alkaloids. The law also outlines penalties for violations, including fines for processors who fail to comply with registration or labeling requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Vermont's Secretary of Natural Resources to update drinking water standards for specific chemicals known as PFAS. It requires setting a maximum contaminant level of zero parts per trillion for six named PFAS compounds and a combined limit of 20 parts per trillion for all other testable PFAS. The Department of Environmental Conservation must finalize these rules by July 1, 2024, affecting water treatment facilities and public water systems in the state. The legislation takes effect on July 1, 2023, giving agencies time to develop the necessary regulatory framework.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a study committee to examine how perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in landfill leachate affect natural resources across Vermont. The committee will be tasked with evaluating the presence and impacts of these chemical substances found in liquid waste from landfills. The legislation directly involves state environmental officials and land management agencies responsible for monitoring landfill operations. No specific regulatory changes or funding allocations are included in this measure, which focuses solely on creating a framework for further investigation.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Vermont schools and educational programs that receive state funding from using unlawful physical restraints, seclusion, mechanical restraints, or chemical restraints on students. It defines specific types of restraints and seclusion that are banned, while allowing certain voluntary physical contacts like escorts and prompts that do not restrict movement. Covered entities must report and document any incidents involving restraint or seclusion, notify parents within 24 hours, and hold meetings within five school days to discuss prevention strategies and potential behavioral support plans. The Agency of Education is tasked with creating a performance review system to monitor compliance and provide technical assistance to schools for implementing evidence-based programs that reduce the need for restraints.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to raise Vermont's minimum wage to $19.45 per hour starting July 1, 2023, and removes several exemptions that currently allow certain workers, such as taxi drivers and outside salespeople, to be paid less than the standard minimum wage. It also establishes a grant program for small businesses with 20 or fewer employees to offset payroll costs resulting from the wage increase, requiring applicants to demonstrate that their business revenue would decline due to the higher wages. Additionally, the legislation directs the Joint Fiscal Office to conduct a study comparing Vermont's wage policies to those of countries with high minimum wages and high standards of living, with the goal of identifying successful practices that could be adopted in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to decriminalize the possession of a personal supply of regulated drugs in Vermont, changing penalties from criminal charges to a civil offense with a $50 fee. The legislation would establish a Drug Use Standards Advisory Board to set benchmarks for what constitutes a personal use supply and allow individuals with prior possession convictions to have their criminal records sealed if their amounts fall below these benchmarks. It also authorizes pilot drug-checking programs that let individuals test substances for chemical composition and contaminants to reduce overdose risks. The bill aims to shift Vermont's approach from criminal prosecution to public health strategies, redirecting resources toward prevention, treatment, and harm reduction services.

Maddy summaryThis bill would prevent health insurers from listing specific mental health or substance use treatment services on explanation of benefits forms for adult dependents. It directly affects young adults aged 18 to 26 who are covered under their parents' health insurance plans and are unmarried with no dependents of their own. The law requires the Department of Financial Regulation to define which services count as mental health or substance use treatment, while consulting with health and mental health experts. The bill also clarifies that "adult dependent" includes full-time students at out-of-state colleges and those living in Vermont. These changes would take effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Vermont's Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets to create a pilot program offering financial assistance to farmers who adopt year-round agricultural practices across different regions of the state. It requires the Secretary of Agriculture to develop specific standards and criteria for what qualifies as year-round agriculture and allocates funding to support the program's implementation. The legislation affects farmers and agricultural agencies by establishing a formal mechanism to encourage continuous farming activities throughout all seasons.