Rep. Karen Dolan

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the Medicaid Expansion Act of 2024, expands eligibility for Vermont's Dr. Dynasaur children's health insurance program to include young adults up to age 26, in addition to the current age limit of 21. The expansion applies to residents whose family income is at or below 312 percent of the federal poverty level, and it also extends coverage to pregnant individuals of any age. The legislation authorizes the state to charge monthly premiums for pregnant women and young adults whose family income exceeds 195 percent of the federal poverty level, with collected fees directed toward offsetting program costs. By aligning Dr. Dynasaur eligibility with federal Medicaid standards for young adults, the bill aims to reduce the number of uninsured and underinsured Vermonters in this age group.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that formally honors Robert Bick for his three decades of leadership at the Howard Center, a mental health and substance abuse service organization in Vermont. The resolution recognizes his specific contributions, including starting Vermont's first methadone clinic, establishing harm reduction services, and expanding the organization's reach to 19,000 people through organizational improvements. The measure directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to both Bick and the Howard Center, serving as an official acknowledgment of his achievements rather than changing any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis House concurrent resolution honors Michael Gonneville, a physical education instructor at Northfield Elementary School in Vermont, for his 46 years of teaching and for creating the school's Walking Wednesdays program. The resolution recognizes Gonneville's role in establishing a walking-to-school initiative that has continued for 17 years, connecting students, families, and community members in a mile-long walk from Norwich University to the school. It also acknowledges the program's special tradition where students recite the Pledge of Allegiance with veterans at The Veterans' Place Inc. during their weekly walk. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies to Gonneville, the school principal, and the supervisory union superintendent.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution that celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Catamount Trail, a recreational trail in Vermont. It recognizes the trail's origins in 1984 when three friends established the Catamount Trail Association and began skiing the trail's length. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to the Catamount Trail Association. It does not create new laws or change policies but serves to honor the trail's history and ongoing stewardship.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution commemorates Vermont's April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse, a rare astronomical event visible across much of the state. It officially recognizes the historic nature of the eclipse, noting that the last total solar eclipse visible in Vermont occurred nearly a century ago in 1932. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to the Vermont Space Grant Consortium and the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium, which are partners in educating the public about the event. This ceremonial measure serves to acknowledge the significance of the eclipse for Vermont residents and visitors rather than to change any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 3, 2024, as Prevention Day in Vermont to recognize efforts to prevent substance misuse. It directly affects community organizations, youth, and prevention groups working to address alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, and other substance use issues. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Prevention Works!VT, the organization that hosts the annual event. This is a ceremonial measure that acknowledges the importance of substance misuse prevention rather than creating new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill congratulates Vermont athletes who won medals at the 2023 National Senior Games in Pittsburgh and designates March 21, 2024 as Vermont Senior Games Day at the State House. It recognizes the 86 Vermont athletes who competed in 13 sports and won a total of 33 medals, while also honoring the specific individuals who participated in the event. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies to the Vermont Senior Games Association and the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness to promote senior fitness awareness. This is a ceremonial measure that celebrates athletic achievement rather than creating new laws or policy requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as Jessica's Law, extends survivor benefits to families of law enforcement officers in Vermont by providing the same $50,000 monetary benefit currently available to survivors of firefighters and emergency personnel. The legislation establishes a new review board composed of state officials and two public members appointed by the governor to evaluate claims and determine eligibility for benefits. Benefits are available to spouses, children, or parents of certified law enforcement officers who die in the line of duty or from work-related illnesses, with the fund established through state appropriations and potential donations. The bill defines "line of duty" for law enforcement to include responding to complaints, investigating disorders, and serving under emergency orders, and sets a 60-day timeline for the board to process claims.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Vermont Baby Bond Trust, a state-administered fund designed to provide financial support to children born on or after July 1, 2024, who qualify for Medicaid or similar health coverage at birth. The program would allow eligible children to receive bonds that can be used for education, purchasing a home, starting a business, or contributing to retirement accounts once they reach adulthood. The trust would be managed by the State Treasurer, who would invest the funds to generate earnings while keeping the assets separate from general state funds and exempt from state taxes. Money in the trust would only be disbursed for approved purposes and would not count as income or assets when determining eligibility for other assistance programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill formalizes amendments to the City of Essex Junction's charter that were previously approved by local voters in April 2023. The changes include stricter conflict of interest rules for city council members, who are now prohibited from holding city employment during their term and must wait one year before taking other compensated municipal roles. The bill also establishes a new one-year Moderator position to preside over annual meetings and clarifies the timing for scheduling annual council meetings and elections. Once signed into law, these provisions will update the official city charter to reflect the voters' decisions.