Rep. Leonora Dodge

Maddy summaryH 302 requires Vermont health insurance plans and Medicaid to cover specific fertility-related services. It mandates coverage for fertility diagnostic care (all members), fertility treatment for those with infertility (including IVF procedures), and fertility preservation services (all members), while excluding experimental procedures and nonmedical donor/surrogacy costs. The law takes effect for health insurance plans on January 1, 2026, and Medicaid coverage depends on federal approval of a state plan amendment by September 1, 2025. This directly affects Vermont residents with health insurance or Medicaid seeking fertility care.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts Vermont's Department of Corrections (DOC) from cooperating with federal immigration authorities. It prohibits DOC staff from contacting federal agencies about an individual's immigration status, prolonging detention to investigate status, or accepting requests for immigration enforcement support. The DOC must terminate existing agreements with federal immigration authorities within 30 days and submit annual reports to legislative committees detailing any federal requests for assistance. Additionally, the DOC must create staff training protocols and penalties for noncompliance with these restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Vermont's Use Value Appraisal Program, which helps farmers pay lower property taxes by valuing farmland at its agricultural use value instead of market value. It changes the eligibility requirement to require at least 25% of a farmer's annual income from farming (including a new provision for those earning 25% from raising horses) and reduces the land use change tax rate from 10% to 6% when agricultural land is developed. These changes aim to make the program more accessible to a wider range of agricultural operations, including horse-related businesses. The bill directly affects farmers and landowners seeking to enroll agricultural land in the program or develop previously enrolled land.

Maddy summaryH 283 would allow adjacent Vermont municipalities to request delegation of authority from the Secretary of Natural Resources to regulate state waters, specifically to limit or ban wake boats. Municipalities must formally request this delegation, adopt local bylaws or ordinances to enforce the restrictions, and the Secretary would approve based on the public good. This directly affects towns bordering lakes or rivers where wake boat activity is a concern, enabling local control over such regulations rather than state-level management. The bill does not change existing state water use rules but provides a pathway for municipalities to address wake boat impacts through local governance.

Maddy summaryHCR 21 is a symbolic resolution expressing the Vermont General Assembly's appreciation for school board members' role in public education. It formally designates February as "School Board Recognition Month" in Vermont to highlight their contributions. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely ceremonial, acknowledging school board members' civic service. The resolution was adopted by both chambers on February 7, 2025, and directs the Secretary of State to share it with the Vermont School Boards Association.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 29) is a ceremonial gesture congratulating Montgomery runner Elinor Purrier St. Pierre on her eighth-place finish in the women's 1500m at the 2024 Paris Olympics. It recognizes her athletic achievements, including American records and prior Olympic participation, as detailed in the resolution's "whereas" clauses. The resolution directs Vermont's Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Ms. Purrier St. Pierre. As a symbolic tribute with no policy changes or direct effects, it does not alter laws or affect any constituents beyond expressing legislative recognition.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution honors the Vermont Old Cemetery Association (VOCA) for its 65+ years of preserving Vermont's historic cemeteries. VOCA provides restoration grants, veteran burial support, and educational resources (like its newsletter and book *Burial Grounds of Vermont*) to local cemetery groups and municipalities. The resolution formally recognizes VOCA's work without creating new laws, funding, or policy changes. It serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation for the organization's contributions to cemetery preservation and public education.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution designates February 12, 2025, as "Farm to School and Child Awareness Day" at the Vermont State House. It recognizes Vermont's existing Farm-to-School programs, which connect schools with local farmers to provide healthy meals and support agricultural sustainability. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the Vermont Farm to School & Early Childhood Network. As a ceremonial designation, it does not create new laws or funding but highlights ongoing initiatives benefiting schools, early childhood programs, and Vermont farmers.

Maddy summaryH.181 extends the Building Energy Code Working Group's term and directs Vermont's Public Service Department to create a framework for measuring energy savings from building code compliance. It requires the Department to develop an annual methodology for calculating and reporting greenhouse gas reductions linked to energy-efficient construction. The bill also updates the Residential Builder Registry and addresses inconsistent enforcement of energy codes across residential (up to three stories) and commercial buildings. These changes aim to improve compliance with Vermont's energy standards, which currently apply to 54% of residential and 87% of commercial projects, supporting the state's goal of "net zero ready" buildings by 2030.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a free, online resource center within Vermont's Secretary of State's Office to support common interest ownership communities (such as condominiums, townhouses, and planned communities). The center will provide public information and practical guides on governance, budgeting, conflict resolution, and homeowner rights - available at no cost to all Vermont residents. It directly benefits homeowners and community associations by simplifying complex administrative processes. The center must be operational by July 1, 2025, and may partner with nonprofit organizations to deliver services.