Rep. Leonora Dodge

Maddy summaryH 81 requires Vermont's Governor to obtain prior approval from the General Assembly before entering into certain federal immigration enforcement agreements (specifically those under 8 U.S.C. § 1357(g) and 19 U.S.C. § 1401(i)). The bill mandates a 60-day notice period before a vote, during which the Governor must provide the full agreement text, an analysis of fiscal/social/legal impacts, and hold public hearings. It also prohibits such agreements if the General Assembly isn't in session and requires annual reporting to legislative committees on related discussions. This directly affects the Governor and state agencies that might enter these agreements, adding a legislative review step to federal immigration partnerships.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 77) creates a new 8.75% income tax bracket for Vermont taxpayers earning above $237,950 annually (for married couples filing jointly), with corresponding thresholds for other filing statuses. It directly affects higher-income earners by increasing their tax rate on income above these thresholds. Revenue from this new bracket will be allocated as follows: 2% to the Education Fund, 1% to the Transportation Fund, and 1% to the Higher Education Endowment Trust Fund. The bill also updates annual inflation adjustments for tax brackets using the Consumer Price Index. The bill is currently pending in the Committee on Ways and Means.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont public schools to adopt and enforce inclusive policies aligned with state education standards. It prevents schools from implementing federal mandates that conflict with Vermont's equity and inclusivity standards. The Vermont Agency of Education gains authority to provide guidance and support to schools resisting such conflicting federal requirements. The bill directly affects all public schools and the state education agency, focusing on preempting federal policy conflicts rather than creating new school obligations.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require Vermont public schools, independent schools, career and technical centers, and prequalified private prekindergarten programs to ban student use of cell phones and personal electronic devices during the entire school day, from arrival to dismissal. It also prohibits schools from using social media to communicate with students directly. Exceptions are permitted for students with documented medical needs (requiring physician documentation) or for those using devices as part of an individualized education program (IEP) or 504 plan. The policy aims to reduce distractions and support student well-being, aligning with findings about youth mental health and social media use.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal framework for overdose prevention centers in Vermont, allowing supervised spaces where individuals can consume pre-obtained drugs under the care of trained staff. The centers would provide harm reduction services such as sterile needle distribution, drug checking, overdose reversal medication, first aid, and referrals to addiction treatment. The legislation grants immunity from arrest, prosecution, and civil liability to participants, staff, and property owners for activities related to drug use within these centers, though immunity does not extend to driving violations or unrelated civil claims. A pilot program is funded with $1.1 million in 2025 to support the City of Burlington in opening a center, with ongoing funding intended through 2028. The Department of Health must develop operating guidelines by September 2024 and conduct a study on the program's impact by December 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates Aziza Malik, an elementary school teacher in Burlington, on being named the 2024 Vermont Teacher of the Year. It does not create new laws or change policies but serves to formally recognize her achievement and the work of the state's education agency. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to both Aziza Malik and Champlain Elementary School. This type of bill has no legal effect beyond acknowledging the award and the recipient's contributions to education.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Vermont Veterans' Home Board to establish a nursing home in Vermont that provides services and supports to Vermont veterans who do not currently reside at the Home. The legislation requires the new facility to comply with all applicable state and federal licensing and regulatory requirements. By adding a new subdivision to the relevant statute, the bill formally expands the Board's powers and duties to include this new service option. The measure was signed into law by the Governor in June 2024.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution officially recognizes May 6-12, 2024, as National Nurses Week in Vermont and designates May 9, 2024, as ANA-Vermont Hill Day at the State House. The measure honors the nursing profession by acknowledging nurses' contributions to healthcare, particularly during the pandemic, and invites the public to express gratitude to nurses on that date. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to ANA-Vermont, the organization overseeing the commemoration. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal acknowledgment of the nursing profession's importance.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows individuals in Vermont to apply for professional licenses or certifications regardless of their immigration status, affecting people seeking work in regulated professions. The law requires applicants to provide a federal employer identification number, individual taxpayer identification number, or Social Security number, though a Social Security number is only mandatory if federal law or an interstate compact requires it. The legislation authorizes the state to issue licenses based on meeting professional standards without considering immigration status, effective September 1, 2024.