Rep. Alyssa Black

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont's Department of Health to create and maintain an emergency stockpile of essential medications for reproductive health care (like contraceptives and pregnancy termination drugs) and gender-affirming care (including puberty blockers and hormone therapies). The stockpile must be strategically placed across the state, with priority for underserved and rural communities, and managed through specific procurement, storage, and distribution rules. The Department must report annually by January 15 on stock levels, usage, and future supply needs. The bill aims to ensure ongoing access to these medications during potential shortages.

Maddy summaryThis bill delays the implementation of certain health insurance claims editing requirements in Vermont to give health plans and providers more time to adjust their systems. It extends deadlines for prior authorization timeframes to January 1, 2025, with some technology-dependent plans having until January 1, 2026, to comply. Specific claims validation and review provisions are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, while other sections begin on January 1, 2025. The law applies to all health plans issued, provider contracts entered into or renewed, and claims processed on or after the specified effective dates.

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 is a formal resolution honoring Mary Moulton, the Executive Director of Washington County Mental Health Services and former Commissioner of Vermont's Department of Mental Health, for her leadership in the state's mental health system. The resolution recognizes her career achievements, including her work implementing mental health system reforms and coordinating disaster response efforts after Tropical Storm Irene. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Moulton as an official acknowledgment of her service. This document serves as a commemorative gesture rather than establishing new policy or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes May 2024 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Vermont. It aims to raise public awareness about mental health challenges and reduce stigma surrounding mental illness. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to NAMI Vermont and the state Commissioner of Mental Health. This is a symbolic measure that does not create new laws or require funding, but rather serves to highlight the importance of mental health support during the designated month.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends existing laws to strengthen protections against child sexual abuse by clarifying that manipulating a child for sexual contact is prohibited. It directly affects adults who may exploit children through emotional or psychological pressure to engage in sexual activities. The key provision adds the phrase "with intent" to the legal language, ensuring that deliberate manipulation is explicitly covered under the statute. The legislation reflects findings that most child sexual abuse is committed by someone known to the child and their family. Once signed into law, it provides clearer legal grounds for prosecuting cases involving coercive manipulation of minors for sexual purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Vermont's retail theft laws by modifying penalties based on the value of stolen goods and the number of prior offenses. It directly affects individuals accused of shoplifting or stealing merchandise from retail stores. The law establishes that taking merchandise without paying is a crime, with penalties ranging from fines up to $2,500 or imprisonment up to 10 years depending on the theft amount and offense history. Stolen items valued at $900 or less face graduated penalties for first, second, and subsequent offenses, while thefts exceeding $900 carry a maximum fine of $1,000 or up to 10 years in prison. The changes take effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans and pharmacy benefit managers to limit step therapy requirements for prescription drugs, allowing exceptions when a medication is contraindicated, ineffective, or not in the patient's best interest. It also prohibits requiring documented medication trials before approving prescriptions for substance use disorder treatment and mandates coverage of at least one readily available asthma controller medication without prior authorization. Additionally, the law restricts prior authorization requirements for services ordered by primary care providers, with exceptions for prescription drugs and out-of-network care. The Vermont Department of Financial Regulation is tasked with enforcing these provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates the Boys & Girls Clubs of Vermont's 2024 Youth of the Year honorees and designates April 4, 2024 as Boys & Girls Club Day at the State House. The resolution recognizes Braden Howe from Brattleboro and Henry Tornwini from Burlington, who were selected for their achievements and community contributions. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to the honored youth, serving as an official acknowledgment of their accomplishments. This type of measure does not change laws or policies but instead provides formal recognition and public appreciation for the individuals and organization involved.