Rep. Phil Pouech

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a two-year Child and Youth Representation Policy Fellowship Program within Vermont's Office of Child, Youth, and Family Advocate to improve how children and youth participate in legal, healthcare, and human services systems. The program will analyze existing representation structures and funding while prioritizing racially and socially equitable approaches to youth engagement. A new full-time position called Child and Youth Representation Policy Lead will be created to oversee the initiative and coordinate with community stakeholders. The Office must submit progress reports to legislative committees by December 2024 and May 2025, with proposed legislation recommendations due by November 2025. Funding of $300,000 from the Tobacco Litigation Settlement will support the program and position in fiscal year 2025, with any remaining funds carried forward to 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Vermont's Public Utility Commission to create a statewide low-income electric ratepayer protection program that helps eligible households pay their electricity bills. The program would assist residential customers earning at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level, aiming to ensure those at or below 60 percent of state median income spend no more than 10 percent of their monthly income on electricity if they heat with electricity, or no more than six percent if they do not. The Commission must work with a collaborative group including utility companies, consumer representatives, and state agencies to design the program, which would use automatic screening methods based on existing financial assistance programs and include arrearage forgiveness. Funding for the program would be collected statewide from all customer classes in an equitable manner, with the Commission considering options like voluntary payments or surcharges on high-volume users. The bill also repeals an existing section of state law and takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Thermal Energy Network Act, would bring utility-style thermal energy networks under the oversight of Vermont's Public Utility Commission. It defines thermal energy networks as infrastructure that distributes heat and cooling from non-fossil fuel sources to multiple buildings and requires the Commission to issue a certificate of public good before any private company can operate such a network for more than 20 customers. Municipalities would retain the ability to build and operate these networks without Commission approval, similar to how they currently manage water and sewer services. The bill also directs the Commission to create rules that simplify permitting, allow pilot projects, and prioritize serving low- and moderate-income customers.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new grant program administered by the Agency of Human Services to help municipalities and other organizations acquire or renovate existing buildings for permanent supportive housing. The program provides up to $4.5 million in 2025 funding for projects that convert buildings into multiple studio apartments with kitchens and bathrooms, while requiring energy-efficient renovations. Each funded site must employ or contract two staff members to provide daily on-site support services such as case management, support groups, and connections to community resources. The bill targets individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, those recovering from mental health or substance use disorders, aging out of foster care, and other vulnerable populations. Eligible applicants must submit proposals identifying specific buildings, outlining costs and local contributions, and demonstrating accessibility to healthcare and transportation.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Community Resilience and Disaster Mitigation Grant Program and Fund to help Vermont municipalities prepare for and reduce the impact of natural disasters. The program would provide grants to cities, towns, and other local governments for projects like slope stabilization, watershed restoration, and drought mitigation, with priority given to communities facing higher vulnerability. Funding comes from a $15 million appropriation in fiscal year 2024 and an annual assessment on insurance companies writing policies in Vermont, capped at $4.3 million. The Department of Public Safety would administer both the grant program and the fund, which must keep records and submit annual reports on how money is spent.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals Vermont's Motorboat Registration Fund and redirects motorboat registration fees to the state Transportation Fund, while establishing a new Lake Protection and Access Pass for all vessels operating in state waters. The pass, which costs $20 for residents and $40 for nonresidents, must be displayed on motorboats and nonmotorized vessels like kayaks and canoes to help fund aquatic invasive species control and improve boating access areas. Revenue from pass sales goes into a special fund split between the Department of Fish and Wildlife for administrative costs and access improvements, and the Department of Environmental Conservation for aquatic nuisance control efforts. The bill also defines key terms such as "aquatic nuisance" to include invasive species like zebra mussels and rusty crayfish, and requires signage at public water access points to inform boaters about the pass requirement.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the manufacture, sale, and distribution in Vermont of cosmetic and menstrual products containing specific harmful chemicals, including perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), ortho-phthalates, formaldehyde, lead, and asbestos. It also bans textiles and athletic turf fields that contain PFAS, with a provision for future restrictions on any product using PFAS if their use is deemed unavoidable. The law includes a one-year waiver system for manufacturers who cannot immediately eliminate certain chemicals due to technical limitations, and requires the Department of Health to develop a community engagement plan to address outreach to vulnerable populations. Violations of the ban are treated as violations of Vermont's Consumer Protection Act, giving the Attorney General and private parties the authority to pursue civil actions.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows municipalities in Vermont to post speed limits below 25 miles per hour in State-designated centers, which are specific downtown development districts. The change permits local legislative bodies to set lower speed limits in these areas without requiring a formal engineering and traffic investigation, provided they consider neighborhood character, land use, and pedestrian activity. The law applies specifically to designated centers under 24 V.S.A. chapter 76A and would take effect on July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Vermont state departments to create and maintain public education materials about dementia risks and early detection for patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare providers. It requires the Departments of Health, Disabilities Aging, and Independent Living, along with the Department of Mental Health, to include dementia awareness in existing public health outreach programs. The legislation mandates education for healthcare providers on early detection methods and screening benefits, while also increasing public understanding of early warning signs and the importance of timely diagnosis. The bill specifically targets populations at higher risk for dementia and emphasizes cultural relevance and health literacy in its messaging.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes May 2023 as Jewish American Heritage Month in Vermont. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Jewish communities in the state. The measure acknowledges the historical contributions of Jewish Americans to Vermont and the nation, noting their early settlement and ongoing cultural significance. It does not change laws or policies but serves as a symbolic recognition of Jewish heritage and history.