Rep. Chea Evans

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a comprehensive flood recovery and preparedness framework for Vermont municipalities and businesses affected by the 2023 severe storms. It provides financial relief through tax abatement reimbursements for municipalities that lost State education property tax revenue, grants to offset municipal lost revenues, and a new Flood Recovery Assistance Program offering up to $40 million for business losses including physical damage, lost revenue, and employee wages. The legislation also creates a working group to improve emergency management coordination between state agencies and municipalities, while allowing reconsideration of property tax abatement decisions made during the disaster period.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all Type I and II school buses in Vermont to be equipped with live digital video cameras that automatically detect and record vehicles illegally passing a stopped school bus. The cameras will capture images of license plates only, not occupants, and store footage for up to 90 days unless a violation is reported, in which case images are kept until the case is resolved. If a violation is confirmed, the school bus operator can submit the recorded evidence to issue a civil traffic violation to the vehicle's registered owner, removing the need for a law enforcement officer to witness the infraction. Additionally, the bill eliminates point assessments on driving records for illegal school bus passing violations, though it does not change the underlying penalty for the offense. The changes take effect on August 1, 2025, and apply to school buses during the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Vermont municipalities to receive reimbursement for state education property taxes they abated for property owners affected by severe storms and flooding between July and October 2023. It also permits municipalities to be reimbursed for reasonable interest expenses incurred when borrowing funds to make these tax payments, capped at eight percent. Additionally, the bill excludes federal disaster relief payments from household income when calculating the homestead property tax credit for the 2023 and 2024 tax years, helping homeowners maintain eligibility for tax credits despite receiving disaster assistance.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes May as Mental Health Awareness Month in Vermont to raise public awareness about mental health challenges. It does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of the state's mental health needs and statistics. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to relevant mental health organizations and officials. While it highlights concerning data about suicide rates and access to care, the bill itself is a commemorative measure rather than a policy change.

Maddy summaryThis bill defines and protects certain health care activities related to reproductive health and gender-affirming care from civil and criminal liability. It establishes that licensed health care providers in Vermont can legally offer these services to patients regardless of where the patient is located, as long as the services are permitted under Vermont law. The law also protects insurance coverage for these services and prohibits conversion therapy from being classified as gender-affirming care. The protections apply to the provision, prescription, distribution, and use of FDA-approved medications for pregnancy termination as of January 1, 2023. The bill became effective immediately upon passage and was signed into law by the Governor in May 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that honors Karen Horn of Moretown for her leadership in strengthening local government in Vermont. It recognizes her decades of work with the Vermont League of Cities and Towns, where she advised officials on municipal issues and helped secure transportation funding and tax authority for local governments. The resolution formally acknowledges her contributions to municipal policy and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to both Horn and the Vermont League of Cities and Towns.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution expresses support for Abenaki communities in Vermont and encourages greater appreciation of Abenaki culture during Abenaki Recognition and Heritage Week and throughout the year. The bill directly affects the Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs and the four state-recognized Abenaki tribes and bands by directing the House Clerk to send copies of the resolution to these entities. The resolution acknowledges past injustices, including state-sanctioned eugenics and sterilizations, and recognizes existing legislative efforts such as free hunting and fishing licenses for certified Native Americans and the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It serves as a formal statement of support rather than creating new policy requirements or funding allocations.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution formally congratulates individuals who achieved significant scouting milestones in 2022. It honors 35 young people who earned the Eagle Scout rank and one individual, Katherine Lewis, who received the Summit Award for Venturing. The General Assembly directs the Secretary of State to send copies of this recognition to each person named in the resolution. This ceremonial document acknowledges their accomplishments but does not create new laws or policy changes.