Rep. Jessica Brumsted

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the bear's head tooth mushroom (Hericium Americanum) as Vermont's official State Mushroom. It adds a new section to the Vermont Statutes Annotated to formally recognize this specific mushroom species as a state symbol. The legislation was passed by both legislative chambers and signed into law by the Governor to acknowledge the mushroom's popularity among foragers and its presence in Vermont's natural environment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Joint Government Oversight and Accountability Committee within the Vermont legislature to systematically evaluate how well state laws achieve their intended goals. The committee will consist of eight members from both chambers, with powers to investigate issues of significant public concern, issue subpoenas, and require agencies to submit performance reports. It aims to shift accountability from individual legislators to a structured, fact-based process that examines government performance and provides recommendations to prevent future failures. Additionally, the bill modifies how agency reports are distributed to the legislature, requiring them to be submitted by a specific deadline and limiting general mailings to individual members who request them.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates three Vermont teachers who were selected as finalists for the 2024 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The resolution recognizes Kathy Gingras, Alyssa Castellini, and Jo Ann Harvey for their outstanding work in mathematics and science education. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to each honored teacher. This type of bill does not change laws or policies but serves to formally acknowledge the achievements of educators.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution that formally recognizes the transfer of 350 acres of land in Wheelock, Vermont, from private owner Molly Davies to the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation. The resolution acknowledges the circumstances surrounding the transfer, including the prior establishment of a conservation easement and the ceremonial exchange of an evergreen branch and pipe during Indigenous Peoples' Day 2023. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to both Molly Davies and Chief Don Stevens of the Nulhegan Band. The bill does not create new laws or change existing policies, but serves as an official record of this land transfer and its cultural significance.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution recognizes May 2024 as National Foster Care Month in Vermont to highlight the importance of foster care services and support for children and youth in the state. The document formally acknowledges the role of foster families in providing safe homes and helping young people transition to independence, while noting that over 390,000 children nationwide are currently in foster care. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to several foster care organizations and the Commissioner for Children and Families to promote awareness during the designated month. This measure does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic recognition of foster care's societal value.

Maddy summaryThis House concurrent resolution celebrates the 50th anniversary of the National Conference of State Legislatures, an organization founded in 1975 that supports state and territorial legislators and their staff. The resolution recognizes the group's role in advancing state legislative effectiveness, fostering cooperation between states, and providing a unified voice for state legislatures in the federal system. It directs the Vermont Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The measure is a commemorative action with no policy changes or budgetary impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Vermont's emergency housing eligibility rules by requiring medical certification for disability documentation. It allows households who cannot prove SSI or SSDI eligibility to use a specific form to document qualifying health conditions for temporary emergency housing. The form must include personal information, a description of the disability, risks to health and safety without housing, and verification from a licensed healthcare provider. This change affects individuals seeking emergency housing assistance and healthcare professionals providing disability certifications.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the Medicaid Expansion Act of 2024, expands eligibility for Vermont's Dr. Dynasaur children's health insurance program to include young adults up to age 26, in addition to the current age limit of 21. The expansion applies to residents whose family income is at or below 312 percent of the federal poverty level, and it also extends coverage to pregnant individuals of any age. The legislation authorizes the state to charge monthly premiums for pregnant women and young adults whose family income exceeds 195 percent of the federal poverty level, with collected fees directed toward offsetting program costs. By aligning Dr. Dynasaur eligibility with federal Medicaid standards for young adults, the bill aims to reduce the number of uninsured and underinsured Vermonters in this age group.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that formally honors Robert Bick for his three decades of leadership at the Howard Center, a mental health and substance abuse service organization in Vermont. The resolution recognizes his specific contributions, including starting Vermont's first methadone clinic, establishing harm reduction services, and expanding the organization's reach to 19,000 people through organizational improvements. The measure directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to both Bick and the Howard Center, serving as an official acknowledgment of his achievements rather than changing any laws or policies.