Maddy summaryThis bill allows children to express their preferences in child custody cases by amending Vermont state law to include the child's wishes as a factor courts must consider when determining parental rights and responsibilities. The legislation establishes specific procedures for children to address the court directly, permitting those aged 14 and older to speak if they request it, while allowing younger children to do so if the court determines it serves their best interests. To protect children during these proceedings, the bill requires that children generally not address the court in the presence of the parents unless the judge finds it beneficial, and mandates alternative methods for gathering input if a child is not allowed to testify. Additionally, the law requires the appointment of a guardian ad litem to represent the child's interests whenever the court seeks the child's input on custody matters.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a public prekindergarten education program in Vermont, making full-day early education available to three- and four-year-old children and five-year-olds not yet in kindergarten. It creates a new Department of Economic Empowerment by reorganizing the Department for Children and Families, adds a second Deputy Secretary to the Agency of Education with specific qualifications, and provides property tax exemptions for child care providers. The legislation also expands eligibility and payment rates for the Child Care Financial Assistance Program, creates a new Noncitizen Child Care Assistance Program, and introduces grants to support child care workforce retention.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Vermont Pension Investment Commission to review and divest state pension funds from investments in the fossil fuel industry. It directly affects the Vermont State Employees' Retirement System, the State Teachers' Retirement System, and the Municipal Employees' Retirement System. The Commission must complete an initial review by August 2023, submit a divestment plan by November 2023, and finish divesting fossil fuel holdings by December 2030, with annual progress reports required until 2031. The legislation defines fossil fuel companies based on reserves, coal plant ownership, core business activities, and revenue sources, while prohibiting new fossil fuel investments after July 2031. The bill also appropriates $100,000 in FY 2024 to support the planning and reporting process.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to ban the retail sale of flavored cigarettes, flavored e-cigarettes, and flavored e-liquids in Vermont, directly affecting tobacco retailers and consumers. It expands existing laws on tobacco product seizure and destruction to include e-cigarettes, e-liquids, and related paraphernalia, while directing the Attorney General to report on the legal scope of advertising and labeling restrictions for vaping products. The legislation defines "tobacco substitutes" to include electronic vaping devices and clarifies that only FDA-approved cessation products would be exempt from the ban.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Vermont's income tax rules to allow taxpayers to deduct more medical expenses related to continuing care retirement communities. It specifically removes the current cap that limits how much of these entrance fees or monthly payments can be deducted, aligning them more closely with federal rules for long-term care insurance premiums. The change directly affects Vermont residents who pay for continuing care retirement community services and itemize their medical expenses on their state income tax returns. By removing this restriction, the bill increases the amount of these specific payments that can be deducted from taxable income. The law applies retroactively to January 1, 2023, and covers taxable years beginning on or after that date.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to gradually implement Green Mountain Care, a publicly financed health care program for all Vermont residents, over a ten-year period. It would begin with primary care coverage in the first year, add preventive dental and vision care in the second year, and expand to additional services in subsequent years based on recommendations from an advisory group. The legislation requires the Green Mountain Care Board to analyze and report on financing sustainability, economic impact, and cost containment measures before full implementation. It also seeks a federal waiver to adjust health insurance benefits and funding to avoid duplication with Green Mountain Care coverage.
Maddy summaryThis bill raises the minimum age for juvenile delinquency proceedings from 10 to 12 years old, with exceptions for murder cases involving children under 10. It also establishes new restrictions on how children in secure facilities can be disciplined, banning solitary confinement and corporal punishment except in limited emergency situations where staff must check on the child every 15 minutes and release them within three hours. Additionally, the law requires courts to consider early childhood trauma and adverse experiences as mitigating factors when sentencing individuals under 18, allowing judges to deviate from mandatory minimum sentences. These changes directly affect how Vermont handles juvenile offenders and the conditions of their confinement.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors organizations and individuals working to improve rural broadband access in Vermont. It recognizes the Communications Union Districts (CUDs) and related groups like the Vermont Communications Union Districts Association and the Vermont Community Broadband Board for their efforts in building broadband networks. The resolution acknowledges past legislative actions that created funding and oversight structures to support these broadband initiatives. It does not change any laws or policies but serves to formally recognize the achievements of these groups in expanding internet access to over 200 municipalities.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates the Green Mountain Girls Field Hockey Club on winning the 2022 National Hockey Festival U-14 Championship. It recognizes the team's achievement after they defeated the fourth-ranked Central Pennsylvania Field Hockey Club to win the title. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of this acknowledgment to the club.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates January 23-27, 2023, as the first annual Holocaust Education Week in Vermont. It directly affects Vermont schools and educational institutions by establishing a formal period for Holocaust education activities. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to the Vermont Holocaust Memorial and the Agency of Education to facilitate the event. This commemorative measure recognizes the historical significance of the Holocaust and aims to increase awareness through organized educational programming during the designated week.