Rep. Noah Hyman

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an extended producer responsibility program in Vermont to manage the collection and recycling of waste motor vehicle tires. It requires tire manufacturers to register with the state and either join an approved waste tire stewardship organization or implement their own plan before selling tires beginning in 2026. The program includes a fee system and mandates that manufacturers contribute to tire recycling efforts, with the Agency of Natural Resources overseeing compliance. Covered entities, such as tire retailers, must deliver waste tires to approved collection facilities to participate in the program.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires food service establishments in Vermont to designate specific employees as food safety officers who must complete allergen training and display clear signage about food allergens. The law applies to restaurants and other venues that serve food, mandating that at least one trained staff member be present during operating hours to handle allergy-related situations. Key provisions include listing major allergens like milk, eggs, and peanuts on signs, outlining emergency procedures for allergic reactions, and requiring staff to ask customers about food allergies on menus. The bill also ensures training materials are accessible in multiple languages and places responsibility for training costs on business owners. These requirements become effective on July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont's Emergency Management agency to create and maintain a list of operational self-storage facilities during a state of emergency. The legislation mandates that storage facilities provide their name, address, contact information, and current unit availability to the state, which will then share this data through Vermont 211 or another approved agency. Facilities must update their availability information at least once every 24 hours while an emergency is in effect. Additionally, the bill prohibits storage facilities from charging unconscionably high prices during emergencies, defining such prices as those that show a gross disparity compared to normal rates charged before the emergency declaration. The law takes effect on July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans in Vermont to cover diagnostic tests used for screening purposes using the same terms as they cover screening tests for the same condition. It applies to all health insurance plans and ensures that cost-sharing requirements like copayments and deductibles are identical for diagnostic and screening tests. The legislation aims to eliminate disparities in coverage between diagnostic and screening tests for the same disease or illness.

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 would allow Vermont to join the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact, an agreement among multiple states that makes it easier for licensed physician assistants to practice across state lines. Under the compact, a physician assistant holding a valid license in one participating state could obtain temporary permission to practice in other participating states without applying for a new full license in each location. The system maintains patient safety by ensuring that the physician assistant remains under the jurisdiction of the state where the patient is located during a medical visit and allows licensing boards to share information about disciplinary actions. The compact also includes special provisions to help military families by simplifying the licensing process for active-duty personnel and their spouses who move between states.

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 establishes the Community Resilience and Biodiversity Protection Act to create a statewide framework for conserving Vermont's natural landscapes and protecting biodiversity. It defines three types of protected land areas - ecological reserve areas, biodiversity conservation areas, and natural resource management areas - and sets conservation goals to protect 30 percent of the state's land by a specified target date. The legislation requires the state to prioritize conservation efforts that maintain connected ecosystems, support sustainable land management practices, and ensure access to land for Indigenous peoples and historically marginalized communities. By creating these protections, the bill aims to help Vermont address climate change impacts, reduce flood risks, and preserve natural habitats while balancing conservation with housing and economic development needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Vermont's adult protective services laws to clarify how caregivers are defined and held accountable. It expands the legal definition of a caregiver to include anyone voluntarily or contractually responsible for providing care to elders or people with disabilities, while also removing "negligently" from certain misconduct descriptions to focus on reckless behavior. The legislation adds protections for personal health information by explicitly referencing federal privacy laws alongside state regulations. These changes directly affect agencies, facilities, and individuals providing care to vulnerable adults, ensuring clearer standards for who qualifies as a caregiver and how their actions are evaluated.

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.