Rep. Emilie Krasnow

Maddy summaryThis bill would expand Vermont's 3SquaresVT program by allowing eligible SNAP recipients to use their benefits at participating restaurants through the federal Restaurant Meals Program. It also requires the state to develop a plan for calculating minimum 3SquaresVT benefits at 30 percent of the federal moderate-cost food plan, which would increase the amount of assistance provided. The legislation creates a new staff position and allocates $85,000 to help restaurants apply for and participate in the program while establishing eligibility criteria that prioritize local food availability and diverse cultural options. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2024, with a transition plan due to state committees by January 1, 2025.

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 House concurrent resolution honors Vermont National Guard Deputy Adjutant General Kenneth Gragg for his distinguished career in public service. The document recognizes his 46 years of military and civilian service, including his leadership in financial management, construction projects, and pandemic response efforts. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Gragg as a formal acknowledgment of his contributions. This is a ceremonial measure with no new laws or policy changes, serving only to publicly recognize his achievements.

Maddy summaryThis bill protects employees from being fired, discriminated against, or retaliated against for taking time off to serve as volunteer firefighters or volunteer emergency medical personnel. It also allows employers to claim a $500 tax credit for each volunteer firefighter or emergency medical personnel they employ for at least 12 weeks during the tax year. To qualify for protections, employees must provide written proof from their volunteer department to their employer, and employers are not required to pay employees for time spent on volunteer duties. The tax credit is available to private employers who maintain workers' compensation insurance and meet state registration requirements. These changes take effect on July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits courts and agencies from denying parental rights, adoption, guardianship, or foster care placement solely because a parent or prospective parent has a disability, unless doing so is necessary to protect the child's best interests. It requires that any decision to restrict a disabled parent's rights must be based on clear and convincing evidence that the parent's behavior endangers the child, not on assumptions about their ability to parent. The law also mandates that courts consider supportive parenting services as a reasonable accommodation before denying rights or limiting contact, and requires written explanations if such services are not provided. These protections apply to family law proceedings, adoption cases, guardianship appointments, and foster care placements, ensuring that children of disabled parents are not unnecessarily separated from their families.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a personal income tax credit for Vermont residents who make home modifications to improve safety and accessibility. The credit covers unreimbursed expenses for items like ramps, stair lifts, widened doorways, bathroom renovations, and other modifications that enhance livability, with a lifetime limit of $15,000. If the credit exceeds the taxpayer's current tax liability, the unused portion can be carried forward for up to three years. The legislation applies retroactively to January 1, 2024, and is intended to help individuals live more safely in their homes.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits manufacturers from testing cosmetic products and ingredients on animals, affecting companies that produce or import cosmetics for the Vermont market. It allows testing only when required by federal or state agencies for specific human health concerns, when no non-animal alternatives exist, or when the ingredient is in wide use and cannot be replaced. The law also permits manufacturers to keep records of past animal tests but bans using new test results to prove safety or effectiveness unless strict conditions are met. Violations could result in fines up to $5,000 or imprisonment for up to two years for repeat offenses, with penalties taking effect on January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits insurance companies in Vermont from discriminating against homeowners based solely on owning specific dog breeds or mixed breeds. It makes such discrimination an unfair practice under state insurance law, preventing insurers from using breed alone to deny coverage, cancel policies, or charge higher rates. The law allows insurers to still refuse coverage or increase rates if a specific dog has a documented history of causing significant property damage or serious bodily injury, provided the decision is based on sound underwriting principles. The policy applies to all homeowners' insurance policies offered, issued, amended, or renewed on or after July 1, 2024, and takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits pet shops in Vermont from selling dogs, cats, or wolf-hybrids starting July 1, 2024, with two main exceptions. Pet shops can continue selling these animals if they were already licensed and selling them before July 1, 2024, maintain the same ownership, and do not sell more animals than they did in 2023. Alternatively, pet shops may sell these animals if they provide space to animal shelters or rescue organizations for adoption without receiving fees or having ownership of the animals. Violations of the ban can result in civil penalties of up to $1,000 and potential suspension or revocation of the pet shop's license.

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.