Rep. Emilie Krasnow

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 would require retail businesses in Vermont to accept cash as a payment method for goods and services. It directly affects sellers and lessors who currently refuse cash transactions, prohibiting them from doing so under this new rule. The law classifies cash refusal as an unfair business practice and would take 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 creates the Community Media Public Benefit Fund to provide stable funding for Vermont's 24 access management organizations that operate public, educational, and government access channels. The fund would be financed through a $15 annual fee charged to communications service providers for each utility pole they attach equipment to, replacing or supplementing previous funding that came from cable television surcharges. Money collected would be distributed through the Secretary of State to the Vermont Access Network, which would then allocate grants to individual access management organizations based on approved plans. The legislation applies to various types of communications providers including cable companies, internet service providers, and wireless carriers, while exempting publicly owned facilities from the charge.

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 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 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 reduces overdose risks in Vermont by expanding access to buprenorphine treatment, legalizing drug-checking services, and creating a dedicated funding stream for opioid prevention. It allows healthcare providers to prescribe up to 24 milligrams of buprenorphine without prior authorization, permits community organizations to test substances for contaminants without fear of legal penalties, and establishes an Opioid Abatement Special Fund to finance naloxone distribution and treatment programs. The legislation also clarifies that drug-checking results cannot be used as evidence in court and ensures that individuals seeking these services face no arrest or prosecution for possession of the substances being tested.