Rep. Ashley Bartley

Maddy summaryH 64 creates a process for victims of sexual assault to obtain emergency protective orders outside regular court hours, weekends, and holidays. It requires the Court Administrator to establish procedures where an authorized person can receive requests (including electronically), administer a sworn statement over the phone, and relay the case to a judicial officer for a decision. This directly affects individuals seeking immediate protection from sexual assault when courts are closed. The judicial officer decides solely based on the submitted information, and if approved, the order is delivered to law enforcement for service. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryH 74 would phase in full exemption of Social Security benefits from Vermont income tax over eight years. Currently, Vermont partially exempts Social Security benefits for lower-income seniors, but this bill raises the income thresholds where full exemption applies - increasing the single filer threshold from $65,000 to $77,000 and married filer threshold from $80,000 to $92,000. The change applies to all Vermont residents receiving Social Security benefits, with full exemption becoming effective by the eighth year. The bill amends Vermont’s tax code (32 V.S.A. § 5830e) to adjust the income-based exclusion rules. It is currently referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts Vermont National Guard members' state active duty subsistence and quarters allowance from the state's personal income tax. It directly affects Vermont-resident National Guard members who receive this specific allowance during state active duty. The key provision adds this allowance to Vermont's list of exempt military income, removing it from taxable income calculations. The exemption applies retroactively to tax years beginning January 1, 2025, and takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts U.S. military retirement income and survivor benefit payments from Vermont income tax for eligible residents. It adds these income types to Vermont’s list of excluded income in the tax code (specifically amending 32 V.S.A. § 5811), meaning military retirees and surviving spouses won’t pay state tax on these payments. The change applies retroactively to tax years beginning January 1, 2026. It directly affects Vermont taxpayers who receive military retirement or survivor benefits, providing them tax relief on this specific income source.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont's Department of Corrections to partner with local opioid treatment programs to provide medication for opioid use disorder (like buprenorphine or methadone) in correctional facilities. It ensures inmates with opioid use disorder can continue their prescribed medication upon admission and receive at least a 28-day supply upon release to maintain treatment continuity. The law updates existing medical care standards to mandate these partnerships through memorandums of understanding with community treatment providers. It directly affects incarcerated individuals in Vermont facilities who require opioid use disorder treatment, aligning their care with community-based treatment systems. The bill focuses on concrete policy changes to improve access to evidence-based treatment during incarceration and transition to community care.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 16) repeals Vermont’s Affordable Heat Act, which established the Clean Heat Standard program. It removes requirements for heating fuel providers to meet emissions standards and eliminates two state positions created to administer the program (one at the Public Utility Commission, one at the Department of Public Service). The bill also deletes references to the Clean Heat Standard from tax law, ending the requirement for fuel providers to report to state agencies about compliance. This directly affects heating fuel businesses and state agencies responsible for the Clean Heat Standard program. The repeal takes effect upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Vermont Veterans' Home Board to establish a nursing home in Vermont that provides services and supports to Vermont veterans who do not currently reside at the Home. The legislation requires the new facility to comply with all applicable state and federal licensing and regulatory requirements. By adding a new subdivision to the relevant statute, the bill formally expands the Board's powers and duties to include this new service option. The measure was signed into law by the Governor in June 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding resolution that formally recognizes the importance of public awareness about tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder affecting approximately 600,000 Americans. The resolution highlights that the condition can result from long-term use of certain antipsychotic medications and is more common in older adults, those with substance use disorders, and postmenopausal individuals. It notes that symptoms can significantly impact daily activities like eating, writing, and sleeping, and acknowledges the FDA-approved medication Ingrezza as a treatment option. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to a federal policy analyst in Washington, DC, but does not create new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends existing laws to strengthen protections against child sexual abuse by clarifying that manipulating a child for sexual contact is prohibited. It directly affects adults who may exploit children through emotional or psychological pressure to engage in sexual activities. The key provision adds the phrase "with intent" to the legal language, ensuring that deliberate manipulation is explicitly covered under the statute. The legislation reflects findings that most child sexual abuse is committed by someone known to the child and their family. Once signed into law, it provides clearer legal grounds for prosecuting cases involving coercive manipulation of minors for sexual purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates the 2023 Green Mountain Council Class of Eagle Scouts in Vermont for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. It recognizes these young individuals for their dedication and service, noting that earning this rank is a significant accomplishment. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to each of the 50 scouts named in the text. This measure does not create new laws or policy changes but serves as a formal acknowledgment of their achievements.