Rep. Josie Leavitt

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 creates and expands the Municipal Planning and Resilience Grant Program to help Vermont towns and regional planning commissions prepare for climate-related hazards like flooding. The program will receive funding from a dedicated state fund, with 20 percent of revenues going to municipalities and 70 percent to regional planning commissions for performance-based contracts. Municipalities must vote to allocate local funds for planning purposes and submit plans for approval to qualify for grants, which can be used for acquiring development rights, conservation easements, or implementing climate resilience projects. The bill also establishes two new permanent full-time positions to administer the grants and assist with financing climate resilience projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a refundable income tax credit of $500 for qualified emergency responders in Vermont, including licensed emergency medical personnel, first responders, and volunteer firefighters who are in good standing with the state. The credit applies to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2024, and is designed to recognize the public service provided by these individuals who deliver lifesaving measures. The legislation also requires the Vermont Fire Service Training Council to establish standards defining active service for volunteer firefighters to determine eligibility for the credit. This measure directly affects licensed medical personnel, first responders, and volunteer firefighters who meet the specified qualifications and serve within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to improve public transit access for rural Vermonters by creating a service model that ensures reliable transportation to essential services like healthcare, employment, and child care. It requires transit providers to conduct benefit and risk assessments to determine appropriate service levels while ensuring financial sustainability through Medicaid reimbursements and federal funding. The legislation also proposes establishing and funding a Mobility for All Pilot Program through Rural Community Transportation, Inc. to test innovative transit solutions in rural areas.

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 appropriates $29 million from the Education Fund for fiscal year 2024 to reimburse schools for providing meals under Vermont's existing school meal program. The funding is directed to the Agency of Education to support reimbursement for school meals as outlined in state law. This financial provision ensures schools can continue offering meals to students without additional cost burdens. The bill became law without the Governor's signature after both legislative chambers concurred on the amendment.

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 approves a charter amendment for the Village of Alburgh that changes how certain village officers are selected and appointed. The key change shifts the Clerk and Treasurer positions from being elected by village residents to being appointed by the Village Board of Trustees, while the Trustee and Auditor positions remain elected. The amendment also clarifies that appointed officers do not need to be village residents, unlike previously elected positions. These changes take effect immediately upon the bill's passage, with any existing elected Clerks or Treasurers' terms ending on May 1, 2023.