Rep. Stephanie Jerome

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Vermont's unemployment insurance system to improve how employers are charged for benefits, protect workers affected by major disasters, and strengthen protections against benefit fraud. It requires employers to be exempt from experience-rating charges when employees receive unemployment benefits due to federally declared disasters, and it updates rules for handling overpayments by allowing more flexible repayment plans and clearer waiver processes. The legislation also clarifies penalties for individuals who intentionally misrepresent information to claim benefits and mandates that the state provide written notice of rights to appeal overpayment decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes Vermont's Data Privacy Act to protect consumer personal data by requiring businesses to obtain clear, affirmative consent before collecting and using information. It directly affects adult residents of Vermont who use services from companies that process their personal data, while excluding individuals acting in commercial or employment contexts. Key provisions define sensitive data types like biometric, genetic, and health information, prohibit manipulative design patterns, and grant consumers rights to access, correct, and delete their data. The legislation also creates specific protections for children's online experiences and requires businesses to implement security measures and provide privacy notices.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes Vermont's Uniform Directed Trust Act, which creates a legal framework for trusts where a person other than the trustee can direct how the trust is managed. The law defines a "trust director" as someone granted the authority to direct investments, management, or distribution of trust assets without serving as the trustee, while maintaining fiduciary duties similar to those of a trustee. Key provisions clarify when the law applies to trusts based on their administration location, specify which powers are excluded from directed trust rules, and outline the responsibilities and liabilities of trust directors. The bill also includes protections for licensed professionals acting in their professional capacity and sets standards for how trust directors must exercise their powers, including requirements for joint decision-making.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Office of Workforce Strategy and Development within the Executive Branch to coordinate Vermont's workforce education and training efforts. The office will be led by an Executive Director who reports to the Governor and will oversee the State Workforce Development Board, align workforce initiatives with other state strategies, and manage data collection on program outcomes. The State Workforce Development Board will be expanded to include representatives from labor organizations, education institutions, businesses, local government, and individuals with employment barriers, ensuring diverse regional and community perspectives. A new Executive Committee will manage the board's daily operations through monthly meetings, with duties including recommending rule changes and establishing subcommittees as needed.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes May 2024 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Vermont. It aims to raise public awareness about mental health challenges and reduce stigma surrounding mental illness. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to NAMI Vermont and the state Commissioner of Mental Health. This is a symbolic measure that does not create new laws or require funding, but rather serves to highlight the importance of mental health support during the designated month.

Maddy summaryThis bill approves the merger of Brandon Fire District No. 1 and Brandon Fire District No. 2, which will result in the dissolution of Brandon Fire District No. 2. The legislation authorizes the transfer of all property, assets, liabilities, and duties from the dissolving district to Brandon Fire District No. 1. The merger was previously approved by both districts through an interlocal agreement and Plan of Merger executed on November 9, 2023. The act takes effect immediately upon passage, making Brandon Fire District No. 2 cease to exist as a separate political entity.

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 updates Vermont's financial regulations to strengthen oversight of insurance holding companies and improve enforcement capabilities for the state's financial services commissioner. It establishes a special fund to finance financial education programs, provide restitution to victims of financial fraud, and award payments to whistleblowers who report violations. The legislation also clarifies definitions for insurance holding company systems and international groups, while updating notice requirements to mandate certified mail for certain communications. Additionally, it increases the maximum civil penalty for violations to $15,000 per incident and allows for higher penalties in cases involving vulnerable adults.

Maddy summaryThis Vermont bill requires health insurance plans to cover colorectal cancer screening without any cost-sharing fees for insured individuals aged 50 and older. The law mandates that insurers offer two screening options for average-risk individuals: annual fecal occult blood testing with a sigmoidoscopy every five years, or a colonoscopy every ten years, following U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines. For people at high risk due to family history, genetic conditions, prior cancer, or chronic digestive diseases, the bill requires coverage for screening and tests as recommended by their treating physician. The coverage must include all associated costs such as lab services, physician fees, and facility use without deductibles or co-pays, and applies to plans issued on or after January 1, 2025.