Rep. Anne Donahue

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow prosecutors to charge individuals with murder or manslaughter if their actions result in the death of a fetus, and it would also permit charges for drunk driving or grossly negligent driving that cause fetal death. The law explicitly excludes abortions and medical procedures performed according to standard practice, as well as actions taken by a pregnant person against their own fetus. It clarifies that these provisions do not change the legal status or rights of a fetus under Vermont law. The bill would take effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 10 as Ken Squier Day to honor the late Vermont broadcaster and auto racing commentator. The legislation recognizes Squier's contributions to radio through his ownership of WDEV and founding of the Radio Vermont Group, as well as his pioneering work with the Motor Racing Network and NASCAR Hall of Fame induction. It also acknowledges his community leadership roles, including chairing the Vermont Symphony Orchestra Board and his extensive involvement in local sports broadcasting. The bill adds a new section to Vermont's statutes formally establishing the commemorative day without requiring any additional government funding or administrative changes.

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 amends Vermont's Open Meeting Law to clarify that members of the public attending electronic meetings do not need to sign in or provide personally identifying information if they are not speaking or participating in the meeting. The change specifically applies to individuals who simply wish to observe electronic meetings without taking an active role in the proceedings. By removing this requirement, the bill aims to reduce barriers to public access for those watching meetings remotely. The legislation does not alter the ability of participants to speak or the general rules governing electronic meetings, only the sign-in process for non-participating observers.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Vermont's Open Meeting Law to permit three-person public boards to hold private discussions and deliberations, provided a summary of these conversations is recorded in the minutes of the next meeting. The change directly affects small public bodies that previously could not discuss business privately without violating open meeting requirements. By allowing limited private deliberation for three-member boards, the legislation aims to balance transparency with the practical needs of smaller governing bodies. The bill does not alter the requirement for public meetings but creates an exception for internal discussions among three-person boards.

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 allocates $13,398 from the state's General Fund to the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation in fiscal year 2024 to enclose the Vermont State Hospital cemetery. The legislation addresses concerns that newly developed bike trails adjacent to the cemetery are causing ongoing damage to the burial site. By funding the construction of an enclosure, the bill aims to protect the cemetery and honor historical commitments made by the General Assembly in 1896 and 2013 to preserve the site. The act takes effect immediately upon passage and directly impacts the management and maintenance of the cemetery by the state department.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires mobile home park owners in Vermont to disclose flood risk information to prospective tenants. The law mandates that lease agreements include a clear notice if any lot within the park is located in a flood hazard area, based on official federal flood insurance maps. This disclosure must be provided in a separate written document attached to the lease proposal. The legislation defines mobile home parks as properties accommodating more than two mobile homes and sets an effective date of July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Division for Historic Preservation to conduct archaeological reviews of the Vermont State Hospital cemetery and other state institutions to locate and document burial sites. It requires officials to identify how many people are buried at the 1892 hospital cemetery and investigate whether additional burial grounds existed on the hospital property as it appeared in 1915. The legislation also mandates a survey of all state facilities, including correctional and human service centers, to determine if residents were buried on-site and to recommend further research if needed.

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.