Rep. Anne Donahue

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the manufacture, sale, and distribution in Vermont of cosmetic and menstrual products containing specific harmful chemicals, including perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), ortho-phthalates, formaldehyde, lead, and asbestos. It also bans textiles and athletic turf fields that contain PFAS, with a provision for future restrictions on any product using PFAS if their use is deemed unavoidable. The law includes a one-year waiver system for manufacturers who cannot immediately eliminate certain chemicals due to technical limitations, and requires the Department of Health to develop a community engagement plan to address outreach to vulnerable populations. Violations of the ban are treated as violations of Vermont's Consumer Protection Act, giving the Attorney General and private parties the authority to pursue civil actions.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Vermont's landfill disposal requirements by adding new restrictions on specific waste materials and establishing stricter rules for facilities receiving waste from municipalities without approved waste management plans. It directly affects landfill operators, waste management facilities, and municipalities by prohibiting the disposal of items such as leaf and yard residuals, wood waste, and food residuals in landfills starting in 2016 and 2020, respectively. The legislation also requires facilities to remove mandated recyclables and hazardous materials from waste streams when receiving material from municipalities lacking approved implementation plans, while allowing for separate storage areas for these materials. Additionally, the bill clarifies certification requirements for solid waste management facilities and includes exemptions for waste collected during nonprofit litter cleanup events.

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 is a House concurrent resolution that formally congratulates the Northfield Junior Rifle team on their successful 2022-2023 competitive season. It recognizes the team as Vermont's only school-associated rifle club, noting their achievements including winning multiple gold medals at a competition in New Hampshire and earning a spot at the Junior Rifle Olympics in Colorado. The resolution also lists the specific team members and their coach by name as part of the official acknowledgment. The document directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the Northfield Junior Rifle Club.

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 is a formal resolution honoring 21 Vermont youth athletes who competed in snowboarding and skiing events at the 2023 USASA National Championships in Colorado. The resolution recognizes these athletes for representing Vermont with distinction and winning medals in various disciplines during the competition. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to each honored athlete as an official acknowledgment of their achievements. The bill does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial recognition of the athletes' accomplishments.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the date for the Reach Up ratable reduction, a tax benefit for low-income households in Vermont, from January to March. The amendment affects the timing of when eligible residents can receive their tax reduction, allowing them to claim the benefit later in the year. By moving the start date to March, the bill adjusts the administrative schedule for processing these tax reductions without changing the underlying eligibility requirements or benefit amounts.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill approves amendments to the Town of Berlin's charter that were previously voted on by residents in November 2022. The changes update how town officers are elected and appointed, specifying that Selectboard members will serve staggered terms and clarifying that the Town Clerk is now an appointed rather than elected position. It also adjusts tax rules by allowing the Town Treasurer to waive personal property taxes for individuals with assessed values of $1,650 or less. The legislation takes effect immediately upon passage and includes a transition provision for the current Town Clerk to finish their term or be replaced by the Selectboard.