Rep. Anne Donahue

Maddy summaryH 65 revokes Vermont's adoption of California's Clean Air Act waiver for vehicle emissions, prohibiting the state from using California's standards for new motor vehicles. The bill amends Vermont law to explicitly ban the adoption of California's emission rules (42 U.S.C. § 7507) and repeals existing Vermont Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) and Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) rules. This directly affects how Vermont regulates vehicle emissions, shifting away from California's standards to potentially adopt alternative state rules. The changes take effect on July 1, 2025, requiring the Secretary of Natural Resources to develop new emission control requirements without California's framework.

Maddy summaryVermont's H.47 adopts the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, enabling licensed dentists and dental hygienists from Vermont to practice in other participating states without obtaining full new licenses. The bill creates a "compact privilege" that allows professionals to work across state lines while adhering to each state's scope of practice rules. It streamlines access to dental services by reducing redundant licensing requirements, sharing disciplinary information between states, and specifically aiding military members and their spouses. This affects licensed dental professionals seeking to practice in multiple states, not the general public directly. The policy change simplifies interstate practice without altering individual state licensing standards.

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 (H.39) would repeal Vermont's legal protections for overdose prevention centers (OPCs), removing immunity from drug possession charges and civil liability for users, staff, and operators. Currently, OPCs - safe spaces offering harm reduction services like naloxone and sterile supplies - are shielded from prosecution under state law. The repeal would mean participants and providers could face drug possession charges for activities within these centers, and centers could lose legal protection against civil claims. The bill targets the specific immunity provisions (Section 4256(c)), not the centers themselves, and would take effect July 1, 2025.

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 consolidates all adult guardianship proceedings into a single Probate Division of the Superior Court, replacing the current split system where some cases are handled in the Family Division. It directly affects approximately 600 adults with disabilities currently under guardianship in the Family Division, who face fewer procedural protections than those in the Probate Division. Key mechanisms include standardizing requirements like mandatory annual reports, court approval for residential changes, guardian ad litem appointments, and detailed evaluations specifying manageable personal/financial tasks. The bill aims to eliminate disparities in due process, accountability, and reporting between the two divisions, ensuring all adults under guardianship receive consistent procedural safeguards.

Maddy summaryH 15 provides financial assistance for room and board expenses at Vermont's residential postsecondary schools to eligible young adults who were in foster care or under kinship care. It directly affects youth who were under the Commissioner for Children and Families' custody for at least six months between ages 16-18, or who had kinship care guardianship with kinship assistance during that period. The bill funds specific room and board costs for these students pursuing higher education in Vermont, without covering tuition or other expenses.

Maddy summaryThis Vermont bill (H.19) changes the definition of grand larceny to automatically include the theft of any firearm, regardless of its value. Previously, grand larceny required stolen property to exceed $900 in value; this bill removes that threshold specifically for firearms. The key mechanism amends Vermont law to list "a firearm of any value" as a separate basis for grand larceny charges under § 2501(2). This directly affects individuals who steal firearms, subjecting them to the same penalties as other high-value thefts (up to 10 years in prison or $5,000 fine). The law takes effect upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 24) requires Vermont retail businesses to accept cash as a payment method for goods or services. It prohibits businesses from refusing cash payments, directly affecting all retailers selling to consumers within the state. The law, effective July 1, 2025, adds a new provision to Vermont law making refusal of cash an unfair commercial practice. The measure aims to protect consumer access to cash transactions in commerce.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Fair Repair Act, aims to improve access to repair services for agricultural and forestry equipment by ensuring independent repair providers and equipment owners can obtain necessary parts, tools, and documentation. The legislation addresses challenges such as limited availability of authorized repair shops in rural areas, workforce shortages, and restrictions on software-related repairs that may prevent independent technicians from fixing equipment safely and effectively. By establishing clear definitions for key terms and promoting equitable access to repair resources, the bill seeks to extend equipment lifespans, reduce costs for farmers and foresters, and support Vermont's agricultural and forestry sectors. The measure does not mandate specific repair practices but creates a framework to facilitate fair access to the information and components needed for maintenance and repairs.