Rep. Kate McCann

Maddy summaryThis bill designates January 23-27, 2023, as the first annual Holocaust Education Week in Vermont. It directly affects Vermont schools and educational institutions by establishing a formal period for Holocaust education activities. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to the Vermont Holocaust Memorial and the Agency of Education to facilitate the event. This commemorative measure recognizes the historical significance of the Holocaust and aims to increase awareness through organized educational programming during the designated week.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that formally congratulates the 2022 Montpelier High School Division II championship boys' soccer team. It recognizes the team's undefeated season, noting their 17-0-1 record and their achievement of preventing opponents from scoring in 12 games during the championship tournament. The resolution lists the names of the team members and their head coach, Eric Bagley, and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Montpelier High School.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans and Vermont's Medicaid program to cover pasteurized donated human breast milk for infants under 12 months old when medically necessary. The coverage applies when a licensed healthcare professional prescribes the milk, it is obtained from a certified human milk bank, and the infant's parent or guardian cannot produce sufficient milk due to medical or physical reasons. Covered conditions include premature birth, low birth weight, failure to thrive, and other medical needs determined by a prescriber. The law takes effect on January 1, 2024, for private health insurance plans and upon federal approval for Medicaid coverage.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changes to Vermont's housing programs to increase funding and expand eligibility for rental housing improvements, primarily affecting private landlords and nonprofit housing organizations. It would amend existing programs to allow grants and forgivable loans for rehabilitating non-compliant units, building new accessory dwelling units, and creating new rental units, with a cap of $50,000 per unit and a requirement for landlords to contribute at least 20% in matching funds or services. The legislation also creates a new Middle-Income Rental Housing Revolving Loan Program to provide subsidized loans for rental developments serving middle-income households, while exempting smaller municipalities from certain zoning requirements and allowing towns to register with state agencies to issue wastewater permits without full state permits. Additionally, it would reduce the number of residents who can appeal zoning decisions from 10 to a lower threshold and exempt certain downtown housing projects from state environmental review requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Affordable Heat Act, which establishes a Clean Heat Standard to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from heating in Vermont's residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. The program requires energy companies and heating fuel sellers to earn tradeable clean heat credits by delivering low-carbon heating technologies, efficiency improvements, or weatherization services to customers. The Public Utility Commission will manage the credit system and ensure the program protects low-income households and minimizes costs for all energy users.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution honoring the memory of former Vermont Representative Warren Kitzmiller, who served in the House for 21 years and was a longtime Montpelier resident. It extends condolences to his family and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to them. The document does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal tribute to his public service and community involvement.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a formal licensing system for freestanding birth centers in Vermont, requiring operators to obtain a license from the Department of Health before opening or running such facilities. The legislation mandates that health insurance plans and Medicaid cover prenatal, maternity, postpartum, and newborn services at birth centers, while exempting these facilities from certificate of need reviews. To obtain a license, birth centers must meet minimum standards for health, safety, sanitation, and patient complaint processes, with renewal simplified for centers already accredited by national organizations. The Department of Health will conduct inspections, post violation reports online, and maintain confidential records while adopting rules to align with national birth center standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Public Utility Commission's authority to regulate thermal energy networks, which distribute heat from noncombustible sources like geothermal systems to buildings for heating and cooling. It requires the Commission to create rules for permitting these networks and mandates a public good certificate before any company can build such infrastructure, ensuring projects align with regional and municipal planning. The legislation also prohibits expanding natural gas service into new areas and directs the Commission to develop a tiered discount system for low-income energy assistance. Additionally, it sets up a collaborative group to design an electricity affordability program focused on helping low-income residential customers pay their utility bills.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Vermont State employees who are members of the State Employees' Retirement System to count their previous temporary or seasonal state employment as creditable service toward their retirement benefits. The key provision adds a new section to the retirement law that grants credit for any temporary or seasonal state employment held before the employee became a formal member of the retirement system. This change applies to all current and future members of the retirement system who previously worked in temporary state positions and provides an effective date of July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Commissioner of Buildings and General Services to conduct a feasibility study on building a state-owned public restroom near the Vermont Capitol Complex. The study must evaluate whether a facility open 24 hours a day, seven days a week is practical, and the commissioner must issue a request for proposals by September 1, 2023. By October 15, 2024, the commissioner must submit the study results to the House Committee on Corrections and Institutions and the Senate Committee on Institutions. The legislation affects state building officials and relevant legislative committees, requiring them to assess the possibility of adding this public amenity to the Capitol area.