Rep. Ela Chapin

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Vermont's restorative justice program by authorizing the Attorney General to create a state-funded diversion project for juveniles charged with criminal offenses or delinquent acts. It allows law enforcement and prosecutors to refer youth to community-based restorative justice providers before formal charges are filed, and permits prosecutors to refer those charged with certain misdemeanors or nonviolent felonies after charges are filed. The Attorney General will fund these programs through grants or contracts with local municipalities and organizations, with the ability to require local financial contributions. The bill requires annual reporting on program outcomes, including data on referrals, demographics, offense types, and completion rates, while establishing policies to ensure victims are informed and can participate in the restorative process.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates Aziza Malik, an elementary school teacher in Burlington, on being named the 2024 Vermont Teacher of the Year. It does not create new laws or change policies but serves to formally recognize her achievement and the work of the state's education agency. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to both Aziza Malik and Champlain Elementary School. This type of bill has no legal effect beyond acknowledging the award and the recipient's contributions to education.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Vermont to join the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, a national agreement that allows occupational therapists and assistants licensed in one member state to practice in other member states without obtaining additional licenses. The legislation adds a new subchapter to Vermont's occupational therapy laws that establishes a "compact privilege" for qualified practitioners, enabling them to work across state lines while maintaining their home state's primary regulatory authority. Key provisions include requirements for sharing disciplinary and investigative information between states, provisions for military members and their spouses to practice where they are stationed, and support for telehealth services. The compact aims to increase public access to occupational therapy services while preserving each state's ability to protect public health and safety through its own licensing standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a formal resolution honoring Mary Moulton, the Executive Director of Washington County Mental Health Services and former Commissioner of Vermont's Department of Mental Health, for her leadership in the state's mental health system. The resolution recognizes her career achievements, including her work implementing mental health system reforms and coordinating disaster response efforts after Tropical Storm Irene. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Moulton as an official acknowledgment of her service. This document serves as a commemorative gesture rather than establishing new policy or funding.

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 amends Vermont's emergency medical services laws to update payment rates and improve system coordination. It changes how EMS providers are reimbursed by replacing a specific Medicare rate with a broader applicable Medicare rate. The legislation also requires the EMS Advisory Committee to incorporate nationally recognized best practices into statewide system design. Additionally, it mandates coordination between the EMS Advisory Committee, the Department of Health, and other task forces to align their recommendations and system designs. These changes directly affect emergency medical services providers and the state agencies responsible for overseeing the EMS system.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates three Vermont teachers who were selected as finalists for the 2024 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The resolution recognizes Kathy Gingras, Alyssa Castellini, and Jo Ann Harvey for their outstanding work in mathematics and science education. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to each honored teacher. This type of bill does not change laws or policies but serves to formally acknowledge the achievements of educators.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates the drama students and theater department of U-32 High School in Vermont for earning a spot at the 2024 New England Theatre Festival. It recognizes their world premiere play Unspoken Word, which was selected after winning regional competitions and features a story about a student dealing with selective mutism, bullying, and family changes. The resolution highlights the collaborative effort involving student writers, performers, technical crew, and adult mentors who worked on the production. The General Assembly formally acknowledges this achievement through a resolution that will be sent to the school by the Secretary of State.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes May 2024 as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month in Vermont. It acknowledges the historical contributions and achievements of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans while also highlighting the discrimination they have faced, including exclusionary laws and internment during World War II. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the Asian Cultural Center of Vermont for awareness purposes. This is a ceremonial measure that does not change laws or policies but serves to honor and celebrate this community's heritage.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates the Boys & Girls Clubs of Vermont's 2024 Youth of the Year honorees and designates April 4, 2024 as Boys & Girls Club Day at the State House. The resolution recognizes Braden Howe from Brattleboro and Henry Tornwini from Burlington, who were selected for their achievements and community contributions. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to the honored youth, serving as an official acknowledgment of their accomplishments. This type of measure does not change laws or policies but instead provides formal recognition and public appreciation for the individuals and organization involved.