Rep. Marc Mihaly

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a temporary Study Committee on Dam Emergency Action Planning to examine how Vermont can improve regional emergency preparedness for dam failures. The committee will consist of representatives from the legislature, state agencies, and dam owners, and will identify high-hazard dams that could flood populated areas. Its main tasks include reviewing current municipal responsibilities for emergency planning, recommending how regional planning commissions should develop evacuation and shelter plans, and estimating the costs of implementing these plans along with potential funding sources. The committee must submit its findings and draft legislative recommendations by December 15, 2024, and will cease to exist on March 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes transferring safety jurisdiction over certain hydroelectric dams in Vermont from the Public Utility Commission to the Department of Environmental Conservation. The change would apply primarily to nonfederal dams that are not part of a public utility system or subject to federal licensing, while federal dams would fall under Department oversight when their federal licenses expire. Key provisions establish clear definitions for what constitutes a dam, set authorization requirements for altering structures that can hold more than 500,000 cubic feet of water, and outline procedures for transferring records between agencies when jurisdiction shifts. The bill also requires the Department of Fish and Wildlife to assess potential impacts on fish and wildlife habitats before any dam-related decisions are made.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont electric utilities to provide residential customers with service upgrades needed for substantial domestic electrification, including electric vehicle charging, without charging extra fees. It establishes a standard level of service that allows homeowners to electrify their homes and charge electric vehicles at home without incurring additional customer-specific charges from their utility company. The Public Utility Commission must ensure this standard is available to all regulated electric distribution utilities by December 31, 2024, with utility tariffs updated by December 31, 2025. The legislation aims to remove financial barriers to adopting cleaner energy technologies, particularly in rural areas where such upgrades are more costly.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Vermont municipalities to receive reimbursement for state education property taxes they abated for property owners affected by severe storms and flooding between July and October 2023. It also permits municipalities to be reimbursed for reasonable interest expenses incurred when borrowing funds to make these tax payments, capped at eight percent. Additionally, the bill excludes federal disaster relief payments from household income when calculating the homestead property tax credit for the 2023 and 2024 tax years, helping homeowners maintain eligibility for tax credits despite receiving disaster assistance.

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 defines and protects certain health care activities related to reproductive health and gender-affirming care from civil and criminal liability. It establishes that licensed health care providers in Vermont can legally offer these services to patients regardless of where the patient is located, as long as the services are permitted under Vermont law. The law also protects insurance coverage for these services and prohibits conversion therapy from being classified as gender-affirming care. The protections apply to the provision, prescription, distribution, and use of FDA-approved medications for pregnancy termination as of January 1, 2023. The bill became effective immediately upon passage and was signed into law by the Governor in May 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that honors Karen Horn of Moretown for her leadership in strengthening local government in Vermont. It recognizes her decades of work with the Vermont League of Cities and Towns, where she advised officials on municipal issues and helped secure transportation funding and tax authority for local governments. The resolution formally acknowledges her contributions to municipal policy and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to both Horn and the Vermont League of Cities and Towns.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates the U-32 Raiders boys' ice hockey team for winning the 2023 Division II state championship. It recognizes the team's remarkable victory in the longest-ever Division II championship game, which required two overtimes to decide. The resolution formally acknowledges the players and coaching staff and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to the team. This measure has no policy impact beyond honoring the team's athletic achievement.