Rep. Theresa Wood

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a paid family and medical leave insurance program in Vermont, allowing eligible employees to take time off work for specific life events while receiving wage replacement benefits. It directly affects workers employed by companies with at least 10 to 15 employees, depending on the type of leave, and defines covered situations including parental leave for birth or adoption, family leave for serious health conditions, bereavement leave, safe leave for domestic violence victims, and leave for military family members. The legislation sets clear definitions for who qualifies as an employee, employer, and family member, including provisions for domestic partners and individuals with significant personal bonds beyond traditional family relationships. Key provisions include requirements for employers to fund the insurance program and establish policies that allow workers to take approved leave without losing their jobs.

Maddy summaryThis House concurrent resolution honors former President James Earl Carter as a tireless international humanitarian and public servant. The bill recognizes his post-presidential work, including conflict mediation, election monitoring, disease eradication efforts, and advocacy for affordable housing through Habitat for Humanity. It acknowledges his receipt of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize and his decision to enter hospice care. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to former President Carter.

Maddy summaryThis bill officially recognizes March 2023 as Social Work Month in Vermont to honor the contributions of social workers to improving human well-being and addressing social issues. The resolution highlights the profession's role in various settings including schools, hospitals, and government agencies, as well as its work supporting diverse communities and addressing challenges like the opioid crisis. It marks the 60th anniversary of Social Work Month and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the National Association of Social Workers Vermont Chapter.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors Chris Rivers for his 33-year career as the Music Department Chair at Harwood Union Middle and High School. It recognizes his contributions to music education, including his leadership of school bands, development of private lesson programs, and teaching of music theory and rock history. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Rivers as a formal acknowledgment of his work. This measure does not create new laws or funding but serves as an official tribute to his professional achievements.

Maddy summaryThis House concurrent resolution formally honors Bruce Sklar, a jazz teacher at Harwood Union Middle and High School in Vermont. The bill recognizes his contributions to developing school jazz programs and his impact on students' musical and intellectual growth. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Sklar as a formal acknowledgment of his service. This is a ceremonial measure that does not create new laws or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill commemorates the 25th anniversary of Vermont's Downtown Program and designates March 22, 2023 as Downtown Day at the State House. It recognizes the program's role in supporting downtown development through tax incentives and financial assistance to designated districts. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies to the Downtown Coalition and the Vermont Downtown Development Board. This is a ceremonial measure that acknowledges past investments and contributions without changing existing laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution honoring Marshall Webb, a nonprofit cofounder and environmental advocate who passed away in 2022. It recognizes his contributions to Shelburne Farms, a Vermont center for sustainability education, and acknowledges his personal connection to the organization and the state. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to Webb's family and Shelburne Farms as a formal expression of appreciation. This measure does not change laws or policies but serves to publicly acknowledge Webb's legacy and impact on the community.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution formally recognizes two specific weeks in Vermont as National Skilled Nursing Care Week and National Assisted Living Week to honor long-term care facilities and their staff. The bill designates May 14-20 as National Skilled Nursing Care Week and September 10-16 as National Assisted Living Week to acknowledge the work of caregivers and support residents in these facilities. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to relevant health and disability organizations, facilitating official recognition of these observances. The measure does not create new funding or policy requirements but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of the importance of skilled nursing and assisted living care in Vermont.

Maddy summaryThis House concurrent resolution congratulates Vermont athletes who won medals at the 2022 National Senior Games and designates March 15, 2023 as Senior Physical Fitness Day at the State House. It specifically honors 45 Vermonters who competed in 11 sports, including top finishers like 87-year-old Flo Meiler who won five gold medals. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies to the honored athletes, the Vermont Senior Games Association, and the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness. This is a ceremonial measure that recognizes athletic achievement and promotes senior fitness awareness without creating new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Vermont schools and educational programs that receive state funding from using unlawful physical restraints, seclusion, mechanical restraints, or chemical restraints on students. It defines specific types of restraints and seclusion that are banned, while allowing certain voluntary physical contacts like escorts and prompts that do not restrict movement. Covered entities must report and document any incidents involving restraint or seclusion, notify parents within 24 hours, and hold meetings within five school days to discuss prevention strategies and potential behavioral support plans. The Agency of Education is tasked with creating a performance review system to monitor compliance and provide technical assistance to schools for implementing evidence-based programs that reduce the need for restraints.