Rep. Leslie Goldman

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 126) requires Vermont's Department for Children and Families to provide monthly universal basic income payments to youth who have recently aged out of foster care. It directly affects young adults transitioning from state foster care systems, typically those turning 18 or 21. The key provision mandates regular, automatic monthly payments without requiring recipients to apply or meet income thresholds. The bill aims to provide immediate financial stability during a critical transition period, as outlined in its stated purpose.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H.115) would allow Vermont's Commissioner of Taxes to forgive income tax debt for individuals who lost income due to fraud. It directly affects victims of fraud who have unpaid tax liabilities tied to stolen funds. The key provision gives the Commissioner authority to waive these specific tax debts upon verification of fraud. The bill does not change tax rates or create new taxes, but provides targeted relief for fraud victims. It was recently referred to the Committee on Ways and Means for review.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands eligibility for Vermont's Dr. Dynasaur program to cover pregnant individuals with incomes up to 312% of the federal poverty level (FPL), effective January 2026. It also requires the Agency of Human Services to study and report by January 2026 on the feasibility and costs of expanding Dr. Dynasaur to all Vermont residents under 26 with incomes at or below 312% FPL, and Medicaid to adults aged 26-64 with incomes at or below 312% FPL. The bill appropriates $600,000 for implementing the pregnant individual eligibility change, with $180,000 from the General Fund and $420,000 in federal funds. The report must address federal waiver needs, cost estimates, and implementation timelines for potential broader expansions. This is a policy change focused on expanding healthcare access for specific income groups, not a procedural measure.

Maddy summaryH.112 provides medical debt relief for Vermont residents by appropriating $1 million to contract with a nonprofit to purchase and erase qualifying medical debt. It directly affects Vermonters with household incomes at or below 400% of the federal poverty level or those owing medical debt equal to 5% or more of their household income. The bill prohibits credit bureaus from reporting medical debt on credit reports and bans healthcare providers from submitting such debt to credit agencies. It requires debt relief contractors to remove adverse credit information after debt abolition, ensuring no cost or tax impact for affected residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health care entities (like hospitals, clinics, and insurers with $1 million+ in annual revenue) to notify Vermont's Green Mountain Care Board and Attorney General before certain major transactions, such as mergers, acquisitions, or ownership changes. The Board, working with the Attorney General, must review these transactions and decide whether to approve them, approve with conditions, or disapprove them. It also prohibits corporations from interfering with doctors' clinical decisions or professional judgment. Additionally, the bill mandates public reporting on ownership and control of covered health care entities.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 77) creates a new 8.75% income tax bracket for Vermont taxpayers earning above $237,950 annually (for married couples filing jointly), with corresponding thresholds for other filing statuses. It directly affects higher-income earners by increasing their tax rate on income above these thresholds. Revenue from this new bracket will be allocated as follows: 2% to the Education Fund, 1% to the Transportation Fund, and 1% to the Higher Education Endowment Trust Fund. The bill also updates annual inflation adjustments for tax brackets using the Consumer Price Index. The bill is currently pending in the Committee on Ways and Means.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require Vermont public schools, independent schools, career and technical centers, and prequalified private prekindergarten programs to ban student use of cell phones and personal electronic devices during the entire school day, from arrival to dismissal. It also prohibits schools from using social media to communicate with students directly. Exceptions are permitted for students with documented medical needs (requiring physician documentation) or for those using devices as part of an individualized education program (IEP) or 504 plan. The policy aims to reduce distractions and support student well-being, aligning with findings about youth mental health and social media use.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 40 establishes a licensing system for freestanding birth centers in Vermont, removing the requirement for them to obtain state approval (certificate of need) before opening. It mandates that health insurance plans and Medicaid cover prenatal, maternity, birthing, postpartum, and newborn care services provided at licensed birth centers. Birth centers must meet state safety and operational standards and pay a $250 licensing fee to operate. This aims to expand access to birth center options, which have demonstrated improved health outcomes and lower costs for mothers and babies compared to hospital births.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a study committee to examine the benefits and barriers of blenderized tube feeding - a method of providing blended foods and liquids through a feeding tube - particularly for children. The committee, including health officials, caregivers, medical experts, and dietitians, will study impacts on health outcomes, costs of fresh food/blenders, insurance coverage gaps, and provider awareness. It must report findings and recommendations to legislative committees by January 15, 2026, to inform potential future policy changes. The bill does not implement immediate policy changes but establishes a process to address access barriers for patients relying on this feeding method.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal framework for overdose prevention centers in Vermont, allowing supervised spaces where individuals can consume pre-obtained drugs under the care of trained staff. The centers would provide harm reduction services such as sterile needle distribution, drug checking, overdose reversal medication, first aid, and referrals to addiction treatment. The legislation grants immunity from arrest, prosecution, and civil liability to participants, staff, and property owners for activities related to drug use within these centers, though immunity does not extend to driving violations or unrelated civil claims. A pilot program is funded with $1.1 million in 2025 to support the City of Burlington in opening a center, with ongoing funding intended through 2028. The Department of Health must develop operating guidelines by September 2024 and conduct a study on the program's impact by December 2024.