Rep. Emilie Kornheiser

Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates Cersosimo Industries Inc. on reaching its 75th anniversary. The document recognizes the company as a three-generation family business founded in 1947 that has grown into one of New England's largest producers of hardwood and pine lumber. It also acknowledges the company's diverse operations, which include construction, aggregate production, real estate, and mulch sales, along with its recent industry awards. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to the company's president, Michael A. Cersosimo.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates five Vermont youth who were named Boys & Girls Clubs of Vermont's 2023 Youth of the Year honorees. The resolution recognizes these young people for overcoming personal challenges while demonstrating academic success, healthy lifestyles, and community contributions. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to each of the five honored youth members from the Brattleboro, Burlington, and Rutland clubs. The measure does not create new laws or policies but serves to formally acknowledge the achievements of these specific individuals.

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 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 bill proposes to decriminalize the possession of a personal supply of regulated drugs in Vermont, changing penalties from criminal charges to a civil offense with a $50 fee. The legislation would establish a Drug Use Standards Advisory Board to set benchmarks for what constitutes a personal use supply and allow individuals with prior possession convictions to have their criminal records sealed if their amounts fall below these benchmarks. It also authorizes pilot drug-checking programs that let individuals test substances for chemical composition and contaminants to reduce overdose risks. The bill aims to shift Vermont's approach from criminal prosecution to public health strategies, redirecting resources toward prevention, treatment, and harm reduction services.

Maddy summaryThis bill would remove Vermont's current laws that criminalize consensual adult sex work while keeping strict criminal penalties for human trafficking. It directly affects adults who engage in sex work for hire by decriminalizing their voluntary participation, but it continues to prohibit recruiting, transporting, or forcing anyone into sex work through force, fraud, or coercion. The key provision repeals the section of the state code that defines prostitution to include consensual sexual acts for hire, while maintaining detailed definitions and severe penalties for trafficking offenses. The bill also clarifies what constitutes coercion, including threats of harm, withholding documents, or controlling finances, and sets specific prison terms for different trafficking-related crimes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a public prekindergarten education program in Vermont, making full-day early education available to three- and four-year-old children and five-year-olds not yet in kindergarten. It creates a new Department of Economic Empowerment by reorganizing the Department for Children and Families, adds a second Deputy Secretary to the Agency of Education with specific qualifications, and provides property tax exemptions for child care providers. The legislation also expands eligibility and payment rates for the Child Care Financial Assistance Program, creates a new Noncitizen Child Care Assistance Program, and introduces grants to support child care workforce retention.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers and contractors receiving Vermont state funds to adopt specific workplace standards, including nondiscrimination policies, equitable pay ratios where the highest-paid employee earns no more than 10 times the lowest-paid employee, and protections against termination without good cause. It also mandates reliable work schedules that must be provided at least 14 days in advance, with limited exceptions for emergencies or employee requests, and prohibits using state funds to interfere with union organizing activities. The legislation strengthens audit authority by allowing the State Auditor to examine contractor records and establishes financial penalties for violations of union organizing protections. These requirements directly apply to any business or organization that receives state grants or contracts, ensuring accountability and fair treatment for employees funded by state resources.