Rep. Jim Masland

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that formally congratulates the 2024 Thetford Academy Panthers boys' basketball team on winning the Division III state championship. The resolution recognizes the team's specific achievements during the championship game, where they overcame significant deficits to defeat Hazen Union 57-53. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Thetford Academy as official acknowledgment of their accomplishment. This type of legislative action is ceremonial and does not create new laws or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill congratulates Vermont athletes who won medals at the 2023 National Senior Games in Pittsburgh and designates March 21, 2024 as Vermont Senior Games Day at the State House. It recognizes the 86 Vermont athletes who competed in 13 sports and won a total of 33 medals, while also honoring the specific individuals who participated in the event. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies to the Vermont Senior Games Association and the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness to promote senior fitness awareness. This is a ceremonial measure that celebrates athletic achievement rather than creating new laws or policy requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Vermont's existing medical leave laws to clarify definitions and requirements for unpaid leave related to serious health conditions. It directly affects employees working for employers with at least 10 to 15 employees, depending on whether the leave is for family or parental reasons. The legislation defines a serious illness health condition as one posing imminent danger of death, requiring inpatient care, or needing continuing in-home care, and includes rehabilitation from such conditions including substance use disorder treatment. Key provisions allow employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year for their own serious illness or that of certain family members, with requirements for reasonable notice and medical certification from a health care provider. The changes take effect on July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as Jessica's Law, extends survivor benefits to families of law enforcement officers in Vermont by providing the same $50,000 monetary benefit currently available to survivors of firefighters and emergency personnel. The legislation establishes a new review board composed of state officials and two public members appointed by the governor to evaluate claims and determine eligibility for benefits. Benefits are available to spouses, children, or parents of certified law enforcement officers who die in the line of duty or from work-related illnesses, with the fund established through state appropriations and potential donations. The bill defines "line of duty" for law enforcement to include responding to complaints, investigating disorders, and serving under emergency orders, and sets a 60-day timeline for the board to process claims.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a memorial resolution honoring Honoree Fleming, a former Dean of Education at Castleton State College who was tragically killed in 2023. The resolution expresses the General Assembly's sympathy to her family and directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to her family, the Castleton Town Clerk, and the university president. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal acknowledgment of her life and contributions to education and science. The measure was adopted by both the House and Senate without requiring a vote on the main text.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Vermont Baby Bond Trust, a state-administered fund designed to provide financial support to children born on or after July 1, 2024, who qualify for Medicaid or similar health coverage at birth. The program would allow eligible children to receive bonds that can be used for education, purchasing a home, starting a business, or contributing to retirement accounts once they reach adulthood. The trust would be managed by the State Treasurer, who would invest the funds to generate earnings while keeping the assets separate from general state funds and exempt from state taxes. Money in the trust would only be disbursed for approved purposes and would not count as income or assets when determining eligibility for other assistance programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Secretary of Administration to create standard, accessible grant application and reporting forms for all state-funded grants to municipalities, nonprofits, businesses, and individuals. It also mandates the development of a statewide database listing all state grant programs available to municipalities, funded with $35,000 in fiscal year 2024. The legislation establishes a uniform approval process for higher indirect cost rates for nonprofit corporations and requires regular progress reports to state committees. These changes aim to simplify grant processes and improve transparency for entities seeking state funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 13, 2024, as National K9 Veterans Day in Vermont to honor military working dogs and their handlers. It recognizes the contributions of approximately 1,600 trained dogs who serve in roles such as patrol, drug detection, and explosives detection across the U.S. Armed Forces. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to the U.S. Air Force 341st Training Squadron in San Antonio, Texas. This measure is ceremonial and does not change any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors Sergeant at Arms Janet Miller for her service to the Vermont General Assembly. It recognizes her long career, which includes managing security, coordinating events, and overseeing the Legislative Council before she was elected to her current role five times. The resolution also acknowledges her specific contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, including helping the legislature transition back to in-person meetings. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of this honor to Janet Miller, who has announced her retirement effective March 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill would add xylazine, a veterinary sedative, to Vermont's list of regulated drugs. It directly affects individuals who possess, dispense, or sell the substance by making it illegal to do so outside of approved veterinary use. The key provision prohibits the non-veterinary handling of xylazine, treating it similarly to other controlled substances under state law. This change aims to increase oversight of the drug's availability and use within the state.