Rep. Jim Masland

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new permanent position of Dementia Coordinator within Vermont's Agency of Human Services to help coordinate state efforts and community partnerships in supporting people with dementia and their families. The Coordinator would update the state's Alzheimer's action plan, manage grant funding for expanded services, streamline government programs to reduce duplication, oversee dementia-specific training, and collect and share data to improve care quality. The role requires a master's or bachelor's degree in human services, public health, or public administration with professional experience, and the Commission on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders would recommend qualified candidates. An initial $150,000 appropriation funds the position in fiscal year 2024, with the Coordinator required to submit an annual report on dementia care status and legislative recommendations by December 1. The act takes effect on July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill would expand health insurance eligibility in Vermont to include all income-eligible adults over 18 who are currently excluded from Medicaid and health exchange subsidies due to their immigration status. It requires the state to provide hospital, medical, dental, and prescription drug coverage for these individuals that matches the benefits available under the existing Medicaid program. The law also mandates that the state protect applicants' confidentiality and prohibits sharing their information with the federal government. Coverage would begin on July 1, 2024, and applies to Vermont residents who meet income requirements but are ineligible for current public health programs because of immigration status.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state to conduct a feasibility study for building a bicycle path alongside U.S. Route 5, covering approximately 190 miles from the Massachusetts border to the Canadian border. The study must examine construction and maintenance costs, potential funding sources, logistical challenges, construction timelines, and the project's impact on Vermont's tourism industry and local municipalities. The analysis will determine whether a continuous route or a segmented, phased approach is more practical for implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont's Department of Health to submit an annual report on adverse reactions reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System. The report must include data on the number of reactions, details by vaccine type and recipient age, emergency visits, hospitalizations, permanent disabilities, deaths, and information about compensation support activities. Health care practitioners administering vaccines in Vermont are also required to report all significant adverse events to the system, even if the vaccine connection is uncertain. The annual report will be sent to state health committees, posted online, and shared electronically with health care providers. The law takes effect on July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to gradually implement Green Mountain Care, a publicly financed health care program for all Vermont residents, over a ten-year period. It would begin with primary care coverage in the first year, add preventive dental and vision care in the second year, and expand to additional services in subsequent years based on recommendations from an advisory group. The legislation requires the Green Mountain Care Board to analyze and report on financing sustainability, economic impact, and cost containment measures before full implementation. It also seeks a federal waiver to adjust health insurance benefits and funding to avoid duplication with Green Mountain Care coverage.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Green Mountain Recreation Fund to support trail development and nonprofit organizations in Vermont. The fund would be financed by taking five percent of the existing tax on beer and wine sales. Money from the fund would hire three full-time staff members to manage trail programs, administer grants, and provide technical assistance to trail groups. Additionally, the bill establishes grant programs for nonprofit trail organizations and municipalities to advance outdoor recreation initiatives. The legislation directly affects trail stewardship groups, local governments, and the organizations that manage recreational trails across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors organizations and individuals working to improve rural broadband access in Vermont. It recognizes the Communications Union Districts (CUDs) and related groups like the Vermont Communications Union Districts Association and the Vermont Community Broadband Board for their efforts in building broadband networks. The resolution acknowledges past legislative actions that created funding and oversight structures to support these broadband initiatives. It does not change any laws or policies but serves to formally recognize the achievements of these groups in expanding internet access to over 200 municipalities.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Rural Infrastructure Assistance Program to help Vermont's small towns access and manage federal and state funding for projects like clean water, housing, broadband, and climate resilience. The program provides direct support services including community needs assessments, funding application assistance, and project management help, with priority given to municipalities with the highest administrative capacity needs. An initial $3 million appropriation in 2024 funds the program, while the bill also directs remaining federal relief funds to prioritize communities with the greatest need based on a new administrative capacity index. Additionally, the legislation amends the Municipal and Regional Planning Fund to allocate 20 percent of its revenue directly to municipalities for planning purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution honoring the life of Robert D. Murray, a resident of South Strafford who passed away in December 2022. It directly affects Murray's family by formally acknowledging his contributions to the community and extending condolences from the General Assembly. The resolution recognizes Murray's service as a teacher, volunteer firefighter, and civic leader, noting that a local recreation field was named in his honor. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Murray's surviving family members.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that formally congratulates Alexander Collins of Norwich on winning the 2022 Vermont Open chess championship. It recognizes Collins as the youngest-ever State chess champion in Vermont history after he defeated all four of his matches at a senior master level during the tournament. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Collins as an official acknowledgment of his achievement. This is a ceremonial measure with no policy changes or legal effects beyond honoring the young chess player's accomplishment.