Sen. Ruth Hardy

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Genetic Information Privacy Act to protect consumers' genetic data and biological samples collected by direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies. It requires these companies to obtain clear, separate consent for each specific use of genetic information, including sharing data for research, marketing, or transferring to third parties. The law also mandates strong security measures, gives consumers the right to access or delete their data and biological samples, and prohibits companies from sharing genetic information with health insurers, life insurers, or employers without written consent. Companies violating these rules would face penalties under Vermont's unfair and deceptive trade practices law, while data already covered by federal health privacy regulations remains unaffected.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new health insurance program in Vermont that would provide coverage to adults over 18 who are currently ineligible for Medicaid or premium tax credits due to their immigration status. The program would offer hospital, medical, dental, and prescription drug benefits similar to existing Medicaid coverage, with eligibility based on household income thresholds. It also requires the state to protect applicant privacy by prohibiting the sharing of enrollment information with the federal government. To support implementation, the bill authorizes funding for healthcare provider reimbursements and grants to organizations for outreach efforts, with the program set to begin on July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates January 23-27, 2023, as the first annual Holocaust Education Week in Vermont. It directly affects Vermont schools and educational institutions by establishing a formal period for Holocaust education activities. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to the Vermont Holocaust Memorial and the Agency of Education to facilitate the event. This commemorative measure recognizes the historical significance of the Holocaust and aims to increase awareness through organized educational programming during the designated week.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to eliminate life without parole as a sentencing option for individuals who were 25 years of age or younger when they committed their offenses. It also prohibits consecutive sentencing for these younger defendants, meaning their prison terms would run at the same time rather than one after another. For those who were 25 or older at the time of the crime, the bill maintains existing sentencing options including life without parole. The law applies only to crimes committed on or after the bill's effective date, and it modifies how courts determine minimum prison terms based on aggravating or mitigating factors found by a jury.

Maddy summaryThis bill introduces several new regulations on firearms in Vermont, including a 72-hour waiting period for most firearm transfers after a background check, a ban on manufacturing and possessing large capacity ammunition feeding devices, and a requirement that firearms not in immediate possession be locked in a safe or rendered inoperable. It also prohibits possession of semiautomatic assault weapons, bans the use of 3D printers to manufacture firearms and the distribution of related digital instructions, and allows firearms industry members to be sued for public nuisance damages. Additionally, the bill offers homeowners insurance premium discounts to policyholders who can certify their firearms are stored according to the new safe storage requirements. These changes directly affect firearm owners, manufacturers, dealers, and insurance companies within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Child and Parent Representation Working Group to study and recommend improvements for legal representation of children and parents in Vermont's child protection system. The working group will include judges, legislators, attorneys, and individuals with lived experience in child protection cases to examine current practices, funding, and best practices from other states. The group must submit interim and final reports by 2024 with specific recommendations for creating separate administrative programs for child and parent representation, including funding plans and performance standards. The working group will dissolve on January 15, 2024, after completing its review and recommendations to the state legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Vermont's domestic violence protection order system to include military protection orders, allowing them to be recognized and enforced within the state like other foreign protection orders. It directly affects victims of abuse by military personnel and law enforcement officers who may need to enforce these orders. The key provision amends state law to define military protection orders as those issued by commanding officers in the armed forces or National Guard against individuals under their command, provided the order was issued on a Department of Defense form, the defendant received actual notice, and the order remains in effect. Law enforcement officers will be authorized to enforce these orders through arrests and assistance with residence or child custody issues, while courts must verify that the defendant is a current service member and the order meets specific validity requirements before enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the open carry of loaded firearms in public places, with exceptions for hunters, law enforcement, government employees, and situations involving imminent harm. It also restricts self-defense claims by requiring that defensive force used outside a person's home be necessary when no other means of avoiding the threat were available. Additionally, the bill mandates that firearms surrendered under abuse prevention orders must be stored by law enforcement agencies or federally licensed firearms dealers approved by the Department of Public Safety.

Maddy summaryThis Senate concurrent resolution honors Helen Estroff of Montpelier for her distinguished public service in the Vermont executive branch and her role as Calendar Clerk of the Vermont Senate. The document recognizes her 34-year career, which included positions in state financial oversight, higher education, and transportation, as well as her work ensuring legislative schedules were properly organized and printed. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Ms. Estroff as a formal acknowledgment of her contributions. This measure does not create new laws or policies but serves as an official commendation of her service.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate concurrent resolution that honors Steven D. Marshall of Swanton for his 35 years of service as the Assistant Secretary of the Vermont Senate. The resolution recognizes his professional contributions, including his role in the American Society of Legislative Clerks and Secretaries and his work on revisions to legislative procedure manuals. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Marshall as a formal acknowledgment of his exemplary service. This document serves as an official commendation rather than a law that creates new policies or regulations.