Sen. Ruth Hardy

Maddy summaryS 84 requires Vermont's State Commissioner of Buildings and General Services to spend at least 80% of the annual budget for print, digital, radio, and television advertising on local news and broadcast organizations. It directly affects all state agencies purchasing advertising, mandating they contract with organizations meeting specific local criteria (e.g., producing original local content, employing dedicated staff, meeting publication frequency standards, and disclosing ownership). The bill exempts tourism-focused ads from the 80% requirement and mandates an annual report to the legislature by June 30 detailing all state advertising spending. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution honors the Vermont Old Cemetery Association (VOCA) for its 65+ years of preserving Vermont's historic cemeteries. VOCA provides restoration grants, veteran burial support, and educational resources (like its newsletter and book *Burial Grounds of Vermont*) to local cemetery groups and municipalities. The resolution formally recognizes VOCA's work without creating new laws, funding, or policy changes. It serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation for the organization's contributions to cemetery preservation and public education.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Vermont's Green Mountain Care Board to create a plan for implementing reference-based pricing for hospital services. It would require the Board to establish benchmarks (based on Medicare rates), outline a gradual implementation timeline, estimate cost savings, and include protections against balance billing for patients. The plan must address impacts on hospitals, quality of care, and alignment with state health reform efforts, with a submission deadline of February 1, 2026. This affects all Vermont hospitals and health insurance plans covering inpatient and outpatient services.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 12) is a non-binding ceremonial resolution expressing legislative congratulations to the University of Vermont (UVM) men's soccer team for winning their first NCAA Division I men's soccer championship (College Cup) in 2024. It formally recognizes the team's achievement, including their "Cardiac Cats" nickname and championship victory over Marshall University. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to UVM Athletics but does not create any new policy, funding, or legal obligations. It is purely symbolic recognition of the team's athletic accomplishment.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits using geofencing technology within 1,850 feet of reproductive health care facilities to track or target patients, and bans law enforcement from obtaining "reverse keyword warrants" that identify people searching online for reproductive health services. It directly affects individuals seeking reproductive care (by protecting their location and search privacy), health care facilities (by restricting surveillance near their locations), and law enforcement (by banning specific surveillance methods). Key provisions include banning location-based tracking via apps or devices, preventing targeted messaging to patients near clinics, and prohibiting government entities from seeking warrants based on online search terms related to reproductive health. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, with violations punishable by up to $500 per offense.

Maddy summaryThis bill implements Vermont's participation in the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Restaurant Meals Program, allowing eligible SNAP recipients to use their benefits to purchase prepared meals at participating restaurants. Restaurants must meet specific criteria - such as being licensed, promoting locally sourced foods, representing diverse cultural cuisines, and operating in areas with high SNAP participation - to join the program. The bill allocates $100,000 for a new program coordinator position and $75,000 for restaurant startup costs, with implementation beginning July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S.32, provides Vermont residents with developmental disabilities a free permanent fishing license. It directly affects Vermonters certified by a physician as having developmental disabilities, defined per 18 V.S.A. § 9302. The key provision requires submission of a physician-signed statement to the Department of Fish and Wildlife for license issuance. This creates a new category for free licenses, distinct from existing provisions for veterans, the legally blind, or paraplegic residents, and takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes permanent the Agency of Transportation's authority to use automated traffic enforcement systems (like speed cameras) in road work zones. It repeals temporary provisions from a 2024 law that limited this authority, ensuring the systems can continue operating without needing annual legislative renewal. The policy change directly affects drivers in Vermont work zones where these systems are deployed and the Agency of Transportation, which manages their implementation.

Maddy summaryS.33 allocates $450,000 for a two-year pilot program to enhance community nursing services for aging Vermonters. Existing community nurse programs can apply for funding to create health worker positions, expand home visits without limits, fill service gaps, and improve data tracking. Participating programs must report on service outcomes, gaps, and improvements by December 2027, with the pilot starting July 2025. This directly affects aging Vermonters receiving services and community nurse programs seeking to expand their reach.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 9) formally honors Vermonters involved in creating the Tony Award-winning musical *Hadestown* and Vermont youth theater groups performing teen versions of the show. It specifically recognizes creators like Anaïs Mitchell (Middlebury College alum), Michael Chorney, and Ben T. Matchstick, along with Vermont youth ensembles including Peoples Academy, Very Merry Theatre, and U-32/Montpelier High School productions supported by *Hadestown* creators. The resolution has no legal effect - it is purely ceremonial, celebrating their artistic achievements and community impact without enacting new policy. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies to the honorees.