Sen. Brian Campion

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 26, 2024, as Robert Frost Day in Vermont to honor the state's first Poet Laureate on the 150th anniversary of his birth. The resolution recognizes Frost's literary achievements, including four Pulitzer Prizes, his deep connection to Vermont landscapes, and his contributions to education at institutions like Bread Loaf School of English. The General Assembly formally acknowledges Frost's legacy by naming this specific date in his honor. The Secretary of State will send copies of the resolution to the Robert Frost Stone House in Shaftsbury and the Bread Loaf School of English in Ripton.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that formally congratulates the 2024 Mt. Anthony Union High School Patriots wrestling team on winning their school's 35th consecutive state championship. The resolution recognizes the team's victory in all five weight categories at the state tournament held in Brandon and acknowledges the contributions of the wrestlers and coaching staff. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the high school as an official record of the General Assembly's recognition.

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 is a commemorative resolution honoring the life and service of Kenneth Carlton O'Dell, a veteran Pownal firefighter who served for 65 years. It formally extends condolences to O'Dell's family and directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to his family and the Pownal Fire Department. The document recognizes his extensive contributions to the community, including his work as a burner technician, cemetery superintendent, and volunteer firefighter. This legislative action serves as a formal acknowledgment of his public service rather than enacting new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Vermont Fair Repair Act to require manufacturers of digital electronic equipment to provide repair information, tools, and parts to independent repair shops and consumers. The law mandates that original equipment manufacturers make available at no charge the documentation, software, and tools needed to diagnose and repair their products, while also ensuring replacement parts are offered at fair and reasonable terms equivalent to those given to authorized repair providers. The legislation specifically defines key terms like independent repair providers and equipment, and includes provisions to prevent manufacturers from retaliating against authorized providers who sell parts to independent repairers. Exemptions are included for medical devices and motor vehicles, and the act applies to equipment originally manufactured for sale in the United States.

Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a commemorative resolution that recognizes the 200th anniversary of Mt. Anthony Masonic Lodge No. 13 in Bennington, Vermont. The resolution acknowledges the lodge's history, which began in 1823 when it was chartered and has since played a role in local civic life, including laying the cornerstone for the Battle of Bennington Monument. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the lodge as an official acknowledgment of its bicentennial milestone.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Vermont's Medicaid and Dr. Dynasaur programs to include income-eligible young adults up to age 26, aligning Medicaid eligibility thresholds with the Dr. Dynasaur program over time. It requires higher reimbursement rates for providers delivering primary care, mental health, substance use disorder treatment, long-term care, and dental services to Medicaid beneficiaries. The legislation also modifies the duties of the Clinical Utilization Review Board, increases income eligibility for Medicare Savings Programs, and mandates coverage for mental health services for children and young adults who have experienced adverse life events without a specific diagnosis. Additionally, the bill directs the Agency of Human Services to develop a public option proposal for small business health coverage and requires proposals for sliding-scale cost-sharing in Medicaid.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all licensed Vermont educators to complete professional learning on evidence-based literacy instruction, with current teachers finishing by January 2025 and new teachers completing it within their second year of teaching. It also mandates that educator preparation programs be reviewed to ensure they teach evidence-based literacy practices and incorporates a new examination to test candidates on literacy fundamentals. Additionally, the bill extends the Advisory Council on Literacy through 2027 and transfers rulemaking authority for educator licensing from the Standards Board for Professional Educators to the Agency of Education. These changes aim to improve literacy outcomes for Vermont students by updating teacher training and oversight requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont's Motor Vehicles Commissioner to design and issue special license plates for veterans and active military members who have received specific military decorations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross or Silver Star. The legislation codifies existing special plate programs for veterans and expands eligibility to include recipients of various military awards, Pearl Harbor survivors, former prisoners of war, and veterans from specific conflicts. Eligible applicants must submit an application certified by the Office of Veterans' Affairs, and plates can only be transferred to the original holder or their surviving spouse. The bill mandates that new plate designs for decorated recipients be implemented by January 1, 2025, while maintaining all currently available veteran and military plates.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the intentional release of five or more helium-filled balloons within a 24-hour period in Vermont, with exceptions for indoor releases and scientific or meteorological purposes. The law defines balloons as flexible bags made from materials like rubber or nylon that can be inflated with lighter-than-air gas and sealed at the neck. Violations result in a civil penalty of up to $250, and enforcement is handled through the Judicial Bureau by municipal attorneys, environmental officers, or other authorized law enforcement personnel. The bill also adds balloon release violations to the Judicial Bureau's jurisdiction and takes effect on July 1, 2024.