Sen. Dick Sears

Maddy summaryThis bill expands law enforcement powers by allowing warrantless arrests for certain misdemeanor crimes committed against healthcare workers in hospitals or by emergency medical treatment providers when there is probable cause. It increases penalties for criminal threats made with the intent to intimidate healthcare professionals for their work in providing medical services. The legislation also restricts law enforcement from removing patients from hospitals or emergency treatment scenes until they are stabilized or evaluated, and requires state agencies to report on de-escalation efforts and data collection related to the new arrest provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new forensic facility within the existing Vermont Psychiatric Care Hospital by July 1, 2024, to provide specialized care for individuals involved in the criminal justice system. The legislation requires the Department of Mental Health to update rules for involuntary psychiatric medications and begin drafting regulations for therapeutic community residences by late 2023. The Agency of Human Services must submit a staffing and programming plan to the General Assembly, while the relevant departments are required to provide annual reports on patient demographics, waitlist numbers, and emergency procedures from 2025 through 2030. Additionally, the bill creates a working group to assess whether forensic-level care is needed for individuals with intellectual disabilities who are charged with violent crimes or found incompetent to stand trial.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands access to certain health care services in Vermont by requiring health insurance plans and Medicaid to cover gender-affirming and abortion-related services. It protects health care providers from professional disciplinary action or insurance premium increases when they provide legally protected health care activities. The legislation also allows pharmacists to prescribe emergency contraception, permits vending machines to dispense contraceptives at pharmacies and colleges, and restricts how pregnancy centers can advertise their services. Additionally, it limits when health information about these services can be shared and requires state agencies to track access to reproductive and gender-affirming care.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses support for the ongoing resilience and growth of Abenaki communities in Vermont and encourages greater appreciation and respect for Abenaki culture throughout the year. The measure specifically highlights the historical context of discrimination against Indigenous people in Vermont, including state-sanctioned eugenics practices, and acknowledges recent legislative steps such as state recognition of specific Abenaki tribes, an official apology for past harms, and policies promoting cultural recognition. The resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to send a copy to the Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs and to each recognized Abenaki tribe and band. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal statement of legislative intent and solidarity.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that congratulates the Bennington Rural Fire Department on its 70th anniversary. It directly affects the Bennington Rural Fire Department by formally recognizing its history and contributions to rural fire protection in Bennington, Vermont. The resolution provides a brief historical overview of the department's establishment in 1953, its growth through volunteer efforts and facility expansions, and its current volunteer-based structure. The Vermont General Assembly directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of this resolution to the department as an official acknowledgment.

Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a House concurrent resolution that formally congratulates the Bennington Rescue Squad on its 60th anniversary. The resolution acknowledges the organization's history, which began in 1963 as a volunteer group that evolved into a professional emergency medical service providing care to the Bennington, Woodford, and Shaftsbury communities. It recognizes the Squad's growth from a volunteer operation to a full-time professional organization with advanced capabilities including snowmobile rescue and telemedicine services. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the Bennington Rescue Squad as a formal record of the General Assembly's appreciation.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution honoring Lisa Byer for her 25-year contribution to Catamount Access Television in Bennington. It recognizes her leadership in advancing the station's digital capabilities, expanding channel offerings, and advocating for community access television systems. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the honor to Ms. Byer and the television station.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal presumption that court trials must be open to the public unless specific conditions are met. It directly affects judges, court staff, and the general public by requiring written justification before any trial proceedings can be closed. Under the new rules, judges must document in writing that closing a trial is necessary to protect a compelling interest and that the closure is narrowly tailored to address that specific concern. The legislation also maintains existing protections for minors in cases involving scandalous or obscene content, while requiring judges to exclude them unless they are parties or witnesses to the case.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont establishments with liquor licenses to carry dram shop liability insurance covering bodily injury or death. Beginning January 1, 2024, the Board of Liquor and Lottery will not issue or renew first- or third-class liquor licenses without proof of insurance providing at least $250,000 coverage per person and $500,000 per accident. The insurance must be filed with the Board and comply with state property and casualty insurance regulations. This change directly affects licensed liquor providers in Vermont by making insurance coverage a condition of their operating licenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates The Wilson House in East Dorset, Vermont, on its 35th anniversary. It does not create new laws or change any policies, but instead formally acknowledges the facility's history and its role as a recovery-focused destination. The resolution recognizes the building's significance as the birthplace of Bill Wilson, a co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, and notes its status as a historic site and recovery center. The Vermont General Assembly directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of this congratulatory message to The Wilson House.