Sen. Rob Plunkett

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state-funded program to provide medical debt relief for eligible Vermont residents. It appropriates $1 million to contract with a nonprofit entity to acquire and abolish qualifying medical debts, ensuring these debts are removed from individuals' credit reports. The legislation also prohibits credit reporting agencies, large healthcare facilities, and medical debt collectors from reporting medical debt information. Furthermore, large healthcare facilities are restricted from selling medical debt unless it is to a nonprofit for the express purpose of debt abolition. Finally, the bill clarifies the definition of "behavioral health" in state statutes to avoid stigmatization.

Maddy summaryBill S 18 establishes a licensing framework for freestanding birth centers in the state. It requires facilities providing midwifery care and low-risk deliveries, independent of hospitals, to obtain a license from the Department of Health. Operators must apply, pay a $250 fee, and pass inspections to ensure compliance with safety and health standards. The bill specifically prohibits these licensed birth centers from offering epidural anesthesia or performing cesarean deliveries. The Department of Health is authorized to conduct inspections, enforce compliance, and revoke licenses for non-adherence to the established requirements.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 11 (SR 11) is a resolution from the Vermont Senate that acknowledges and supports the historic and productive relationships between the United States, Vermont, and Canada. The resolution formally urges President Trump to remove all tariffs he has imposed on Canadian imports and to refrain from implementing any new tariffs. It also directs the Vermont Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to relevant state, national, and Canadian officials.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Timothy Burgess, a dedicated member of the Bennington Rural Fire Department since 1976. It recognizes his extensive service and contributions to firefighting and fire prevention efforts both locally and statewide in Vermont.

Maddy summaryHouse Concurrent Resolution 140 commemorates the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. It also honors U.S. Army veterans who reside at the Vermont Veterans' Home.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 14 (SR 14) is a Vermont Senate resolution that strongly urges two federal agencies, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to take specific action. It calls for these agencies to quickly establish and implement a national reserve and distribution system for avian influenza vaccines. This proposed system is intended to support small and medium-sized poultry farms.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (JRS 15) is a symbolic statement of support for Vermont's transgender and non-binary community, not a new law. It reaffirms Vermont's existing commitments to anti-discrimination protections in areas like employment, housing, and healthcare, as well as its policies allowing gender marker changes on vital records and protecting gender-affirming care. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the Pride Center of Vermont and Outright Vermont. It does not create new legal obligations or alter current policies.

Maddy summaryHCR 124 is a House concurrent resolution that congratulates the Bennington Free Library on its 160th anniversary. It recognizes the library's history and contributions to the community, and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the library.

Maddy summaryHCR 125 is a House concurrent resolution commemorating the 30th anniversary of Garlic Town U.S.A., a festival celebrating "flavor, community, and tradition." The General Assembly acknowledges the festival's history and growth, directing the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce.

Maddy summaryBill S 9 establishes a process for individuals to seek and obtain emergency temporary orders against sexual assault outside of regular court hours, including on weekends and holidays. It directs the Court Administrator to create specific procedures for this after-hours access. Key provisions include designating authorized personnel to receive requests and allowing electronic submission of complaints and affidavits. Judicial officers can then review these submissions and issue orders remotely, which can require a defendant to stay away from the plaintiff.