Sen. Martine Gulick

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Vermont's Agency of Natural Resources to develop a plan for restricting consumer products containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, which are chemicals linked to health and environmental concerns. The plan must identify which products pose risks, establish how manufacturers report PFAS content, define key terms, and outline how the public will receive information about these substances. The agency must gather input from various stakeholders and submit the implementation plan and draft legislation by November 1, 2024, to relevant state committees. The law takes effect on July 1, 2024, and includes pesticides in the definition of consumer products subject to this process.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Vermont to join the federal Restaurant Meals Program, allowing eligible SNAP recipients to use their benefits at participating restaurants instead of buying groceries. It requires the state to develop eligibility criteria for restaurants and provides funding for a new staff position to help restaurants apply and participate. The legislation also mandates a transition plan by January 2025 to adjust 3SquaresVT benefit calculations to 30 percent of the federal moderate-cost food plan, which would increase benefits for some recipients.

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 legislative resolution designates February 16, 2024, as Vermont Outdoor Recreation Day at the State House to honor the state's natural landscape and outdoor activities. The measure recognizes Vermont's extensive trail systems, wildlife areas, and ski resorts as important assets for the economy, community well-being, and quality of life. While the resolution does not create new laws or funding, it formally acknowledges the value of outdoor recreation and directs state officials to be notified of the designation. The bill was passed by both the Senate and House without requiring a vote, following standard procedure for ceremonial resolutions.

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 bill allows Vermont residents who are honorably discharged veterans to request a "veteran" designation on their driver's licenses and identification cards by submitting proof of service and status confirmation from the Office of Veterans' Affairs. It also authorizes the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Office of Veterans' Affairs to jointly determine specialty license plates that recognize specific military awards, combat service, or veteran status, including options for Purple Heart recipients, Pearl Harbor survivors, former prisoners of war, and disabled veterans. The legislation requires applicants to provide Department of Defense Form 214 or equivalent documentation to verify their veteran status before the designation is added to their credentials. Additionally, the bill mandates that one side of any veteran specialty plate feature an American flag or a veteran-related emblem selected by the Commissioner and the Office of Veterans' Affairs.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require law enforcement officers in Vermont to detain a driver for a separate violation before issuing a ticket for specific motor vehicle infractions. It directly affects drivers who are pulled over and the officers who enforce traffic laws by changing how certain violations are handled. The law lists ten specific offenses, such as driving without a license, operating an uninspected vehicle, and having broken taillights, that can only be enforced as secondary violations. This means an officer must have a reason to stop the driver for another issue, like speeding or a broken taillight, before they can cite them for these particular offenses. The changes would take effect on July 1, 2024.

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 creates a new Community Care, Health, and Safety Fund to provide grants for community-based services that reduce harm from drug use and support people with substance use disorders. It eliminates misdemeanor criminal penalties for possessing or dispensing a personal use supply of regulated drugs, requiring instead that individuals be offered information about available services and access to needs assessments. The legislation designates 40 percent of cannabis excise tax revenue and a portion of opioid abatement funds to finance these services, while establishing an advisory board to determine what constitutes a benchmark personal use supply. The bill also authorizes monetary incentives for participation in needs assessments and aims to shift resources from prosecution toward prevention, treatment, and harm reduction strategies.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal right for tenants and homeowners in Vermont to install electric vehicle charging equipment at their residence, affecting landlords, property managers, and residents of rental properties and common interest communities. The law requires landlords to approve written tenant requests for charging equipment installation, provided the property already has at least 10% of parking spaces equipped with chargers, offers parking as part of the lease, or has fewer than five parking spaces. Tenants must cover installation costs, pay for electricity usage, and maintain liability insurance, while landlords cannot be forced to create new parking spaces or provide additional infrastructure beyond existing property rules.