Sen. Martine Gulick

Maddy summaryS.280 increases the property tax rate for nonhomestead residential properties (including second homes and short-term rentals) to $2.00 per $100 of property value, up from a lower rate. It also creates a new classification for nonhomestead seasonal properties (such as seasonal vacation homes), taxing them at the nonhomestead nonresidential rate. Additional revenue from the higher tax rate on nonhomestead residential properties will fund a new special school construction fund. This bill directly affects Vermont property owners who use homes as second residences or short-term rentals by raising their property tax burden.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires school districts without their own elementary or high schools to designate up to three eligible schools to serve as their public schools. Eligible schools include Vermont public schools, out-of-state public schools, or recognized independent schools meeting specific criteria (e.g., regional career training centers or historically designated schools). It repeals the "approved independent school" definition and process while maintaining the "recognized independent school" enrollment system, and adds a new definition for "therapeutic schools" with related special education tuition changes. The bill directly affects small school districts lacking their own K-12 facilities, altering how they access state education funding for student placements.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits hospitals and long-term care facilities in Vermont from requiring nurses to work mandatory overtime beyond their scheduled shifts, except during declared emergencies, ongoing medical procedures, or unforeseen disasters. It defines "mandatory overtime" as work exceeding agreed-upon shifts (max 12 hours in 24 hours or 48 hours in a workweek) and requires employers to first seek voluntary staff or agency nurses before mandating overtime. Employers must report all mandatory overtime instances to the Vermont Department of Health within 30 days, including justification and good-faith efforts to avoid it, and must provide nurses with at least 10 consecutive hours off duty after working extended shifts. The law applies to registered and licensed practical nurses directly providing patient care in covered facilities.

Maddy summaryS.265 requires Vermont school counselors to spend at least 80% of their time providing direct or indirect student services, such as academic, career, or social-emotional counseling, rather than administrative tasks. The bill defines "direct services" as face-to-face or virtual counseling with students and "indirect services" as counselor actions on behalf of students, while limiting "school support services" (like substitute teaching or testing coordination) to no more than 20% of their time. It applies to licensed school counselors or those with a master’s degree in counseling, as defined in the bill. The requirement takes effect July 1, 2026, aligning with the ASCA National Model recommendations.

Maddy summaryS.261 limits legal liability for railroads and utilities that allow the public to use their undeveloped property (like rights-of-way and utility corridors) for recreation. The bill defines "land" to specifically include these areas when open to the public, while excluding commercial recreational sites and equipment. This changes liability rules by clarifying that landowners aren't responsible for injuries on these recreational-access areas under Vermont law. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis Vermont bill (S.256) criminalizes threatening to disclose intimate images without consent to coerce someone into producing more images, engaging in sexual conduct, or providing something of value. It also expands existing voyeurism laws to cover non-consensual disclosure of images showing a person nude or engaged in sexual conduct, extending criminal statute of limitations for such acts and eliminating it for civil lawsuits. Victims can now seek damages for harm caused by intentional disclosure of their intimate images, including recovery for trauma-related disorders. The law directly affects individuals whose private images are exploited and those who threaten or disclose such images without consent.

Maddy summaryThis Vermont bill (S.241) prohibits mental health professionals and organizations from offering, providing, or advertising mental health services delivered by artificial intelligence systems, such as chatbots for therapy. It directly affects mental health service providers, AI developers, and companies marketing AI-driven mental health tools. The bill creates a $10,000 civil penalty per violation under consumer protection law and defines "mental health services" to include therapy, counseling, treatment plans, and emotional support. The legislation stems from research showing AI systems have given dangerous advice (including suicide plans) and failed to recognize mental health crises, aiming to ensure services are delivered by licensed professionals.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $750,000 for Vermont's dementia respite grant program to support unpaid family caregivers of people with dementia, with funds capped at $3,000 per person for individuals at or below 400% of the federal poverty level. It also allocates $100,000 for a one-year pilot program creating dementia-capable social activities in Rutland and Washington Counties, funding community organizations like senior centers with $25,000 grants. The respite program specifically covers in-home care, adult day services, and "out-of-home day" respite, prioritizing caregivers with high care burdens. It directly affects Vermonters with dementia and their 20,000 unpaid caregivers, who collectively provide 29 million hours of annual care.

Maddy summaryThis Vermont bill (S.245) amends health care statutes to require both patient and provider consent before recording telehealth appointments or audio-only phone consultations. It directly affects healthcare providers and patients using telemedicine services, clarifying that recordings may only occur with explicit agreement from both parties. The key provision adds a dual-consent requirement to existing rules prohibiting unauthorized recordings during virtual or phone health visits. The bill does not create new recording rights but establishes a clear consent mechanism for existing telehealth practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a Vermont family caregiver tax credit for residents who provide care to family members with long-term care needs. It allows eligible taxpayers to claim a refundable credit equal to 30% of qualified care expenses, up to $2,500 annually (adjusted for inflation after 2027), for expenses like respite care, adult daycare, and lost wages. To qualify, the care recipient must be a related family member aged 14+ with a medical condition that prevents them from performing two daily activities without help, and they cannot live in a licensed care facility. The credit is reduced for taxpayers with adjusted gross income over $125,000 and excludes expenses already claimed for child/dependent care. Households with eligible caregivers will also see their property tax credit eligibility expanded.