Sen. Phil Baruth

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution urges Vermont state agencies to protect the civil rights, medical confidentiality, and personal privacy of residents diagnosed with autism, in response to federal plans for an autism research database. It specifically addresses concerns that the federal database - collecting medical records and wearable device data - could use sensitive health information without explicit consent. The resolution directs agencies to safeguard this data and references Illinois' similar privacy protections for autism-related information. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but calls for proactive privacy safeguards.

Maddy summaryThis procedural resolution adjusts Vermont's legislative schedule by directing that if both the Senate and House adjourn on Friday, May 23, 2025, they will reconvene no later than Tuesday, May 27, 2025. It affects only the state legislature's calendar, ensuring a shorter recess between sessions. The key provision extends the required meeting date to avoid a weekend break following the adjournment. The resolution was adopted by both chambers on May 22, 2025.

Maddy summaryJRS 26 is a joint resolution that establishes a specific adjournment schedule for the Vermont Senate and House of Representatives. It mandates that when both houses adjourn on Friday, May 16, 2025, they will reconvene no later than Tuesday, May 20, 2025. This resolution affects the legislative calendar for the state's lawmakers.

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 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 summaryJRS 25 is a joint resolution establishing a specific legislative schedule for the Vermont Senate and House of Representatives. It dictates that when both houses adjourn on Friday, May 9, 2025, they will reconvene no later than Tuesday, May 13, 2025. This resolution affects the operational timeline for the state legislature.

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 summaryJRS 24 is a joint resolution that sets the adjournment schedule for the Vermont Senate and House of Representatives. It stipulates that when both houses adjourn on Friday, May 2, 2025, they will reconvene no later than Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill approves an amendment to the City of Burlington's charter, which directly affects individuals within the city who possess firearms and patronize establishments serving alcohol. The amendment establishes a ban on knowingly possessing firearms in premises licensed to serve alcoholic beverages in Burlington. However, it includes specific exceptions for certain types of licensed premises, law enforcement, military personnel, and the premises' license holder. Violations of this ban can result in either criminal penalties, such as fines or imprisonment, or civil penalties.

Maddy summaryVermont's Senate passed Resolution SR 13 to formally object to the arrest and detention of Mohsen Mahdawi, a White River Junction resident and U.S. green card holder with a decade-long permanent residency. The resolution demands that U.S. immigration authorities afford Mahdawi due process and release him immediately, citing his arrest while en route to a citizenship interview without explanation. It directs Vermont's Senate Secretary to send the resolution to the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, ICE leadership, and Vermont's congressional delegation. As a symbolic resolution, it does not change laws but expresses the state's position on this specific case.