Sen. Tanya Vyhovsky

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 joint resolution urges U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to follow the expedited asylum hearing rules established in the Afghan Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2022. The bill specifically affects Afghan nationals who were paroled into the United States under Operation Allies Welcome and are seeking asylum. Under the referenced law, these applicants are entitled to have their initial asylum interviews conducted within 45 days and final decisions made within 150 days, but many cases have exceeded these timelines. The resolution requests that USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou and the Vermont Congressional Delegation receive a copy of this urging to ensure compliance with the statutory deadlines.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes municipal and regional civilian oversight boards to receive and investigate complaints against local law enforcement agencies and officers. These new boards would have the authority to hire staff, publish public reports on substantiated investigations, and make recommendations to the Vermont Criminal Justice Council regarding officer discipline and training. The legislation also mandates that law enforcement agencies report certain serious complaints to oversight boards within seven business days and prohibits the approval of chokehold training except for prevention-focused instruction. Additionally, the bill creates a grant program funded by a $500,000 appropriation to help municipalities implement these oversight boards.

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 designates April 2023 as Donate Life Awareness Month in Vermont to raise public awareness about organ and tissue donation. It directly affects Vermont residents by encouraging them to register as organ donors through the Department of Motor Vehicles. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies to relevant health and motor vehicle officials and Donate Life Vermont to coordinate awareness activities. The bill highlights the national need for organ donors, noting that many people wait for transplants while others die daily, and celebrates Vermont's high rate of donor registration.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an optional ranked-choice voting system for presidential primary elections in Vermont towns, cities, and villages. Local municipalities can choose to adopt this system by voting at their annual or special meetings, allowing voters to rank candidates in order of preference rather than selecting just one. The bill outlines specific rules for how votes are counted across multiple rounds, including procedures for eliminating candidates with the fewest votes and transferring their ballots to voters' next choices. Once adopted, the system remains in effect until the local community votes to discontinue it, with transparency requirements for reporting vote totals and inactive ballots.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Vermont's Pension Investment Commission to divest state pension funds from fossil fuel industry investments by December 31, 2030, while also setting a longer-term goal to eliminate all private fossil fuel investments by December 31, 2040. The legislation applies to the Vermont State Employees' Retirement System, the Vermont Teachers' Retirement System, and the Vermont Municipal Employees' Retirement System, requiring the Commission to develop a divestment plan that considers fiduciary obligations and potential impacts on funding requirements. The bill includes specific definitions for fossil fuel exposure, allows for exceptions for small investments under two percent of the portfolio, and mandates regular reports to state committees on progress and financial impacts. Additionally, the act appropriates $127,000 in 2024 to fund a staff position to support the review, planning, and reporting requirements of the divestment process.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new minimum requirements for certifying law enforcement officers in Vermont, mandating that applicants be at least 25 years old and hold a bachelor's or advanced degree from an accredited institution. The changes apply to new certification requests starting July 1, 2024, while exempting officers who were already certified before that date from meeting these new standards. The legislation updates Vermont state law to create these eligibility criteria without affecting the current status of existing certified officers.

Maddy summaryThis bill reduces the use of cash bail in Vermont by prohibiting courts from requiring bail for most misdemeanor offenses at initial court appearances, with limited exceptions for specific serious crimes like domestic assault and child abuse where bail is capped at $200. It also directs the Vermont Sentencing Commission to develop a plan for eliminating cash bail entirely by consulting with community organizations and experts, while establishing an electronic notification system to remind defendants of court dates to reduce missed appearances. The immediate changes take effect on July 1, 2025, with additional reports and recommendations due to the General Assembly by December 2023 and December 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that formally congratulates the 2023 Winooski High School Spartans boys' basketball team on winning the Division III state championship. The resolution recognizes the team's 57-52 victory over Hazen Union High School, their first state title in 12 years, and their undefeated season with 22 wins. It specifically names the 11 players and four coaches who contributed to the championship and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Winooski High School. This is a ceremonial measure that does not change laws or policies but serves to acknowledge the team's athletic achievement.