Sen. Tanya Vyhovsky

Maddy summaryS.89, "Jessica’s Law," expands Vermont's survivor benefits to cover families of law enforcement officers, Department of Corrections employees (in direct security/treatment roles), Family Services Division staff, and employees at state-operated therapeutic communities or inpatient psychiatric hospitals who die while on duty or from work-related illnesses. The bill adds these groups to the existing definition of "emergency personnel" under Vermont law, ensuring they qualify for the same survivor benefits previously available to firefighters and emergency medical staff. Benefits would be paid to surviving spouses, then children, then parents if no immediate family remains, following current distribution rules. The law takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a Senate concurrent resolution that formally honors Professor Jessica Holmes for her public service on Vermont's Green Mountain Care Board. The document recognizes her contributions to healthcare regulation, including her work on reducing wait times and managing resources, as well as her role as interim chair during leadership transitions. It highlights her professional background in health economics and her academic achievements at Middlebury College, Yale, and Colgate. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the honor to Professor Holmes, serving as a commemorative gesture rather than a change in law or policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors Dennis Miles, the General Assembly Doorkeeper, for his long service to the Vermont legislature and its staff. It recognizes his 41-year career as an educator and coach before he joined the General Assembly in 2014, where he has managed building security and mentored legislative pages for over a dozen years. The resolution formally acknowledges his dedication and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to him as a gesture of appreciation.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors General Assembly Head Doorkeeper Michael Wiater and his wife, Donna Wiater, for their long careers in Vermont state government. It recognizes Mike Wiater's background as a former soldier and state police officer before he spent over two decades facilitating the orderly operation of the State House, while also acknowledging Donna Wiater's work as an administrative assistant. The document serves to express gratitude for their public service and officially extends best wishes for their future as they conclude their tenures in 2026. Finally, it directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of this honor to the couple.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that formally congratulates the 2025 Green Mountain Council Class of Eagle Scouts in Vermont. It recognizes the specific achievements of 43 individuals who earned the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America during that year. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to each of the named scouts as an official acknowledgment of their accomplishment.

Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a House concurrent resolution that formally congratulates Dr. Lesley-Ann Dupigny-Giroux on receiving the Mani L. Bhaumik Award for Public Engagement with Science. The resolution recognizes her distinguished career as a University of Vermont professor and Vermont State Climatologist, highlighting her extensive work in climate research and education. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Dr. Dupigny-Giroux as an official acknowledgment of her achievement. This measure does not alter any laws or policies but serves to honor her contributions to science and public engagement.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate concurrent resolution that formally honors Dr. Lewis R. First and the University of Vermont Medical Center for their contributions to pediatric care. The measure recognizes Dr. First's distinguished career, including his long tenure as the chair of pediatrics at the University of Vermont and his leadership at Golisano Children's Hospital. It highlights his professional achievements, such as editing a major medical journal and receiving numerous awards for his work in education and healthcare. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Dr. First and the relevant medical institutions.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution reaffirms the friendship between Vermont and Taiwan on the 27th anniversary of their sister-state relationship and expresses support for stronger bilateral ties. The bill highlights existing economic and trade benefits, noting that Taiwan is Vermont's most valuable Asian export destination, and calls for establishing a Vermont trade office in Taiwan to further enhance business connections. It also supports increased cooperation in areas like education and Mandarin language teaching, as well as Taiwan's participation in international organizations such as the World Health Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization. The resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to send copies to relevant state and national officials, including the U.S. President and the President of Taiwan.

Maddy summarySenate Bill S 154 requires health insurance plans and Vermont's Medicaid program to provide coverage for biomarker testing. This testing analyzes a patient's samples to identify biological characteristics relevant to a disease or condition. Coverage is mandated for the diagnosis, treatment, management, and ongoing monitoring of a patient's disease. Such coverage is required when the test is supported by medical and scientific evidence, including FDA approvals, Medicare/Medicaid determinations, or nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines. The bill also specifies that coverage should be provided in a way that minimizes disruptions to patient care.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont legislators and statewide elected executive officers (like the governor or secretary of state) to disclose details about travel paid for by non-state sources. They must report the purpose, itinerary, all expenses (including transportation, lodging, and meals), and who paid for each cost - whether it was the state, their personal funds, or entities like lobbyists or political groups. Disclosures must be filed within 30 days of travel costs being incurred, including a signed verification of accuracy. The law aims to increase transparency around travel funded outside government budgets, effective July 1, 2026.