Sen. Tanya Vyhovsky

Maddy summaryVermont's S.51 creates a $1,000-per-child refundable tax credit for residents with children under age 6, regardless of whether they or their children have a federal tax ID number. It also expands the state's earned income tax credit to cover individuals who qualify federally but lack required tax IDs, and adjusts exclusions for Social Security and Civil Service retirement income based on income thresholds (e.g., full exclusion for single filers earning ≤$55,000 or married couples ≤$70,000). The bill directly affects low-to-moderate-income families, retirees, and individuals with limited access to federal tax IDs. Signed into law by Governor on June 25, 2025, it modifies Vermont's tax code to broaden eligibility for existing federal credit programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S.53) expands Vermont Medicaid coverage to include community-based perinatal doula services. It requires the Department of Vermont Health Access to seek federal approval for this coverage by July 1, 2026, with coverage becoming effective on that date or after federal approval, whichever comes later (per 33 V.S.A. § 1901n). The law directly affects Vermont Medicaid recipients seeking perinatal doula care and the doulas providing these services. The policy change mandates Medicaid reimbursement for doula services following the state’s federal approval process.

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 bill amends Vermont's legislative structure to establish an Office of New Americans Study Committee, not a new agency. It requires the Governor to appoint six committee members, including one New American with lived experience nominated by a specific community organization (e.g., Association of Africans Living in Vermont or Migrant Justice). The committee's purpose is to study issues affecting New Americans in Vermont, with membership directly reflecting input from key immigrant-serving organizations. The bill passed both chambers and was signed into law by the Governor on May 21, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes several amendments to the Vermont State Employees’ Retirement System, primarily impacting Group G members. It revises the definitions for Group G membership, alters how their normal retirement allowance is calculated, and adjusts their contribution rates, which will transition from a quartile-based system to fixed percentages by fiscal year 2026. The bill also allows members to earn creditable service for temporary or seasonal State employment and expands the circumstances for receiving creditable service for prior military service without contributions. Finally, it establishes a statutory contractual right for all members of the System.

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 summaryThis bill, S.28, aims to protect access to and the provision of certain legally protected health care services, specifically reproductive and gender-affirming care. It expands legal protections for individuals who aid or encourage these services, even if their actions occur in other U.S. jurisdictions. The bill also prevents professional disciplinary action against Vermont-licensed health care providers solely for offering these services, regardless of other states' laws. Additionally, it enhances the privacy of licensed professionals by exempting their personal contact information from public records and seeks to ensure transparent and accurate information from pregnancy service centers.

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 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 summaryThis resolution congratulates Caitlin MacLeod-Bluver of Winooski High School on her selection as the 2025 Vermont Teacher of the Year. It also recognizes Jeremy DeMink of Edmunds Middle School and Sonya Shedd of Wolcott Elementary School as Distinguished Finalists for the award.