Sen. Thomas Chittenden

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Vermont laws governing how individuals needing psychiatric care are transported to medical facilities. It requires that warrants for emergency examinations be based on facts personally observed by mental health professionals or law enforcement, and allows officers to take people into temporary custody only when there is probable cause they pose a risk of harm to themselves or others. The law also mandates that law enforcement vehicles carry soft restraints as the first option, with mechanical restraints used only when necessary for safety. Additionally, the Department of Mental Health must submit a report to the General Assembly proposing ways to improve the warrant process and reduce delays in accessing care.

Maddy summaryThis bill regulates the sale and transport of used catalytic converters in Vermont to help prevent vehicle theft. It limits scrap metal processors to buying no more than one converter per day from individuals who are not motor vehicle recyclers or repair shops, and requires anyone transporting multiple converters to mark each with the vehicle identification number and provide proof of ownership documentation. Sellers must present government-issued identification, and processors must keep detailed records for five years, report undocumented sales to authorities, and hold items for ten days if proper documentation is missing. The law also establishes penalties for violations, requires unannounced inspections of salvage yards, and mandates public outreach and training to educate sellers, processors, and law enforcement on the new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands law enforcement powers by allowing warrantless arrests for certain misdemeanor crimes committed against healthcare workers in hospitals or by emergency medical treatment providers when there is probable cause. It increases penalties for criminal threats made with the intent to intimidate healthcare professionals for their work in providing medical services. The legislation also restricts law enforcement from removing patients from hospitals or emergency treatment scenes until they are stabilized or evaluated, and requires state agencies to report on de-escalation efforts and data collection related to the new arrest provisions.

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 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 legislative resolution formally congratulates individuals who achieved significant scouting milestones in 2022. It honors 35 young people who earned the Eagle Scout rank and one individual, Katherine Lewis, who received the Summit Award for Venturing. The General Assembly directs the Secretary of State to send copies of this recognition to each person named in the resolution. This ceremonial document acknowledges their accomplishments but does not create new laws or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals the sales tax exemption for advanced wood boilers in Vermont, meaning these heating systems will no longer be exempt from sales tax starting July 1, 2025. The change directly affects homeowners and businesses purchasing advanced wood boilers, which will then be subject to the standard sales tax rate. The legislation amends existing state tax code sections to remove the exemption and makes the repeal effective on June 30, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution designates April 18, 2023, as USS VERMONT Day in Vermont to honor the submarine and its crew. The bill formally recognizes the vessel, which was commissioned in 2020 and is the third U.S. Navy ship named after Vermont, and celebrates the service of its officers and enlisted personnel. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the USS VERMONT and its support group. This is a commemorative measure that does not change laws or policies but serves to acknowledge military service.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Vermont's local option tax laws to allow municipalities to impose specific taxes as an alternative revenue source. It authorizes local governments to vote on adding a one percent sales tax, meals and alcoholic beverages tax, or rooms tax. The legislation also validates local option tax votes from 2022, permitting those approved taxes to be assessed at the 2022 annual municipal meeting. Municipalities must meet specific criteria related to education tax rates or property values before adopting these taxes, and the act takes effect on July 1, 2023.