Sen. Brian Collamore

Maddy summaryThis Vermont bill (S 64) creates a new "advanced therapeutic procedures specialty" for optometrists, allowing them to perform specific eye treatments currently restricted to ophthalmologists. It permits optometrists with this specialty to conduct procedures like removing superficial eye foreign bodies, minor lesion excisions (e.g., chalazia), corneal crosslinking, certain laser treatments (capsulotomy, iridotomy), and targeted injections (e.g., for chalazia or subconjunctival therapy). The bill explicitly prohibits optometrists from performing complex surgeries such as LASIK, corneal transplants, retinal procedures, or injections into the vitreous chamber. This directly affects licensed optometrists in Vermont who pursue the specialty and expands patient access to certain eye care services within defined boundaries.

Maddy summaryVermont's S.157 establishes a voluntary certification program for recovery residences (temporary housing for people recovering from substance use disorders) through the Department of Health. To become certified, residences must meet standards including peer-support certification, compliance with health/safety rules, transparent complaint procedures, and annual reporting of resident data like stay length and employment outcomes. The bill also requires certified residences to follow specific exit policies for residents violating safety or substance use rules, with strict conditions for immediate transfers. This applies directly to recovery residences seeking certification, not to residents themselves, and mandates annual data reporting to both the Department of Health and state legislative committees.

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 Eric Palmer, the Director of Fisheries for the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, for his leadership and contributions to the state's fisheries management. It recognizes his career achievements, including the successful restoration of lake trout in Lake Champlain and his role in advancing staff development and conservation projects. The resolution formally thanks him for his service as he concludes his tenure in 2026 and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the honor to him.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution congratulates George Luke Taggart of Castleton on reaching his 100th birthday. It highlights his life story, including his military service in the U.S. Army, his career in construction, and his community involvement in Vermont. The document formally recognizes his achievements and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to him.

Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a House concurrent resolution that formally congratulates the Fair Haven Union High School Slaters bowling team on winning the 2026 Vermont State championship. The resolution highlights the team's achievement of securing their second consecutive title by defeating several other schools in the playoffs, including the top-seeded Randolph Galloping Ghosts. It specifically names the twelve student athletes and their two coaches who contributed to the victory. Finally, the bill directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of this official recognition to the high school.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates Terese Black on being named the 2026 Vermont Mother of the Year. It recognizes her extensive community service, including her work as a former teacher and director of a program helping formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate into society. The text highlights her dedication to various volunteer roles and her faith as reasons for receiving this honor. Finally, it directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Ms. Black.

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 prohibits Vermont school districts and approved independent schools from serving foods or beverages containing six specific artificial dyes (Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6) during the school day as part of lunch, breakfast, or competitive food programs. It applies to all foods served on campus between school hours, excluding items sold off-campus or after 12:00 midnight. The ban takes effect July 1, 2027, with no impact on foods sold outside school hours or off-campus. The bill directly affects school food programs serving students in Vermont public and independent schools.