Sen. Dave Weeks

Maddy summaryThis Vermont bill directs the Office of Professional Regulation to review whether doulas should be regulated through registration, certification, or licensure, with results due by January 2025. It also requires the Department of Vermont Health Access to calculate the estimated costs of adding doula services to Medicaid coverage and recommend whether to include them in the state's health plan. The bill defines a qualified doula as one who is registered, certified, or licensed by the state, and mandates that any Medicaid coverage for these services only apply to doulas meeting those standards.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution officially recognizes May 6-12, 2024, as National Nurses Week in Vermont and designates May 9, 2024, as ANA-Vermont Hill Day at the State House. The measure honors the nursing profession by acknowledging nurses' contributions to healthcare, particularly during the pandemic, and invites the public to express gratitude to nurses on that date. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to ANA-Vermont, the organization overseeing the commemoration. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal acknowledgment of the nursing profession's importance.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how Vermont courts decide bail and release conditions by requiring judges to consider a defendant's compliance with court orders and past court appearances. It removes a $200 bail limit for certain misdemeanor charges when defendants face additional crimes while awaiting trial and allows new release options like pretrial supervision and expanded home detention. The law also clarifies how firearm use in drug trafficking counts as a violent act for bail decisions and makes community restitution a formal sentencing alternative. Additionally, it requires oversight committees to review funding and operations for pretrial programs and mandates a self-review by the Corrections Monitoring Commission to improve efficiency.

Maddy summaryThis Vermont law, known as the "Vermont Ghost Guns Act," prohibits individuals from possessing, transferring, or manufacturing firearms, firearm frames, or receivers without a serial number. The bill requires that any unfinished firearm parts or completed guns be imprinted with a serial number by a federally licensed firearms dealer, importer, or manufacturer before they can be legally owned or sold. Exceptions are made for licensed dealers, law enforcement, antique firearms, permanently inoperable guns, and weapons made before 1968. Violations result in civil penalties for simple possession of unserialized parts and criminal charges including fines and imprisonment for transferring or manufacturing unserialized firearms, with harsher penalties for carrying such weapons during violent crimes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a temporary Vermont Sister State Program Working Group to develop a state program that would create partnerships between Vermont and other countries or provinces. The Working Group includes representatives from state agencies such as Commerce, Education, and Agriculture, along with leaders from the Vermont Arts Council and Council on World Affairs. The group will study existing sister state programs, gather stakeholder input, and make recommendations on how to fund, administer, and structure the program, with goals including fostering cultural exchange, supporting immigrant communities, and maintaining connections with military and aid organizations. The Working Group must submit an initial report by February 2025 and a final report with recommendations by November 2025, and it will dissolve on March 31, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis legislative document is a Senate concurrent resolution that formally honors the nearly 40 years of service by former Vermont Senate Dean Richard T. Mazza. The resolution recognizes his long tenure in the Vermont legislature, including his work on transportation committees and his role in chairing the Transportation Committee. It acknowledges his contributions to Vermont infrastructure, preservation efforts, and his promotion of civility within the Senate. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to former Senator Mazza as an official acknowledgment of his service.

Maddy summaryThis Senate concurrent resolution honors Senator Robert A. Starr of the Orleans District for his decades of distinguished public service in Vermont. The document recognizes his long career in local government, including roles on the town zoning board, school board, and civil authority, as well as his extensive legislative service spanning over 45 years. It highlights his leadership on agricultural issues, particularly dairy farming, and his work supporting Vermont's farmland preservation efforts. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Senator Starr as an official acknowledgment of his contributions.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate concurrent resolution that honors Senator Richard McCormack for his dedicated service in the Vermont Senate. It recognizes his 35 years of representing the Windsor Senate District, his work as an environmentalist and educator, and his leadership roles including Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy Chair. The resolution formally acknowledges his contributions to public service and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Senator McCormack. This type of legislative action serves as a formal recognition rather than creating new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate concurrent resolution honors Dr. David Baasch of Wallingford for his contributions to dentistry and community service. The bill recognizes his professional leadership roles, including his service on the Vermont Board of Dental Examiners and his involvement with various dental organizations. It also acknowledges his humanitarian work, such as medical missions to Zimbabwe and his foundation supporting education in developing countries. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Dr. Baasch as a formal recognition of his achievements.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that formally congratulates the 2024 Fair Haven Union High School Slaters Division II championship girls' basketball team for winning their state title. The resolution recognizes the team's victory in a 55-50 game against North Country Falcons and acknowledges the players, coaches, and support staff who contributed to their success. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Fair Haven Union High School as an official record of the General Assembly's congratulations. This is a ceremonial measure with no policy changes or funding implications.