Sen. Ann Cummings

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Affordable Heat Act, creates a new Clean Heat Standard program to help Vermont meet its greenhouse gas reduction goals by shifting away from fossil fuel heating in homes and businesses. It establishes a system where regulated utilities and fuel importers must purchase tradeable clean heat credits to fund efficiency upgrades, weatherization, and electrification projects that reduce emissions. The program prioritizes low and moderate-income households with high energy burdens and aims to use available federal funding to keep costs low for customers. The Public Utility Commission is given authority to set rules, designate default service providers, and enforce compliance with the credit requirements.

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 Vermont bill requires insurance companies to keep individual and small group health insurance markets separate for plan years 2024 and 2025. The law mandates that carriers calculate and file premiums for these two markets independently, applying community rating rules separately to each group. This change directly affects registered insurance carriers and the people who purchase health plans through the individual and small group markets in Vermont.

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 bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates the U-32 Raiders boys' ice hockey team for winning the 2023 Division II state championship. It recognizes the team's remarkable victory in the longest-ever Division II championship game, which required two overtimes to decide. The resolution formally acknowledges the players and coaching staff and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to the team. This measure has no policy impact beyond honoring the team's athletic achievement.

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 Senate resolution reaffirms the friendship between Vermont and Taiwan and expresses support for strengthening bilateral relations between both U.S. and state levels. The measure highlights existing trade and cooperation, noting that Taiwan is Vermont's second-largest export destination and the two regions have established agreements like driver's license reciprocity. It specifically calls for establishing a memorandum of understanding to increase educational exchanges and cooperation between Vermont and Taiwan. The resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to send copies to relevant U.S. and Taiwanese officials, including the President and the Vermont Governor.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution congratulates the 2023 Spaulding High School Crimson Tide girls' ice hockey team for winning their first Division I state championship since 2010. The bill formally recognizes the team's achievement after they moved from Division II to Division I and won the championship game against the Burlington/Colchester SeaLakers with a 4-1 victory. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Spaulding High School as an official acknowledgment of their accomplishment. The measure does not change any laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial tribute to the team and its coaches.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates August 31 as Overdose Awareness Day in Vermont to raise awareness about drug overdoses and honor those affected by them. The legislation requires the Vermont State flag to be flown at half-staff on all state-owned flagpoles each August 31 to mark the observance. It also adds these provisions to the state code and includes a clause that will repeal the designation in 2033. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2023, and is based on findings about rising opioid-related deaths in the state.