Sen. Nader Hashim

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 bill honors Eugene Uman and Elsa Borrero for their 25 years of leadership at the Vermont Jazz Center and their artistic and educational achievements. It formally recognizes their work in transforming the center into a year-round jazz hub that offers performances, educational programs, and archival resources. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to the couple and the Vermont Jazz Center.

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 is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates World Learning Inc. on its 90th anniversary. It recognizes the organization's long history of international educational programs, including its role in training Peace Corps volunteers and supporting refugee resettlement efforts. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to World Learning Inc. as a formal acknowledgment of its contributions. This type of bill does not change laws or policies but serves to honor the organization's achievements.

Maddy summaryThis House concurrent resolution congratulates the River Valley Technical Center culinary and management teams for winning the Vermont championship at the 2023 NYSRAEF ProStart Invitational. The bill recognizes the students who competed in this national student competition for culinary and restaurant management careers, which is organized by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the River Valley Technical Center as a formal acknowledgment of their achievement. The measure does not create new laws or funding but serves as an official commendation from the General Assembly to the participating students and their mentors.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new minimum requirements for certifying law enforcement officers in Vermont, mandating that applicants be at least 25 years old and hold a bachelor's or advanced degree from an accredited institution. The changes apply to new certification requests starting July 1, 2024, while exempting officers who were already certified before that date from meeting these new standards. The legislation updates Vermont state law to create these eligibility criteria without affecting the current status of existing certified officers.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a temporary Legislative Energy Storage Study Committee to evaluate the costs and benefits of energy storage for electricity customers, utility providers, and the energy storage industry in Vermont. The committee will include representatives from the legislature, energy storage industry, municipal and cooperative utilities, businesses, investor-owned utilities, renewable energy developers, and an academic expert. Its main tasks are to assess current policies and markets, examine different storage technologies, recommend policy changes, and determine whether Vermont should set energy storage goals for the next five years. The committee must submit a written report with findings and recommendations by December 15, 2023, and will cease to exist on December 31, 2023. The bill appropriates $10,000 to cover per diem compensation and expenses for committee members attending up to six meetings.

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.