Sen. Nader Hashim

Maddy summaryThis bill would protect people and organizations involved in safer drug consumption programs from criminal prosecution and civil penalties. It defines these programs as supervised spaces where individuals can use preobtained drugs with access to sterile supplies, overdose monitoring, first aid, and referrals to treatment services. The legislation also removes a future expiration date for the exemption that allows possession of small amounts of buprenorphine without criminal penalty. To receive legal protections, program operators must publicly report annual data on participants, supplies distributed, and overdose incidents.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program in Vermont that would provide paid, job-protected leave to employees and self-employed individuals for specific reasons including serious illness, childbirth, adoption, military family needs, and domestic or sexual violence situations. The program would be administered by the Office of the Treasurer and would allow workers to take time off to care for themselves or family members facing health issues, or to seek medical care, counseling, or safe housing after experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Eligible workers would need to meet certain work history requirements and pay contributions to fund the benefits, with leave defined as "safe leave" specifically for victims of abuse to access services, recover from injuries, or relocate to secure safe environments. The legislation also expands the definition of family members to include individuals with significant personal bonds regardless of biological or legal relationships, ensuring broader coverage for diverse family structures.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates January 23-27, 2023, as the first annual Holocaust Education Week in Vermont. It directly affects Vermont schools and educational institutions by establishing a formal period for Holocaust education activities. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to the Vermont Holocaust Memorial and the Agency of Education to facilitate the event. This commemorative measure recognizes the historical significance of the Holocaust and aims to increase awareness through organized educational programming during the designated week.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Child and Parent Representation Working Group to study and recommend improvements for legal representation of children and parents in Vermont's child protection system. The working group will include judges, legislators, attorneys, and individuals with lived experience in child protection cases to examine current practices, funding, and best practices from other states. The group must submit interim and final reports by 2024 with specific recommendations for creating separate administrative programs for child and parent representation, including funding plans and performance standards. The working group will dissolve on January 15, 2024, after completing its review and recommendations to the state legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates Ariana Wunderle of Bartonsville for setting a Guinness World Record for the longest distance walked on a tightrope while wearing high heels. The document recognizes her achievement of completing a 639-foot, seven-inch walk, which significantly surpassed the previous record of 50 feet. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Wunderle and Circus Smirkus, the nonprofit organization she supports. This measure does not create new laws or policies but serves to formally acknowledge her accomplishment.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Vermont's domestic violence protection order system to include military protection orders, allowing them to be recognized and enforced within the state like other foreign protection orders. It directly affects victims of abuse by military personnel and law enforcement officers who may need to enforce these orders. The key provision amends state law to define military protection orders as those issued by commanding officers in the armed forces or National Guard against individuals under their command, provided the order was issued on a Department of Defense form, the defendant received actual notice, and the order remains in effect. Law enforcement officers will be authorized to enforce these orders through arrests and assistance with residence or child custody issues, while courts must verify that the defendant is a current service member and the order meets specific validity requirements before enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates Dan Yates on being named the 2022 Vermont Community Banker of the Year. It directly affects only Dan Yates, the president of Brattleboro Savings & Loan, by formally recognizing his achievements in community banking and civic leadership. The resolution does not create any new laws, regulations, or funding; it simply directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the acknowledgment to Yates. This type of bill is non-binding and has no impact on policy or government operations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate concurrent resolution honors Helen Estroff of Montpelier for her distinguished public service in the Vermont executive branch and her role as Calendar Clerk of the Vermont Senate. The document recognizes her 34-year career, which included positions in state financial oversight, higher education, and transportation, as well as her work ensuring legislative schedules were properly organized and printed. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Ms. Estroff as a formal acknowledgment of her contributions. This measure does not create new laws or policies but serves as an official commendation of her service.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate concurrent resolution that honors Steven D. Marshall of Swanton for his 35 years of service as the Assistant Secretary of the Vermont Senate. The resolution recognizes his professional contributions, including his role in the American Society of Legislative Clerks and Secretaries and his work on revisions to legislative procedure manuals. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Marshall as a formal acknowledgment of his exemplary service. This document serves as an official commendation rather than a law that creates new policies or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill would remove state-level bans and penalties on the purchase, use, and possession of tobacco products in Vermont, including products like bidis and electronic cigarettes that contain nicotine. It updates legal definitions to clarify what counts as tobacco products and tobacco substitutes, ensuring consistency across state statutes. The legislation maintains existing age restrictions, prohibiting anyone under 21 from possessing, purchasing, or attempting to purchase tobacco products, while also keeping penalties for retailers who sell to minors. The bill includes provisions for compliance testing by the Division of Liquor Control and mandates annual reporting on enforcement efforts to relevant state committees.