Sen. Becca White

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Vermont's legislative structure to establish an Office of New Americans Study Committee, not a new agency. It requires the Governor to appoint six committee members, including one New American with lived experience nominated by a specific community organization (e.g., Association of Africans Living in Vermont or Migrant Justice). The committee's purpose is to study issues affecting New Americans in Vermont, with membership directly reflecting input from key immigrant-serving organizations. The bill passed both chambers and was signed into law by the Governor on May 21, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies Vermont's authority to enter federal immigration agreements. It states only the Governor (with the Attorney General's consultation) can authorize such agreements under federal law, except when local law enforcement needs to address immediate public safety threats during emergencies. The law prohibits all other state, county, or municipal agencies from entering these agreements without the Governor's specific approval. It directly affects Vermont's executive branch, law enforcement agencies, and any entity seeking to partner with federal immigration authorities. The change ensures centralized oversight of immigration-related agreements while allowing limited emergency exceptions.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes several amendments to the Vermont State Employees’ Retirement System, primarily impacting Group G members. It revises the definitions for Group G membership, alters how their normal retirement allowance is calculated, and adjusts their contribution rates, which will transition from a quartile-based system to fixed percentages by fiscal year 2026. The bill also allows members to earn creditable service for temporary or seasonal State employment and expands the circumstances for receiving creditable service for prior military service without contributions. Finally, it establishes a statutory contractual right for all members of the System.

Maddy summaryBill S 155 authorizes municipal law enforcement agencies to use Automated Traffic Law Enforcement (ATLE) systems, such as traffic cameras, as part of a pilot program until July 1, 2027. These systems can be deployed in municipal work zones to enhance worker safety and at other locations with high rates of crashes or speeding where traditional enforcement is impractical. The bill requires clear signage notifying drivers of ATLE use, engineering analysis for deployment locations, and that systems in work zones only operate when workers are present. It also mandates annual calibration, daily logs of activity, and an annual report from the Agency of Transportation detailing system usage, violations, and collected penalties.

Maddy summaryHouse Concurrent Resolution 142 honors Steven D. Faccio of Strafford for his inspiring leadership and dedicated career as a conservation biologist. The resolution formally recognizes his significant contributions to the protection of Vermont's natural environment and its wildlife.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state-funded program to provide medical debt relief for eligible Vermont residents. It appropriates $1 million to contract with a nonprofit entity to acquire and abolish qualifying medical debts, ensuring these debts are removed from individuals' credit reports. The legislation also prohibits credit reporting agencies, large healthcare facilities, and medical debt collectors from reporting medical debt information. Furthermore, large healthcare facilities are restricted from selling medical debt unless it is to a nonprofit for the express purpose of debt abolition. Finally, the bill clarifies the definition of "behavioral health" in state statutes to avoid stigmatization.

Maddy summaryBill S 18 establishes a licensing framework for freestanding birth centers in the state. It requires facilities providing midwifery care and low-risk deliveries, independent of hospitals, to obtain a license from the Department of Health. Operators must apply, pay a $250 fee, and pass inspections to ensure compliance with safety and health standards. The bill specifically prohibits these licensed birth centers from offering epidural anesthesia or performing cesarean deliveries. The Department of Health is authorized to conduct inspections, enforce compliance, and revoke licenses for non-adherence to the established requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S.28, aims to protect access to and the provision of certain legally protected health care services, specifically reproductive and gender-affirming care. It expands legal protections for individuals who aid or encourage these services, even if their actions occur in other U.S. jurisdictions. The bill also prevents professional disciplinary action against Vermont-licensed health care providers solely for offering these services, regardless of other states' laws. Additionally, it enhances the privacy of licensed professionals by exempting their personal contact information from public records and seeks to ensure transparent and accurate information from pregnancy service centers.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 11 (SR 11) is a resolution from the Vermont Senate that acknowledges and supports the historic and productive relationships between the United States, Vermont, and Canada. The resolution formally urges President Trump to remove all tariffs he has imposed on Canadian imports and to refrain from implementing any new tariffs. It also directs the Vermont Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to relevant state, national, and Canadian officials.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (JRS 15) is a symbolic statement of support for Vermont's transgender and non-binary community, not a new law. It reaffirms Vermont's existing commitments to anti-discrimination protections in areas like employment, housing, and healthcare, as well as its policies allowing gender marker changes on vital records and protecting gender-affirming care. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the Pride Center of Vermont and Outright Vermont. It does not create new legal obligations or alter current policies.