Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Vermont Secretary of Natural Resources to submit detailed reports on two environmental revolving funds and to halt transfers from the EPA Pollution Control Revolving Fund to the Wastewater and Potable Water Revolving Fund after July 1, 2024, until a comprehensive fee report and legislative authorization are provided. The legislation also mandates a report on the status of EPA revolving funds by January 15, 2024, including balances, loan amounts, and repayment data. Additionally, the bill directs the Secretary to conduct a stakeholder process to develop recommendations for a riparian protection program aimed at improving water quality and aquatic habitat, with findings due by December 15, 2023. Finally, the bill makes a minor technical correction to the state code by adding the word "it" in a specific section regarding bill signing procedures.
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Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that formally congratulates Tracy Borst, Thetford Town Clerk and Treasurer, for receiving the International Institute of Municipal Clerks' Institute Directors Award of Excellence. The resolution recognizes her as the first recipient from Vermont and New England for this professional achievement, highlighting her career milestones including becoming a Master Municipal Clerk and earning treasurer certifications. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Ms. Borst as an official acknowledgment of her contributions to municipal governance.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution honoring the memory of Dr. Ann Ellis Raynolds, a clinical psychologist and social justice activist who passed away in 2023. It directly affects the family of Dr. Raynolds by extending the General Assembly's condolences and directing the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to them. The document outlines her life achievements, including her work in mental health services, civil rights advocacy, and community leadership in Massachusetts and Vermont. The resolution serves as a formal acknowledgment of her contributions and does not create new laws or policy changes.
Maddy summaryThis Senate concurrent resolution honors Vanessa Davison, a long-time staff member of the Vermont General Assembly, for her 45 years of dedicated service. The resolution recognizes her work ethic, professionalism, and contributions to legislative operations, including managing administrative tasks, operating early computer systems, and serving as Journal Clerk for over 30 years. It formally acknowledges her role in preparing Senate Journals and training her successor to ensure continued quality in legislative record-keeping. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to Davison as an official recognition of her retirement after concluding her career in the spring of 2023.
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 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 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 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.