Sen. Richard McCormack

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Vermont's cannabis regulatory framework by creating new business licenses for delivery services, special events, and temporary events, while also allowing certain cultivators to sell directly to consumers. It adjusts product standards by increasing the maximum THC allowed per package from 50 to 100 milligrams and per serving from 5 to 10 milligrams, and permits cannabis consumption in public spaces where tobacco use is currently allowed. The legislation also directs additional cannabis excise tax revenue toward the Cannabis Business Development Fund and communities disproportionately affected by past cannabis prohibition, expanding funding to include substance misuse prevention and harm reduction programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts Vermont employers from conducting criminal history checks, credit checks, and drug tests on job applicants and employees unless the information has a direct relationship to the specific job duties. It prohibits employers from asking about credit history on initial applications and requires criminal background checks to occur only after an applicant has been deemed qualified for a position, with narrow exceptions for roles involving financial responsibility, law enforcement, emergency medical services, or positions where federal or state law mandates disqualification based on certain convictions. Drug testing is allowed only after a conditional job offer is made, with written notice provided to the applicant, and for current employees only when there is probable cause of drug use on the job, provided the employer offers an assistance program and the employee is not terminated if they successfully complete rehabilitation. The legislation also protects applicants and employees from retaliation if they file complaints or cooperate with investigations regarding unlawful employment practices related to these screening procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill would repeal Vermont's current prostitution laws that criminalize consensual adult sex work while maintaining strict penalties for human trafficking. It directly affects adults who engage in sex work for hire by removing criminal charges for voluntary participation, while keeping severe felony penalties for those who recruit, transport, or coerce others into commercial sex acts through force, fraud, or coercion. The legislation clarifies that "coercion" includes threats of harm, financial abuse, withholding identification documents, drug administration to impair judgment, and debt bondage, ensuring these serious crimes remain illegal. By repealing the outdated 1900s-era prostitution statutes, the bill aims to align Vermont's laws with modern understandings of bodily autonomy while preserving protections against trafficking and exploitation.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Vermont General Assembly to hold a joint session vote on March 28, 2023, to decide whether to retain 12 judges and justices seeking another term. The measure applies to the Chief Justice and four Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, as well as eight Superior Court Judges who have submitted declarations requesting retention. Because the judicial retention committee could not complete its review process by the statutory deadline, this resolution allows the legislature to proceed directly to a vote without the usual public hearings and committee evaluations. The bill also establishes a backup schedule requiring the Assembly to meet on consecutive days, excluding weekends, until the retention votes are completed.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that formally honors Bruce Schmidt, the chair of the Ludlow Selectboard in Vermont, for his distinguished civic leadership. It recognizes his long history of community service, including his 21-year tenure on the selectboard, his work on the cemetery commission, and his involvement in local education and employment. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Schmidt, serving as an official acknowledgment of his contributions to the town. This measure does not create new laws or policies but instead serves as a ceremonial tribute to a local public official.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors Philip Carter for his long-term community service in the Town of Ludlow. It recognizes his 37 years of work on the Development Review Board, three years on the selectboard, and his contributions to local gardening and town planning efforts. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the honor to Mr. Carter, but it does not create any new laws or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to decriminalize possession of a personal use supply of regulated drugs in Vermont by reducing penalties from criminal charges to a civil offense with a $50 fine. Instead of facing criminal prosecution, individuals cited for this offense can avoid the penalty by agreeing to participate in substance use disorder screening and related services. The legislation would also establish a Drug Use Standards Advisory Board to determine benchmark personal use dosages and supplies, and allow for the immediate sealing of criminal records for those previously arrested or convicted of possessing amounts below these benchmarks. Additionally, the bill authorizes pilot programs for drug-checking services that allow individuals to analyze substances for chemical composition and contaminants to prevent overdoses. These changes aim to shift Vermont's approach from a criminal justice model to a public health strategy focused on harm reduction and treatment access.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a two-year pilot program in Vermont to provide monthly $1,000 cash transfers to youth leaving the foster care system. The program is voluntary, and participants must complete annual surveys to assess their progress in finances, health, employment, housing, and education. The cash transfers are designed to be tax-free and will not count toward eligibility for other state and federal benefits like SNAP, medical assistance, or financial aid. Funding of $650,000 is allocated for the 2024 fiscal year, and the Department for Children and Families must submit a final report by November 2025 with findings and recommendations.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Chloride Contamination Reduction Program within Vermont's Agency of Natural Resources to address water quality concerns caused by road salt and salt alternatives. The program requires the Secretary of Natural Resources to develop training and certification for commercial and municipal salt applicators, establishing best management practices that promote efficient salt use and prevent runoff into state waters. Key provisions include creating a public database to track salt purchases and applications, setting reduction targets for chloride levels in water, and providing liability protections for certified applicators who follow established practices. The bill also mandates record-keeping requirements for salt applications and gives the Secretary authority to revoke certifications for violations of the program's rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to gradually implement Green Mountain Care, Vermont's publicly financed health care program, over a ten-year period starting with primary care in the first year and adding preventive dental and vision services in the second year. It establishes an advisory group within the Green Mountain Care Board to recommend how to sequence and finance additional health services for years three through ten, aiming for comprehensive coverage by the tenth year. The legislation requires the state to seek federal waivers to modify existing health insurance rules and mandates detailed financial analysis to ensure the program is economically sustainable and reduces overall health care spending. It also directs the Green Mountain Care Board to consider cost-sharing options and ensures health care professionals receive adequate reimbursement to recruit and retain staff.