Rep. Sara Coffey

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution officially recognizes May 6-12, 2024, as National Nurses Week in Vermont and designates May 9, 2024, as ANA-Vermont Hill Day at the State House. The measure honors the nursing profession by acknowledging nurses' contributions to healthcare, particularly during the pandemic, and invites the public to express gratitude to nurses on that date. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to ANA-Vermont, the organization overseeing the commemoration. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal acknowledgment of the nursing profession's importance.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends existing laws to strengthen protections against child sexual abuse by clarifying that manipulating a child for sexual contact is prohibited. It directly affects adults who may exploit children through emotional or psychological pressure to engage in sexual activities. The key provision adds the phrase "with intent" to the legal language, ensuring that deliberate manipulation is explicitly covered under the statute. The legislation reflects findings that most child sexual abuse is committed by someone known to the child and their family. Once signed into law, it provides clearer legal grounds for prosecuting cases involving coercive manipulation of minors for sexual purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Vermont's retail theft laws by modifying penalties based on the value of stolen goods and the number of prior offenses. It directly affects individuals accused of shoplifting or stealing merchandise from retail stores. The law establishes that taking merchandise without paying is a crime, with penalties ranging from fines up to $2,500 or imprisonment up to 10 years depending on the theft amount and offense history. Stolen items valued at $900 or less face graduated penalties for first, second, and subsequent offenses, while thefts exceeding $900 carry a maximum fine of $1,000 or up to 10 years in prison. The changes take effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the bear's head tooth mushroom (Hericium Americanum) as Vermont's official State Mushroom. It adds a new section to the Vermont Statutes Annotated to formally recognize this specific mushroom species as a state symbol. The legislation was passed by both legislative chambers and signed into law by the Governor to acknowledge the mushroom's popularity among foragers and its presence in Vermont's natural environment.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates Grace Cottage Family Health & Hospital in Townshend, Vermont, on its 75th anniversary. It does not create new laws or change any policies, but instead formally recognizes the hospital's history and contributions to the community. The resolution notes the hospital's founding in 1949 and highlights its various expansions and awards over the decades. The General Assembly directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of this acknowledgment to the hospital.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates three Vermont teachers who were selected as finalists for the 2024 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The resolution recognizes Kathy Gingras, Alyssa Castellini, and Jo Ann Harvey for their outstanding work in mathematics and science education. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to each honored teacher. This type of bill does not change laws or policies but serves to formally acknowledge the achievements of educators.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes May 2024 as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month in Vermont. It acknowledges the historical contributions and achievements of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans while also highlighting the discrimination they have faced, including exclusionary laws and internment during World War II. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the Asian Cultural Center of Vermont for awareness purposes. This is a ceremonial measure that does not change laws or policies but serves to honor and celebrate this community's heritage.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates the Boys & Girls Clubs of Vermont's 2024 Youth of the Year honorees and designates April 4, 2024 as Boys & Girls Club Day at the State House. The resolution recognizes Braden Howe from Brattleboro and Henry Tornwini from Burlington, who were selected for their achievements and community contributions. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to the honored youth, serving as an official acknowledgment of their accomplishments. This type of measure does not change laws or policies but instead provides formal recognition and public appreciation for the individuals and organization involved.

Maddy summaryThis House concurrent resolution celebrates the 50th anniversary of the National Conference of State Legislatures, an organization founded in 1975 that supports state and territorial legislators and their staff. The resolution recognizes the group's role in advancing state legislative effectiveness, fostering cooperation between states, and providing a unified voice for state legislatures in the federal system. It directs the Vermont Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The measure is a commemorative action with no policy changes or budgetary impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Vermont's emergency housing eligibility rules by requiring medical certification for disability documentation. It allows households who cannot prove SSI or SSDI eligibility to use a specific form to document qualifying health conditions for temporary emergency housing. The form must include personal information, a description of the disability, risks to health and safety without housing, and verification from a licensed healthcare provider. This change affects individuals seeking emergency housing assistance and healthcare professionals providing disability certifications.