Rep. John Arrison

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Vermont Veterans' Home Board to establish a nursing home in Vermont that provides services and supports to Vermont veterans who do not currently reside at the Home. The legislation requires the new facility to comply with all applicable state and federal licensing and regulatory requirements. By adding a new subdivision to the relevant statute, the bill formally expands the Board's powers and duties to include this new service option. The measure was signed into law by the Governor in June 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes May 2024 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Vermont. It aims to raise public awareness about mental health challenges and reduce stigma surrounding mental illness. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to NAMI Vermont and the state Commissioner of Mental Health. This is a symbolic measure that does not create new laws or require funding, but rather serves to highlight the importance of mental health support during the designated month.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Vermont's emergency medical services laws to update payment rates and improve system coordination. It changes how EMS providers are reimbursed by replacing a specific Medicare rate with a broader applicable Medicare rate. The legislation also requires the EMS Advisory Committee to incorporate nationally recognized best practices into statewide system design. Additionally, it mandates coordination between the EMS Advisory Committee, the Department of Health, and other task forces to align their recommendations and system designs. These changes directly affect emergency medical services providers and the state agencies responsible for overseeing the EMS system.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 5-11, 2024, as National Correctional Officers and Employees Week in Vermont to honor the work of correctional staff. It directly affects correctional officers, employees, and related state agencies by formally recognizing their roles in maintaining security, supervising daily operations, and supporting rehabilitation within the state's correctional system. The resolution requires the Secretary of State to send copies to the Commissioner of Corrections, facility superintendents, and the Vermont State Employees' Association. This is a ceremonial recognition that does not create new laws, funding, or operational changes.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution honoring the memory of Weathersfield Fire Chief Darrin Spaulding, who passed away suddenly in April 2024. It formally extends condolences from the Vermont General Assembly to Spaulding's family, the Weathersfield Fire Department, and the broader community. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to the family and the fire department as a gesture of respect. This measure does not create new laws or policies but serves as a commemorative acknowledgment of Spaulding's service and legacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates the winning school teams of the 2024 Jr Iron Chef VT competition. It recognizes the middle and high school teams that competed in a statewide culinary event organized by Vermont Afterschool, which challenges students to create nutritious, locally-sourced dishes. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to each winning team and to the organizing group. This measure does not change any laws or policies but serves to acknowledge the achievements of the participating schools.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 5, 2024, as Civilian Conservation Corps Day in Vermont to honor the historical significance of the CCC program. The resolution recognizes the CCC's role during the Great Depression in providing employment, education, and public works projects that benefited the nation and Vermont specifically. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the National Civilian Conservation Day Coordinator. The measure is ceremonial in nature and does not create new laws or change existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Tree Fruit Farmer Assistance Program to provide financial grants to Vermont tree fruit farmers who experienced production losses in 2023 due to freezing or frost conditions. The program requires farms to be currently operating, in good standing with the state agriculture agency, and to submit applications by a specified deadline. Grants are calculated using a formula that considers the farm's tree fruit acreage, compares 2023 revenue to 2022 revenue, and reduces awards for any crop insurance payments already received for the same losses. The bill appropriates $10 million from the General Fund to implement the program, with any unused funds to be transferred to the Working Lands Enterprise Fund by December 31, 2024.