Sen. Ruth Hardy

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all Vermont law enforcement officers (including local, state, and federal officers working in the state) to clearly display their name or badge number on their uniform during public interactions. It prohibits wearing masks or personal disguises while performing duties, with exceptions for medical masks (surgical/N95), fire/smoke protection, water rescues, chemical/biological hazard protection, and cold-weather emergencies. Officers violating these rules face fines up to $1,000 or loss of licensure. The law aims to enhance public transparency and safety during officer-public encounters, effective July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the third Monday in October as "Vermont Libraries Day" to raise awareness about library services. It expands funding access for public libraries by explicitly including them as eligible recipients for the Universal Afterschool and Summer Special Fund (supporting after-school/summer reading programs) and early education grants. The bill updates the definition of "collection" to include digital materials in all library statutes, requires the Department of Libraries to publish funding guidance for municipalities, and authorizes towns to issue bonds for library facility improvements. These changes directly benefit Vermont's public libraries and the communities they serve by enhancing their access to resources and infrastructure support.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates Vermont's Voting Rights Act to protect voters from discrimination. It requires municipalities to get Attorney General approval before changing election districts or methods (a "pre-clearance" system), bans racial gerrymandering, and prohibits at-large voting systems that weaken minority voting power. The law mandates language assistance for voters in minority languages and new voting accessibility for seniors and people with disabilities. It also criminalizes voter intimidation and spreading false election information. The bill directly affects all Vermont towns, cities, and school districts that hold elections.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes transforming Vermont's career technical education (CTE) system to ensure all high school students have equitable access to CTE programs. It mandates expanding CTE opportunities to middle school and early high school years, removing barriers like transportation and scheduling conflicts, and requiring high schools to award credits recommended by CTE centers. The bill also directs CTE programs to align with Vermont's current workforce needs and establishes flexible delivery models (including hybrid options) to improve accessibility. It aims to create a sustainable funding system and strengthen coordination between secondary and adult CTE programs. The changes will take effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows homeowners and businesses to install small, portable solar devices (under 1,200 watts, UL-certified, and connected via standard outlets) without needing a special permit or certificate of public good. Instead of full utility interconnection approval, users must submit a simple online or printable notification form to their electric company by September 2026. The bill prohibits utilities from charging fees, requiring approvals, or demanding extra equipment for these devices, and explicitly states they cannot qualify for net metering credits. It directly affects customers installing portable solar units for personal electricity use, simplifying the process while maintaining safety and grid requirements. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryVermont's S.142 creates a new licensure pathway for internationally trained physicians (those educated outside the U.S. but licensed in their home country) to practice medicine in Vermont. It establishes two license types: a **provisional license** (valid for two years with mandatory supervision at approved facilities) requiring proof of prior practice, U.S. medical exam scores, and employment with a participating health care facility. After two years of supervised practice under this provisional license, physicians become eligible for a **limited license** (valid for up to two years), which leads to full licensure after two more years. The bill directly affects foreign-trained doctors seeking to work in Vermont and requires participating hospitals to provide mentorship, evaluation, and malpractice coverage during the supervised training period.

Maddy summaryThis Vermont bill (S 64) creates a new "advanced therapeutic procedures specialty" for optometrists, allowing them to perform specific eye treatments currently restricted to ophthalmologists. It permits optometrists with this specialty to conduct procedures like removing superficial eye foreign bodies, minor lesion excisions (e.g., chalazia), corneal crosslinking, certain laser treatments (capsulotomy, iridotomy), and targeted injections (e.g., for chalazia or subconjunctival therapy). The bill explicitly prohibits optometrists from performing complex surgeries such as LASIK, corneal transplants, retinal procedures, or injections into the vitreous chamber. This directly affects licensed optometrists in Vermont who pursue the specialty and expands patient access to certain eye care services within defined boundaries.

Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a Senate concurrent resolution that formally honors Professor Jessica Holmes for her public service on Vermont's Green Mountain Care Board. The document recognizes her contributions to healthcare regulation, including her work on reducing wait times and managing resources, as well as her role as interim chair during leadership transitions. It highlights her professional background in health economics and her academic achievements at Middlebury College, Yale, and Colgate. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the honor to Professor Holmes, serving as a commemorative gesture rather than a change in law or policy.

Maddy summaryThis Senate concurrent resolution honors the life and service of former Washington County Senator Mary Just Skinner. It formally expresses the General Assembly's condolences to her family following her unexpected death in January 2026. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to her family as a gesture of respect.

Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a House concurrent resolution that formally congratulates the Fair Haven Union High School Slaters bowling team on winning the 2026 Vermont State championship. The resolution highlights the team's achievement of securing their second consecutive title by defeating several other schools in the playoffs, including the top-seeded Randolph Galloping Ghosts. It specifically names the twelve student athletes and their two coaches who contributed to the victory. Finally, the bill directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of this official recognition to the high school.