Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale

Maddy summaryThis bill allows students in Vermont school districts designated as "geographically isolated" to use state-funded prekindergarten programs in New Hampshire under specific conditions. It requires the Vermont State Board of Education to define "geographically isolated" districts and sets rules for eligibility: the New Hampshire program must be state-approved for public prekindergarten and located within 25 miles of the Vermont border. Vermont school districts would pay the same statewide tuition rate for these out-of-state programs as they would for local providers, ensuring access for students who cannot find approved prekindergarten options within their district boundaries.

Maddy summaryS.197 establishes a primary care payment reform program in Vermont, requiring health insurers and other payers to make monthly payments to participating primary care practices for each enrolled patient. This covers routine primary care services without patient cost-sharing, aiming to reduce administrative burdens (targeting a drop from 50% to 10% of provider time spent on admin tasks) and improve access. The program starts voluntarily in 2026 but becomes mandatory for all primary care practices by 2028. It also mandates reports from state agencies on program expansion, payment models, and transitions to community care settings.

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 summaryS.227 requires all Vermont public and approved independent schools to adopt policies preventing the sharing of student information with federal immigration authorities without a judicial warrant. It prohibits schools from collecting immigration status data, designating such information as "directory information" under federal privacy law, or sharing student records with immigration agencies except as legally required. The bill mandates schools to provide immigration resources to staff and students, designate staff as immigration resource officers, and block federal agents from entering nonpublic school areas (like classrooms or cafeterias) without a warrant naming a specific individual. Schools are also barred from entering agreements that aid federal immigration enforcement, with the superintendent as the sole authority to approve any required federal agreements.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes Vermont's cannabis regulations by removing the 30% THC limit for flower and raising the concentrate limit to 70%. It increases the per-transaction retail purchase limit from one to two ounces of cannabis or equivalent products. The bill also eliminates the requirement for cannabis businesses to submit ads to the Cannabis Control Board for review, lowers the excise tax from 14% to 10%, and allows municipalities to condition permits on local ordinances or hold 2026 election votes on cannabis establishment authorization. Additionally, it expands access to the Cannabis Business Development Fund and appropriates $1 million for it.

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 summaryThis bill (S.173) simplifies access to job training help for injured workers under Vermont's workers' compensation system. It removes outdated screening requirements and allows workers to start vocational rehabilitation services themselves if employers don't assign a provider within 90 days of injury. The bill also creates a new, funded position for a State Mediator at the Vermont Labor Relations Board, providing free mediation to resolve disputes between public and private employers and employees. These changes directly affect injured workers, employers, and the Labor Relations Board, aiming to improve access to rehabilitation services and dispute resolution. The mediator role will be funded with $115,000 in fiscal year 2027.

Maddy summaryVermont's S.157 establishes a voluntary certification program for recovery residences (temporary housing for people recovering from substance use disorders) through the Department of Health. To become certified, residences must meet standards including peer-support certification, compliance with health/safety rules, transparent complaint procedures, and annual reporting of resident data like stay length and employment outcomes. The bill also requires certified residences to follow specific exit policies for residents violating safety or substance use rules, with strict conditions for immediate transfers. This applies directly to recovery residences seeking certification, not to residents themselves, and mandates annual data reporting to both the Department of Health and state legislative committees.