Sen. Becca White

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 prohibits civil arrests (arrests for civil matters like court appearances) in specific sensitive locations, including schools, shelters, health care facilities, government buildings, and court proceedings. It directly affects individuals visiting these locations, law enforcement officers, and civil courts by restricting arrests in those settings. Key provisions define "civil arrest" and allow exceptions for judicial warrants, contempt of court, or maintaining safety in court. Violations could lead to contempt charges or civil lawsuits for false imprisonment. The law applies immediately upon passage.

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 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 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 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 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 summaryVermont's S.71, the Vermont Data Privacy Act, creates new rules for businesses handling personal data of Vermont residents. It requires businesses to obtain clear, affirmative consent (not dark patterns or broad terms) before collecting personal data, with special protections for sensitive information like reproductive health, gender-affirming care, and precise location data (within 1,750 feet). The law prohibits using geofencing to track individuals near sensitive locations like abortion clinics or mental health facilities. It directly affects all businesses processing personal data of Vermont residents, including tech companies, retailers, and health services, by mandating transparency and restricting how they can use or share consumer information.