The mission of VCDR is to advance the human and civil rights of people with disabilities to ensure full and equal participation in all aspects of community life and the political process.

 

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Bills of interest

Listed below are the Bills of Interest from the 2013 Legislative Session.

Questions? Call Doug or email at DRVT: (802) 229-1355 doug@disabilityrightsvt.org

2013-14 Vermont Legislative Review- Bills Introduced- House

H.5 – AN ACT RELATING TO IN-STATE RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES PROVIDING SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/H-005.pdf
This bill proposes to require that a student receiving state funds in connection with an individualized education plan (IEP) who is in need of residential placement shall be enrolled in a Vermont facility unless there is no in-state facility that can provide the services required by the IEP. It would not require a student who is currently enrolled outside Vermont to enroll in a Vermont facility. Costs would be reimbursed only if the facility is (1) approved by the State Board and (2) located in Vermont, unless there is no Vermont facility that can provide the services required by a child’s individualized education plan.
Current Status:  Read First Time and Referred to the Committee on Education.

H.6 – AN ACT RELATING TO COMPENSABILITY OF MENTAL INJURIES UNDER THE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION STATUTES
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/H-006.pdf
This bill proposes to ensure that a mental injury suffered in the course of employment is compensable as if it were a physical injury. The statute would be amended such that the definition of “occupational disease” would include a mental disease or injury arising out of the course of employment.
Current Status:  Read First Time and Referred to the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development.

H.10 – AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR HEARING AIDS
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/H-010.pdf
This bill proposes to require health insurers to provide coverage for hearing aids (with a maximum cost  of $1,500 per ear every 36 months for children, and $1,000 per ear every 60 months for adults) and to direct the Green Mountain Care Board to consider including coverage for hearing aids as part of Green Mountain Care.
Current Status:  Read First Time and Referred to the Committee on Health Care.

H.12 – AN ACT RELATING TO COVERAGE FOR COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE HEALTH CARE SERVICES
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/H-012.pdf
This bill proposes to require health insurance plans, including Medicaid, to provide coverage for all health care services, including complementary and alternative treatments, if at least two studies published in peer-reviewed scientific journals find such services to be safe, to be directly related to statistically significant improvements in individuals’ health status, and to reduce associated medical costs.
Current Status: Read First Time and Referred to the Committee on Health Care.

H.15 – AN ACT RELATING TO THE REORGANIZATION OF THE MENTAL HEALTH STATUTES
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/H-015.pdf
This bill proposes to reorganize the mental health statutes in the Vermont Statutes Annotated.
Current Status:  Read First Time and Referred to the Committee on Human Services

H.19 – AN ACT RELATING TO THE DOMESTIC AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVIVORS’ TRANSITIONAL EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/H-019.pdf
This bill proposes to change the requirements for eligibility to participate in the Domestic and Sexual Violence Survivors’ Transitional Employment Program.
Current Status:  Read First Time and Referred to the Committee on Human Services.

H.21 – AN ACT RELATING TO APPLYING FOR AN EARLY VOTER ABSENTEE BALLOT
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/H-021.pdf
This bill proposes to require the signature of a voter on an application for an early voter absentee ballot when the application is made by an authorized person who is neither a family member nor a health care provider.
Current Status:  Read First Time and Referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

H.25 – AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL TRANSPARENCY
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/H-025.pdf
This bill proposes to require healthcare professionals to identify their title and license, certification, or registration type in advertisements, handouts, and identification tags.
Current Status:  Read First Time and Referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

H.28 – AN ACT RELATING TO TRANSFERRING INMATES TO OUT-OF-STATE CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/H-028.pdf
This bill proposes to prohibit the transfer of a Vermont inmate to a privately owned or operated out-of-state correctional facility unless living conditions at that facility meet or exceed those in Vermont.
Current Status:  Read First Time and Referred to the Committee on Corrections and Institutions.

H.29 – AN ACT RELATING TO PAROLE ELIGIBILITY AND DAY-FOR-DAY CREDIT
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/H-029.pdf
This bill proposes to create parole eligibility for persons over the age of 55 and to allow inmates working or participating in treatment or training programs to earn day-for-day credit.
Current Status:  Read First Time and Referred to the Committee on Corrections and Institutions.

H.30 – AN ACT RELATING TO EXTENDING THE JUVENILE JUSTICE STUDY COMMITTEE FOR ONE YEAR
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/H-030.pdf
This bill proposes to extend the Juvenile Justice Study Committee for one year.
Current Status: Read First Time and Referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

H.35 – AN ACT RELATING TO ESTABLISHING A NO-FAULT COMPENSATION PROGRAM FOR MEDICAL MALPRACTICE CLAIMS INVOLVING PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/H-035.pdf
This bill proposes to establish a no-fault compensation program for medical injury claims brought against primary care physicians in Vermont. The program, which would replace the current litigation-based medical malpractice system with respect to primary care providers, provides for the payment of compensation to any person injured as a result of treatment provided by a primary care physician, irrespective of fault on the part of the physician. Compensation to the injured person is made from a fund capitalized by annual assessments paid by physicians practicing primary care in Vermont. Physicians who pay assessments into the fund will no longer be required to purchase medical malpractice insurance for providing primary care. The bill establishes a Medical Injury Review Board to hear and decide applications for compensation submitted by injured persons.
Current Status:  Read First Time and Referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

H.41 – AN ACT RELATING TO CIVIL FORFEITURE OF RETIREMENT PAYMENTS TO PUBLIC OFFICIALS CONVICTED OF CERTAIN CRIMES
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/H-041.pdf
This bill proposes to require the Attorney General or State’s Attorney to petition a judge to order the partial or total civil forfeiture of retirement payments to public officials convicted of certain crimes related to their employment.
Current Status:   Read First Time and Referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

H.42 – AN ACT RELATING TO ALLOWING VOTERS TO REGISTER AND VOTE ON THE DAY OF AN ELECTION
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/H-042.pdf
This bill proposes to allow voters to register and vote on the day of an election.
Current Status:   Read First Time and Referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

H.47 – AN ACT RELATING TO FISCAL YEAR 2013 BUDGET ADJUSTMENT
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/House/H-047.pdf
This bill proposes to make adjustments in the fiscal year 2013 omnibus appropriations act.
Current Status: Passed House, Read First Time in Senate and Referred to the Committee on Appropriations.

H.49 – AN ACT RELATING TO A VETERAN DESIGNATION ON MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSES AND NONDRIVER IDENTIFICATION CARDS
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/H-049.pdf
This bill proposes to provide for a designation of veteran status to be placed on a motor vehicle license, enhanced license, commercial driver license, or nondriver identification card, at the option of the veteran.
Current Status:  Read First Time and Referred to the Committee on Transportation.

H.51 – AN ACT RELATING TO PAYMENT OF WORKERS’ COMPENSATION BENEFITS BY ELECTRONIC PAYROLL CARD
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/H-051.pdf
This bill proposes to allow workers’ compensation benefits to be paid through the use of an electronic pay card account.
Current Status: Read First Time and Referred to the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development.

H.54 – AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC RECORDS ACT EXEMPTIONS
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/H-054.pdf
This bill proposes to: (1) amend the Administrative Procedure Act to specify that the cover sheet required to be filed with a proposed rule identify whether the rule adopts an exemption to the Public Records Act; (2) repeal an annual survey of municipalities relating to public records required to be conducted by the Secretary of State; and (3) delete or amend multiple exemptions to the inspection or copying of public records.
Current Status:  Read First Time and Referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

H.55 – AN ACT RELATING TO FAMILY CAPS FOR PUBLIC BENEFITS
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/H-055.pdf
This bill proposes to implement a family cap for individuals receiving public benefits, by which the birth of an additional child would not increase the amount of cash benefits provided to a beneficiary if the beneficiary’s household had already reached the maximum size allowed by law for public assistance.
Current Status:   Read First Time and Referred to the Committee on Human Services.

H.56 – AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC FUNDING OF SOME APPROVED INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/H-056.pdf
This bill proposes to require that in order to receive publicly funded tuition dollars, an independent school shall be approved for special education in at least four categories and shall arrange for the provision of services in any other category, shall maintain a “blind admissions policy” for all publicly funded students, and shall meet other specific requirements. These requirements would not apply to an independent school that is not primarily intended for or attended by general education students or that does not receive publicly funded tuition dollars for more than one-third of the total number of enrolled students.
Current Status:  Read First Time and Referred to the Committee on Education.

H.57 – AN ACT RELATING TO SELF-EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/H-057.pdf
This bill proposes to establish a self-employment assistance program which would allow qualified applicants to receive unemployment benefits while participating in activities for the purpose of establishing a business and becoming self-employed.
Current Status:  Read First Time and Referred to the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development.

H.65 – AN ACT RELATING TO LIMITED IMMUNITY FROM LIABILITY FOR REPORTING A DRUG OR ALCOHOL OVERDOSE
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/H-065.pdf
This bill proposes to grant limited immunity from liability for: (1) a person who, in good faith, seeks medical assistance for someone who is experiencing a drug or alcohol overdose or other life-threatening medical emergency; or (2) a person who is experiencing a drug or alcohol overdose or other life-threatening medical emergency and, in good faith, seeks medical assistance for himself or herself or is the subject of a good faith request for medical assistance.
Current Status:   Read First Time and Referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

H.68 – AN ACT RELATING TO CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/H-068.pdf
This bill proposes to prohibit the Board of Medical Practice from requiring physicians to earn continuing medical education credits unrelated to their field of practice and to eliminate a requirement that all physicians take courses in hospice, palliative care, and pain management.
Current Status:  Read First Time and Referred to the Committee on Human Services.

H.69 – AN ACT RELATING TO LICENSED ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE COUNSELORS AS PARTICIPATING PROVIDERS IN MEDICAID
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/H-069.pdf
This bill proposes to enable certain licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselors without a postgraduate degree to be participating providers in the State’s Medicaid program.
Current Status:  Read First Time and Referred to the Committee on Human Services.

H.73 – AN ACT RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF THE CHILD ADVOCATE
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/H-073.pdf
This bill proposes to establish the Office of the Child Advocate.
Current Status:  Read First Time and Referred to the Committee on Human Services.

H.76 – AN ACT RELATING TO PRESERVATION OF THE VERMONT STATE HOSPITAL CEMETERY
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/H-076.pdf
This bill proposes to require the State to maintain perpetually the Vermont State Hospital cemetery.
Current Status:  Read First Time and Referred to the Committee on Corrections and Institutions.

H.77 – AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH INSURANCE PRIOR AUTHORIZATIONS
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/H-077.pdf
This bill proposes to make publicly available the requirements for prior authorizations and to define and set standards for adverse determinations.
Current Status:   Read First Time and Referred to the Committee on Health Care.

H.78 – AN ACT RELATING TO BAIL, CONDITIONS OF RELEASE, AND THE POSSESSION OF A DANGEROUS OR DEADLY WEAPON
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/H-078.pdf
This bill proposes to require a court setting a defendant’s conditions of release to consider whether the defendant was in possession of a dangerous or deadly weapon at the time of the offense.
Current Status:  Read First Time and Referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

H.79 – AN ACT RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR THE SALE OF REGULATED DRUGS IN A DWELLING
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/H-079.pdf
This bill proposes to impose criminal penalties on a landlord who permits a tenant to occupy a dwelling owned by the landlord if the landlord has actual knowledge that the tenant is using or intends to use the dwelling for the purpose of illegally selling drugs. The landlord is exempt from any penalties if he or she notifies a law enforcement officer within 24 hours of becoming aware that the premises are being used for the sale of drugs.
Current Status:  Read First Time and Referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

H.85 – AN ACT RELATING TO MEDICAID BENEFITS FOR U VISA HOLDERS
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/H-085.pdf
This bill proposes to provide Medicaid-equivalent benefits at state expense to U visa holders who otherwise meet the Medicaid eligibility requirements but are subject to the five-year bar on eligibility for federal Medicaid benefits.
Current Status: Read First Time and Referred to the Committee on Human Services.

H.89 – AN ACT RELATING TO ENSURING ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN VERMONT PUBLIC SCHOOLS
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/H-089.pdf
This bill proposes to require the Agency of Education to catalogue the mental health services currently offered in Vermont public schools, identify one or more programs that could serve as models for the rest of the State, and work with the Department of Mental Health to develop a proposal to ensure access in all Vermont public schools.
Current Status:  Read First Time and Referred to the Committee on Education.

2013-14 Vermont Legislative Review- Bills Introduced- Senate

S.1 – AN ACT RELATING TO CONSIDERATION OF FINANCIAL COST OF CRIMINAL SENTENCING OPTIONS
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/S-001.pdf
This bill proposes to require judges to consider the approximate financial cost of available sentences prior to issuing a sentence. In determining which of the following should be ordered (deferral; referral to community service reparative board; probation; supervised community sentence; imprisonment; probation with req’d participation in a restorative justice program) the court shall consider the nature and circumstances of the crime, the history and character of the defendant, the need for treatment, the approximate financial cost of available sentences, and the risk to self, others, and the community at large presented by the defendant. In addition, the bill proposes to establish a database to record in detail the associated costs of these various individual sentences.
Current Status: Read First Time and Referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

S.23 – AN ACT RELATING TO ACCESS TO RECORDS IN ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES INVESTIGATIONS
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/S-023.pdf
This bill proposes to provide law enforcement officers and adult protective services investigators with access to the medical and financial records of alleged victims of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Current Status: Read First Time and Referred to the Committee on Health and Welfare.

S.24 – AN ACT RELATING TO ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/S-024.pdf
This bill proposes to require the Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living to provide monthly reports to the General Assembly regarding its Adult Protective Services Program. It would also direct the Secretary of Human Services and the Commissioner of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living to contract with an entity to conduct an independent evaluation of the adult protective services provided by the Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living’s Division of Licensing and Protection.
Current Status: Read First Time and Referred to the Committee on Health and Welfare.

S.27 – AN ACT RELATING TO RESPECTFUL LANGUAGE IN THE VERMONT STATUTES ANNOTATED
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/S-027.pdf
This bill proposes to replace with respectful language offensive terms used for individuals with a disability.
Current Status: Read First Time and Referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

S.34 – AN ACT RELATING TO PROTECTING EMPLOYEES FROM ABUSE AT WORK
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/S-034.pdf
This bill proposes to protect employees from bullying or being a victim of abusive treatment in the workplace.
Current Status:  Read First Time and Referred to the Committee on Economic Development, Housing, and General Affairs.

S.35 – AN ACT RELATING TO ESTABLISHING AND REGULATING LICENSED DENTAL PRACTITIONERS
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/S-035.pdf
This bill proposes to establish and regulate licensed dental practitioners.
Current Status:  Read First Time and Referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

S.36 – AN ACT RELATING TO PAID PARENTAL LEAVE
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/S-036.pdf
This bill proposes to establish a system giving qualified employees up to 15 weeks of paid leave for the birth or adoption of a child.
Current Status:  Read First Time and Referred to the Committee on Economic Development, Housing, and General Affairs.

S.41 – AN ACT RELATING TO WATER AND SEWER SERVICE
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/S-041.pdf
This bill proposes to allow tenants to establish water and sewer service for a rental dwelling if the landlord is delinquent in paying for the service.
Current Status:  Read First Time and Referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

S.43 – AN ACT RELATING TO REQUIRING THAT ANY INCREASE IN THE CORRECTIONS BUDGET SHALL BE MATCHED WITH AN EQUAL INCREASE IN FUNDING FOR VERMONT STATE COLLEGES
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/S-043.pdf
This bill proposes to require that any increase in the corrections budget shall be matched with an equal increase in state funding for Vermont State Colleges.
Current Status:  Read First Time and Referred to the Committee on Appropriations.

S.44 – AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH INSURANCE PRIOR AUTHORIZATIONS
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/S-044.pdf
This bill proposes to make publicly available the requirements for prior authorizations and to define and set standards for adverse determinations.
Current Status:  Read First Time and Referred to the Committee on Health and Welfare.

S.54 – AN ACT RELATING TO PRESERVATION OF THE VERMONT STATE HOSPITAL CEMETERY
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/S-054.pdf
This bill proposes to require the State to maintain perpetually the Vermont State Hospital cemetery.
Current Status:  Read First Time and Referred to the Committee on Institutions.

S.57 – AN ACT RELATING TO EQUAL PAY
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/S-057.pdf
This bill proposes to clarify and strengthen existing laws regarding equal pay and the prohibition of discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations.
Current Status:  Read First Time and Referred to the Economic, Housing, and General Affairs.

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