Rep. Matt Birong

Maddy summaryH 317 prohibits credit card networks and payment processors from charging merchants fees on the tax or tip portion of a transaction. It requires merchants to report tax and gratuity amounts during payment processing, and if they don't, they may face fees on the full transaction amount. Merchants can correct inaccurate reports within 30 days, and payment networks must refund fees on tax/tip amounts if documentation is provided within 180 days. The law applies to all Vermont merchants accepting credit cards and takes effect July 1, 2025. Violations carry $1,000 penalties per transaction.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HCR 26) honoring Burlington High School alumna Ilona Maher for winning a bronze medal with the U.S. women's rugby sevens team at the 2024 Paris Olympics. It formally congratulates her on this achievement and directs Vermont's Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to her. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely serves to recognize her athletic accomplishment and community ties. It was adopted by the Vermont House and Senate in February 2025 as a symbolic gesture.

Maddy summaryH.310 requires Vermont public schools (K-12) to address antisemitism through updated policies and education. It amends the harassment definition to explicitly include antisemitic harassment - covering slurs, stereotypes, and threats targeting Jewish heritage - and mandates the Secretary of Education to develop a curriculum on antisemitism's evolution, effects, and legal consequences. The bill also requires training for school staff, age-appropriate teaching materials, and technical assistance for implementation. This affects all Vermont public school students and educators, aiming to prevent antisemitic incidents amid rising national hate crime statistics cited in the bill. The proposed curriculum would be developed in coordination with Shalom Alliance of Vermont.

Maddy summaryVermont's H 296 would adopt the Dietician Licensure Compact, allowing licensed dietitians in Vermont to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. This compact directly affects licensed dietitians seeking to work across state lines and improves public access to dietetics services by eliminating redundant licensing requirements. The key mechanism establishes a "compact privilege" equivalent to a state license, streamlining practice for professionals while maintaining state-level regulatory authority over patient care standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H.288) provides reduced or waived motor vehicle registration fees for Vermont veterans with honorable discharges. Veterans who provide proof of service (via DD Form 214) qualify for either a 100% fee waiver (once per year) or a 50% reduction on registration fees for specific vehicle types, including cars, motorcycles, snowmobiles, and boats. The exemption applies if the veteran is listed as an owner or co-owner on the registration form. It takes effect January 1, 2026, and requires veterans to submit documentation to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates annual open enrollment periods for Vermonters seeking Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap), aligning with federal Medicare Part D enrollment. It prohibits insurers from charging extra fees, penalties, or higher premiums for enrolling after age 65, bans exclusions for preexisting conditions, and allows policyholders to switch to comparable or lower-benefit plans anytime. The changes apply directly to Vermont residents enrolled in or applying for Medicare supplement insurance. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, after passing committee referral on February 19, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs federal disability and survivor benefits received by foster children and youth in the justice system into a dedicated account managed by the Office of the Treasurer. It requires a study committee to develop a plan for returning these funds to individuals when they age out of state care. The bill also directs the Department for Children and Families to use federal funds for legal representation in foster care cases (as permitted under federal rules) to offset any budgetary impact from the new benefit management system. These provisions aim to secure benefits for youth in state custody while maintaining existing legal support services.

Maddy summaryHCR 21 is a symbolic resolution expressing the Vermont General Assembly's appreciation for school board members' role in public education. It formally designates February as "School Board Recognition Month" in Vermont to highlight their contributions. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely ceremonial, acknowledging school board members' civic service. The resolution was adopted by both chambers on February 7, 2025, and directs the Secretary of State to share it with the Vermont School Boards Association.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the scope of practice for optometrists in Vermont by creating an "advanced therapeutic procedures specialty." Qualified optometrists with this specialty may now perform specific procedures, including removing small superficial eye lesions (like chalazia), certain laser treatments (such as for cataracts), and targeted injections for conditions like chalazia or vision testing. The bill also explicitly prohibits optometrists from performing retinal surgeries, corneal transplants, or injections into the back of the eye. Optometrists seeking this specialty must complete additional continuing education hours focused on advanced procedures. The changes aim to clarify and modernize what optometrists can legally provide while maintaining patient safety through defined boundaries.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 29) is a ceremonial gesture congratulating Montgomery runner Elinor Purrier St. Pierre on her eighth-place finish in the women's 1500m at the 2024 Paris Olympics. It recognizes her athletic achievements, including American records and prior Olympic participation, as detailed in the resolution's "whereas" clauses. The resolution directs Vermont's Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Ms. Purrier St. Pierre. As a symbolic tribute with no policy changes or direct effects, it does not alter laws or affect any constituents beyond expressing legislative recognition.