Rep. Herb Olson

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 summaryH.245 expands the Green Mountain Care Board's authority to review and approve budgets for both hospitals and health networks in Vermont. The bill requires the Board to investigate whether hospitals or health networks with significant market power harm the public good and take action to reduce such power if warranted. It mandates that hospitals and health networks submit detailed budget and operational data, including cost structures and service volumes, for Board review. The Board can also establish reference-based pricing to control costs and promote equitable access to care, directly affecting all Vermont hospitals and health networks operating under its oversight.

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 summaryH 246 requires all postsecondary schools in Vermont to designate a Student Liaison Officer to assist students experiencing homelessness and those exiting the foster care system with financial aid, housing, and academic resources. Schools must implement policies providing these students priority access to class enrollment, on-campus housing (with a half-time enrollment requirement), and housing during breaks. The bill also mandates fee waivers for registration and laboratory costs for eligible students. These requirements will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryH 233 requires Vermont state agencies to execute grant agreements with nonprofits within 30 days of funding approval or award notice, and to pay approved expenses within 30 days of a valid request. It mandates updating Administrative Bulletin 5 by July 2025 to establish a uniform process for nonprofits to use indirect rates above the standard "de minimis" rate. The bill also creates an online reporting system for grantees to document delays and a public database to track these issues. A working group will analyze grant processes, including payment delays and indirect rate consistency with federal standards, and submit recommendations by September 2026. This directly affects nonprofits receiving state-funded grants by clarifying payment timelines and administrative procedures.

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.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution honors the Vermont Old Cemetery Association (VOCA) for its 65+ years of preserving Vermont's historic cemeteries. VOCA provides restoration grants, veteran burial support, and educational resources (like its newsletter and book *Burial Grounds of Vermont*) to local cemetery groups and municipalities. The resolution formally recognizes VOCA's work without creating new laws, funding, or policy changes. It serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation for the organization's contributions to cemetery preservation and public education.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires online businesses likely to be accessed by children to avoid using design features that are harmful or overly invasive of children's privacy. It defines "covered businesses" as those with online services reasonably likely to be used by minors and mandates that these businesses set privacy settings to the most protective default for children. Key provisions prohibit design features causing compulsive use (like endless scrolling) and require businesses to handle children's personal data with heightened safeguards. The law applies to Vermont-based businesses offering online products or services to minors, aiming to protect children's privacy through proactive design standards.

Maddy summaryH.208 creates Vermont's first comprehensive data privacy law, giving residents specific rights over their personal data. It requires businesses to obtain clear, affirmative consent for data collection (prohibiting "dark patterns" like deceptive pop-ups), bans the sale of biometric data and sensitive health information (including gender-affirming and reproductive health data), and restricts online tracking. The law directly affects Vermont residents and any business collecting their data, including data brokers and companies using contextual advertising. Key provisions include mandatory opt-in consent for data processing, requirements for transparent privacy notices, and new protections against automated decisions affecting housing, employment, or healthcare access.

Maddy summaryH 180 creates a structured process for Vermont school districts to close elementary schools, directly affecting districts, students, parents, and communities. It requires districts to publish a detailed closure report at least 9 months before a decision, demonstrating how the closure would impact student outcomes (especially for at-risk and marginalized students), comparing financial savings to alternatives like staff consolidation or regional collaboration, and evaluating transportation feasibility. The report must include specific data on educational effects, credible financial analysis, and a plan for student placement and building use. This ensures communities have meaningful input and decisions are based on evidence, not just cost savings. The bill is currently under review by the Education Committee.