Rep. Herb Olson

Maddy summaryThis bill welcomes the officers and crew of the U.S. submarine USS VERMONT (SSN 792) to the Vermont State House on March 17, 2026, and designates April 18, 2026, as USS VERMONT Day in the state. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to the submarine's commanding officer and support group as an official acknowledgment. It recognizes the vessel's recent achievements, including its participation in the AUKUS security partnership and its completion of maintenance in Australia. The bill also notes that an information display about the submarine will be shown at the State House the day before the designated USS VERMONT Day.

Maddy summaryVermont's H 205 bill prohibits most noncompete agreements that restrict franchisees from operating their businesses after leaving a franchisor or employees from competing after leaving a job. It exempts agreements protecting trade secrets, reasonable nonsolicitation agreements (like preventing employee poaching), and noncompetes for employees earning $100,000+ annually (with a 3-day job offer notice requirement). The bill requires franchisors and employers to notify affected individuals that existing noncompete clauses are void and unenforceable. It takes effect on July 1, 2025, with specific exceptions for business sales, dissolutions, and severance agreements containing reasonable time, geographic, and scope limits.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes creating a 150-member Vermont Citizens’ Assembly composed of randomly selected residents (via sortition) to develop policy recommendations for the state legislature. The Assembly would operate independently for one year (mid-June to mid-November, meeting two weekends monthly), with members receiving a daily wage equal to the median Vermonter’s wage plus reimbursements for expenses. It would address significant public issues chosen annually by the Assembly itself, with recommendations submitted to the Vermont General Assembly. The body would be funded through state appropriations and have its own staff and website. The bill directly affects Vermont residents selected for membership and the General Assembly, which would consider the Assembly’s proposals.

Maddy summaryHCR 178 is a ceremonial resolution honoring former Vermont State Senator William H. Carris of Wells. It commemorates his life and service, including his career as a business leader (founder of Carris Reels, which implemented an employee stock ownership plan), his philanthropy, and his three terms in the Vermont Senate (2006-2016). The resolution extends the General Assembly's sympathy to his family and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to them. As a non-binding tribute, it has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents or legislation.

Maddy summaryH 918 requires every Vermont school district board to include at least one member from each town the district serves. This directly affects school districts operating across multiple towns, ensuring all constituent communities have representation on their governing boards. The key provision mandates that no town within a school district's boundaries can be excluded from having a board member. The bill aims to improve local input in school governance by guaranteeing each contributing town has a voice. It does not change existing school district boundaries or funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryH.916 directs Vermont's Joint Fiscal Office to create a formal process for reviewing how school districts spend Education Fund money. The review will categorize all spending, determine if it's required by law or discretionary, assess whether each category directly supports student learning, and evaluate if spending levels are reasonable. It also requires identifying better revenue sources for non-essential spending and establishing a cost-effectiveness analysis method for future state education programs. This bill directly affects school districts by requiring them to justify their spending patterns and will influence how new education legislation is evaluated for cost impact.

Maddy summaryHCR 196 is a ceremonial resolution honoring U.S. Army Major General Gregory Knight, Vermont's Adjutant and Inspector General, for his 43-year military and public service career. It formally commends his service - including deployments to Iraq, academic achievements, leadership in the Vermont National Guard, and his seven-year tenure as the state's top military officer - and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to him and the Vermont National Guard. This resolution does not create new laws or affect policy; it is a symbolic gesture of recognition. The bill was offered by all members of both the House and Senate.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 909) directs Vermont's Department of Buildings and General Services to develop a proposal for a monument on public property honoring former Governor Philip Hoff. It does not create new laws or affect specific groups; it solely addresses the planning process for a commemorative structure. The bill’s purpose is procedural, focusing on the state's capital construction process for a historical tribute. No substantive policy changes or financial commitments are outlined in the bill text.

Maddy summaryH.897 requires social media platforms to block Vermont residents under 18 from creating accounts. It directly affects minors under 18 living in Vermont who would be unable to sign up for new social media profiles. The key provision mandates platforms to prohibit account creation for this age group, rather than restricting usage of existing accounts. The bill focuses on preventing new account creation for underage users, not on content moderation or parental controls. This is a direct restriction on platform access for minors under 18 within Vermont.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution designates February 11, 2026, as "Disability Advocacy Day" at the Vermont State House. It recognizes the work of disability rights groups like the Vermont Coalition for Disability Rights (VCDR) and highlights ongoing challenges such as educational disparities and barriers in employment, housing, and transportation faced by Vermonters with disabilities. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges these issues and the contributions of people with disabilities. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to VCDR.