Rep. Jonathan Cooper

Maddy summaryH 397 updates Vermont's emergency management and flood response systems. It requires the Division of Emergency Management to annually report on mitigation plans to legislative committees and revise the State Emergency Management Plan every five years to cover response coordination, preparedness, and local planning templates. The bill expands grant funding for flood mitigation projects, including voluntary buyouts for flood-affected properties, and mandates new assistance for municipalities to access river monitoring and weather alert systems. It also provides municipalities with greater flexibility to borrow funds for emergency-related expenses and manage unspent budget balances. These changes directly affect state agencies, local governments, and communities in flood-prone areas.

Maddy summaryH 401 raises the weekly sales exemption limit for home-based food businesses (cottage food operations) from $125 to a higher amount adjusted for inflation. This change directly affects small-scale home bakers and producers of non-refrigerated foods like baked goods, jams, and dried snacks who currently must pay licensing fees once weekly sales exceed $125. The bill amends licensing fee rules to exempt these operations from fees when annual sales remain below the new threshold. It aims to support small producers by reducing regulatory barriers as economic conditions have changed since the original exemption was set. The bill passed both chambers and was signed into law in June 2025.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 151) is a ceremonial gesture congratulating Casella Waste Systems, Inc. on its 50th anniversary. It formally recognizes the company's founding in 1975, growth to over 5,000 employees across 10 states, sustainability initiatives (including EV fleets and the Casella Center for Circular Economy), and community contributions. The resolution has no legislative effect - only directing the Secretary of State to send a copy to the company. It directly affects Casella Waste Systems, Inc., as the recipient of this symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryH.137 regulates virtual currency business activities, particularly those involving virtual-currency kiosks, to protect consumers. It requires licensed virtual currency operators to provide clear disclosures to customers before engaging in any activity, outlining fee schedules, insurance coverage, and liability for unauthorized transfers, and stating that virtual currency is not money. For each transaction at a virtual-currency kiosk, operators must disclose specific details such as transaction amounts, fees, refund policies, and daily limits. These measures aim to ensure transparency for individuals using virtual currency services.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 34 designates the Commissioner of Labor and the Executive Director of the Office of Workforce Strategy and Development as co-leaders for workforce education and training in Vermont. This legislation outlines their authority and responsibility to coordinate state government workforce programs. It requires them to develop a state plan, align training with job market needs, and establish performance measures for workforce activities. The bill also mandates that businesses and training providers receiving state funding submit reports evaluating their training results, and it requires the collection of individual-level data to assess program effectiveness.

Maddy summaryHCR 134 is a House concurrent resolution that honors Cassandra Polhemus for her exemplary leadership as the chief executive officer of the Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA). It recognizes her achievements, including overseeing VEDA's lending commitments and its response to the pandemic.

Maddy summaryHCR 126 is a House concurrent resolution congratulating the 2024 Spirit of the ADA Award winners, which are businesses and nonprofit organizations recognized for their commitment to employing people with disabilities. The resolution also directs the Secretary of State to send copies to the award recipients and the Governor’s Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities.

Maddy summaryHCR 124 is a House concurrent resolution that congratulates the Bennington Free Library on its 160th anniversary. It recognizes the library's history and contributions to the community, and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the library.

Maddy summaryHCR 125 is a House concurrent resolution commemorating the 30th anniversary of Garlic Town U.S.A., a festival celebrating "flavor, community, and tradition." The General Assembly acknowledges the festival's history and growth, directing the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce.

Maddy summaryThis House concurrent resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of the conclusion of the Vietnam War, which took place on April 30, 1975. The resolution directs the General Assembly to acknowledge this anniversary and sends copies to the Vermont State Council of the Vietnam Veterans of America, the American Legion Department of Vermont, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Vermont.