Rep. Brian Minier

Maddy summaryH 262 restricts Vermont employers from using electronic monitoring of employees (like tracking computer use or location) and automated decision systems (such as AI tools for hiring or promotions) without specific limitations. Employers may only use such monitoring if it serves one of seven defined purposes (e.g., safety, compliance, or performance assessment) and is the least invasive method necessary. The bill requires employers to justify monitoring based on objective evidence and prohibits using it for general surveillance or non-essential purposes. It directly affects all Vermont employers, including contractors and job applicants, by imposing new requirements on workplace monitoring practices.

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 255 increases criminal penalties for assaulting public transit workers in Vermont. It adds up to one year in prison for a first assault offense and up to 10 years for repeat offenses against workers while they perform their duties. The bill also prohibits intentionally exposing transit workers to bodily fluids (like blood or vomit), punishable by up to one year in jail or a $1,000 fine. "Public transit worker" is defined to include drivers (employees or volunteers) and support staff at transit centers. The law applies to all such assaults committed while workers are on duty, excluding individuals under 18 in residential facilities.

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 summaryH.191 prohibits Vermont from housing incarcerated people in private or for-profit correctional facilities, both within the state and out-of-state, by 2034. The bill requires the Department of Corrections to stop contracting with private entities for housing or services by January 2030 and to develop an implementation plan by November 2025 to return inmates currently held out-of-state to Vermont facilities. It allows exceptions only for facilities operated by public or nonprofit entities under interstate compacts or federal contracts. This directly affects Vermont’s Department of Corrections, current inmates in out-of-state facilities, and private prison companies with state contracts.

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.194 requires any nonemergency school construction project receiving Vermont state aid to include a high-capacity, all-gender restroom with fully enclosed stalls. This applies directly to public schools planning new construction or major renovations funded by state capital construction grants. The law amends existing approval standards for school projects, effective July 1, 2025, and does not apply to emergency repairs or existing building modifications.