Rep. Martin LaLonde

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding symbolic resolution designating February 2026 as "School Board Appreciation Month" in Vermont. It recognizes the work of locally elected school board members, who manage district budgets and make educational decisions affecting students and communities. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the Vermont School Board Association, with no new policies, funding, or obligations created. It serves purely as a commemorative gesture to acknowledge school board service.

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.

Maddy summaryH.5 amends Vermont's evidence rules to allow statements made by children aged 12-15 who are victims of specific abuse crimes (like sexual assault, cruelty, or exploitation) to be used as evidence in court. The bill requires courts to verify that such statements are trustworthy, made before legal proceedings began, and not prepared for trial. It directly affects child victims in criminal, civil, or juvenile cases involving listed abuse offenses under Vermont law. The change takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies only to cases where the child’s statements relate to the alleged abuse.

Maddy summaryHCR 183 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing July 2026 as Park and Recreation Month in Vermont and designating July 17, 2026, as Vermont Park and Recreation Professionals Day. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally honors the role of parks and recreation programs in Vermont communities. The resolution cites the value of these programs for promoting active lifestyles, environmental protection, and accessibility, aligning with national observances established since 1985. The Secretary of State is directed to send a copy to the Vermont Recreation and Parks Association.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HCR 175), not a substantive bill. It honors the late Venerable J. Stannard Baker of Shelburne, recognizing his pivotal role in Vermont's marriage equality history. The resolution commemorates his leadership in the landmark 1999 *Baker v. State* case that established marriage equality under the Vermont Constitution, leading to civil unions and later marriage rights. It expresses the legislature's condolences to his family and directs the Secretary of State to share the resolution with his family and the Episcopal Diocese of Vermont.

Maddy summaryHCR 177 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Twin Valley High School's Athletic Director and boys' soccer coach Buddy Hayford for achieving 500 career coaching victories. It recognizes his 43-year coaching career, including 10 divisional titles, two state basketball titles, and his status as Vermont's first high school soccer coach to reach 500 wins. This resolution, offered by all House members and sponsoring senators, formally congratulates Hayford and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to him and his school - **it is not a law but a symbolic gesture of appreciation**.

Maddy summaryH 840 clarifies and expands the Attorney General's and State's Attorneys' authority to investigate election law violations, including campaign finance issues and lobbying misconduct. It directly affects candidates, campaigns, and organizations subject to election laws by granting them the power to issue formal information requests, take sworn testimony, and enforce compliance during investigations. The bill requires investigators to publicly report aggregate data on these actions to the Secretary of State's office, increasing transparency. This focuses on strengthening enforcement tools rather than creating new penalties. The bill does not change existing election laws but streamlines investigation procedures.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic House resolution (HR 12), not a policy bill. It expresses Vermont's support for Governor Philip B. Scott's statement criticizing federal immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota. The resolution specifically endorses the governor's call for halting "Operation Metro Surge" (the federal deployment of ICE/CBP agents), condemning the fatal shooting of a protester, and demanding adherence to constitutional rights. As a resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes - it solely conveys legislative support for the governor's position.

Maddy summaryHCR 172 is a commemorative resolution honoring Jon Gailmor, a Vermont folk singer and former Elmore Town Moderator who died in 2025. The resolution expresses the Vermont General Assembly’s condolences to his family and Elmore residents, recognizing his contributions as a musician who celebrated Vermont through songs like "A Town Meeting Tune" and his 15+ years serving as Elmore's town moderator. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to Gailmor’s family and the Elmore Town Clerk. This is a ceremonial measure with no policy impact.

Maddy summaryH 741 requires Vermont courts to issue an arrest warrant instead of a court notice (citation) when a criminal defendant fails to appear at a scheduled hearing after being released on conditions or issued a citation by law enforcement. This applies specifically to defendants who miss court without a valid reason, directly affecting individuals charged with crimes who skip court dates. The bill changes existing procedures by mandating arrest warrants for these failures, prohibiting courts from issuing new citations to appear, and allowing warrantless arrests for related violations like travel restrictions. It aims to streamline enforcement of court attendance obligations under Vermont law.