Rep. Martin LaLonde

Maddy summaryH.409 updates Vermont's bail revocation rules to align with court rulings like *State v. Sauve*. It clarifies when a defendant’s bail can be revoked - such as repeated failures to appear in court or violating release conditions that disrupt prosecutions - and requires courts to find a "compelling State interest" before revoking bail. Prosecutors must prove violations by a "preponderance of evidence" (more likely than not), and courts must schedule a trial within 60 days of revocation if the defendant remains jailed. This directly affects defendants on pretrial release, prosecutors seeking revocation, and courts managing bail hearings.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Vermont state laws to explicitly allow individuals to choose "affirmation" instead of "oath" in all legal contexts requiring such declarations, including government offices and professional licensing. It directly affects officials such as the Attorney General, Capitol Police officers, and licensing board members who currently must swear oaths under statutes. The key mechanism updates specific sections of Vermont Statutes Annotated (Titles 1-10) to replace "oath" with "oath or affirmation" in all relevant provisions. This change accommodates people who object to religious oaths while maintaining the legal requirement for sworn or affirmed declarations.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how money and property judgments from Vermont's Family Division (e.g., child support, alimony, or property division orders) can be enforced after the initial 8-year period. It requires renewal via a "motion to renew" filed within 8 years (or until the last payment is due), not by starting a new civil lawsuit. Payments, written debt acknowledgments, or other compliance actions by the person owing money restart the 8-year clock. All such judgments must now include a clear warning: "RENEWAL... SHALL BE INITIATED BY MOTION TO RENEW WITHIN EIGHT YEARS... OR IT SHALL BE TIME BARRED." It directly affects individuals with ongoing family court judgments seeking enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis Vermont bill (H 637) amends laws governing driving under the influence (DUI) by clarifying that "under the influence of a drug" means any slight impairment of driving ability from drugs (not just alcohol), per Section 1201. It updates testing procedures, requiring blood or saliva samples when breath tests aren't feasible or when drugs (not alcohol) are suspected, while preserving rights to challenge warrants (Section 1202). For penalties, it increases mandatory minimum jail time for repeat offenses: 80 hours for a second offense, 96 hours for a third, and 192 hours for a fourth or subsequent offense, with no suspension allowed except under specific court findings (Section 1210). The bill directly affects drivers suspected of DUI involving drugs or alcohol, focusing on clearer definitions, testing protocols, and stricter penalties for repeat violations.

Maddy summaryH.624 creates a 10-member working group to study Vermont's adult guardianship system. The group will examine whether to consolidate involuntary guardianship cases under Title 14 (general adults) with guardianships for people with developmental disabilities under Title 18, or amend laws to ensure equal access to voluntary guardianships for both groups. The working group, including judges, disability officials, legal experts, and community representatives, must report recommendations by December 15, 2026, addressing judicial resources, appellate jurisdiction, and legislative changes needed. This bill does not change current law but sets up a study to evaluate potential reforms in how guardianship cases are handled. The direct effect is on Vermont's probate court processes and future legislative decisions regarding adult guardianship access.

Maddy summaryH.612 establishes Vermont's own Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, modeled after the federal law. It targets organized crime groups by allowing civil lawsuits and criminal prosecutions for a "pattern of racketeering activity" involving two or more related crimes (such as drug trafficking, robbery, fraud, or domestic terrorism) within a four-year period. The law directly affects organized crime enterprises operating in Vermont and provides victims with legal avenues to seek compensation. Key mechanisms include defining "enterprise" broadly to cover both legal and illegal groups, specifying qualifying crimes, and enabling civil forfeiture of assets seized under the law.

Maddy summaryThis bill enacts Vermont's version of the Uniform Disclaimer of Property Interests Act. It allows Vermont residents to legally refuse inherited property interests (like assets from a will or intestate succession) through a written disclaimer. The key mechanism requires a signed, written disclaimer that specifies the interest being refused and follows filing procedures; once valid, the property redirects as if the person disclaiming had died before receiving it. This directly affects individuals inheriting property who wish to decline it, such as to avoid tax consequences or redirect assets to other heirs.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 571) adopts the recommendations from the Firearm Surrender Order Compliance Working Group's report dated November 15, 2025. It directly affects law enforcement agencies and individuals subject to firearm surrender orders under Vermont law. The bill implements specific procedural changes proposed by the working group to improve compliance with such orders, without creating new criminal penalties or altering existing firearm laws.

Maddy summaryH 572 would repeal Vermont's current law prohibiting public access to electronic criminal case records. This change would allow anyone to view digital court files related to criminal cases, which are currently unavailable to the public. The bill's key mechanism is removing the existing legal barrier that restricts access to these electronic records. It has been referred to the Judiciary Committee for further review.

Maddy summaryH 528 makes it a misdemeanor to knowingly or recklessly discard used hypodermic needles or syringes in sensitive areas like playgrounds, parks, childcare facilities, schools, or public parks. It directly affects individuals who improperly dispose of such items in these locations, with penalties of up to one year in jail or a $1,000 fine. The law explicitly excludes proper medical waste disposal from healthcare services or educational use at schools and childcare centers. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and is currently under review by the Judiciary Committee.