Rep. Martin LaLonde

Maddy summaryThis bill changes Vermont's rules for criminal cases involving defendants found incompetent to stand trial. It requires charges to be dismissed if the defendant remains incompetent after the time limit for prosecution (statute of limitations) expires. The law also clarifies that the time limit pauses (is tolled) while the defendant is deemed incompetent, and restarts when competency is reassessed. This directly affects criminal defendants who are found incompetent and the prosecution's ability to proceed after the time limit.

Maddy summaryH 368 prohibits the possession of firearms in government buildings across Vermont, directly affecting individuals entering such buildings (like courthouses or town halls) who carry firearms without authorization. It imposes penalties of up to one year in jail or a $1,000 fine for violations, with exceptions for law enforcement officers on duty and government employees authorized to carry firearms for official duties. Municipalities can opt out of the prohibition by resolution, allowing specific buildings or all municipal buildings to permit firearms. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026, and requires clear signage at all public entrances of covered buildings.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a voluntary firearms license program in Vermont. Residents who obtain a license from the Department of Public Safety can bypass the standard 72-hour waiting period when purchasing firearms. To qualify, applicants must submit personal information, fingerprints, and undergo background checks covering criminal history and mental health, and complete a firearms safety course. Licenses cost $35, are valid for two years, and require renewal notifications for address changes. The license does not apply to those prohibited from firearm possession under state or federal law.

Maddy summaryHCR 30 is a memorial resolution honoring Donald H. Turner Jr., a former Vermont Representative, House Republican Leader, and Milton Town Manager. The resolution expresses the General Assembly's condolences to his family following his death in November 2024 and directs copies of the resolution to his family, the Milton Town Clerk, and the Milton Fire Department. This procedural resolution commemorates his public service, including his 30+ years with the Milton Fire Department and his legislative career representing Milton.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets maximum fees for towing and storing abandoned vehicles in Vermont, capping towing at $130 or $4.50 per mile (whichever is greater) and storage at $35 per day. It directly affects crime victims by exempting them from paying towing and storage fees if they reported their stolen vehicle to law enforcement before it was towed, including fees accrued prior to seven days after a second notice to the owner. The bill also creates a working group of state officials to study funding mechanisms for reimbursing towing services when they cannot collect fees for stolen vehicles. The group must report by November 15, 2025, with recommendations for legislative action.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HCR 26) honoring Burlington High School alumna Ilona Maher for winning a bronze medal with the U.S. women's rugby sevens team at the 2024 Paris Olympics. It formally congratulates her on this achievement and directs Vermont's Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to her. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely serves to recognize her athletic accomplishment and community ties. It was adopted by the Vermont House and Senate in February 2025 as a symbolic gesture.

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 251 establishes a legal process to help criminal defendants found incompetent to stand trial regain competency through mental health treatment. The bill requires courts to provide structured treatment services for defendants unable to understand trial proceedings due to mental health conditions, while including community safety safeguards. It directly affects Vermont defendants in criminal cases who are deemed incompetent to stand trial. The process aims to restore competency for fair trials or appropriate resolution, with specific court procedures outlined in the bill.

Maddy summaryH 221 creates a temporary working group to develop a uniform process for ensuring compliance with court orders requiring individuals to surrender firearms, primarily affecting domestic violence victims and safety systems. The group, composed of officials from law enforcement, courts, domestic violence advocates, and firearm storage entities, will study current challenges and recommend legislative or policy changes by November 2025. It will focus on creating statewide accountability for firearm surrender orders in both family and criminal courts, assessing resource needs for courts and law enforcement, and consulting with existing domestic violence programs. The working group will disband on January 15, 2026, after submitting its recommendations to the legislature.

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.