Rep. Barbara Rachelson

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 summaryVermont's H 299 prevents Family Court cases from being transferred to criminal court when the person involved is a child or youth victim of human trafficking. The bill requires Family Court to retain jurisdiction over such cases if the court finds clear evidence the child was a victim of human trafficking, sexual assault, or related crimes defined in state law. Key provisions mandate that courts hold hearings to verify victim status and explicitly prohibit transferring cases involving these specific offenses. This directly affects minors in Family Court proceedings who are identified as trafficking victims, keeping their cases in the juvenile justice system. The law takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryH 258 prohibits law enforcement from using deception, threats, or physical harm during custodial interrogations of individuals under 22 years old. It requires notifying and contacting a juvenile’s parent, guardian, or legal custodian before any such interrogation. The bill also mandates the Vermont Criminal Justice Council to create statewide interrogation standards, including requiring electronic recording of most custodial interrogations in detention (with limited exceptions like emergencies). These changes aim to prevent false confessions and improve community trust in law enforcement practices.

Maddy summaryH 268 establishes the "Vermont Consumer Protection Towing Act" to create standardized rules for towing and vehicle storage in Vermont. The bill directly affects Vermont residents whose vehicles are towed (especially during emergencies or on private property) and all towing companies operating in the state. Key provisions require towing companies to document vehicle details and locations before towing, let vehicle owners choose their towing company when possible, and maintain records for three years. The Department of Motor Vehicles will regulate compliance and handle consumer complaints. This bill does not apply to automobile clubs, dealers, insurance companies, or abandoned vehicles.

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 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 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.

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.192 prohibits the use of solitary or room confinement for children in secure facilities (like detention centers) except as a temporary measure when a child poses an immediate risk of physical harm to themselves or others. The bill requires staff to first attempt de-escalation techniques, such as talking with the child or involving a mental health professional, before confinement. It limits confinement time to a maximum of 30 minutes for self-harm risks or 3 hours for risks to others, mandates 15-minute check-ins, and requires release when the risk subsides. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and excludes regular sleeping hours and single-occupancy rooms not used for confinement.