Rep. Troy Headrick

Maddy summaryH.297 creates the Free Degree Promise Grant Program to provide free associate’s degrees at Vermont’s Community College of Vermont (CCV) for eligible students. It directly affects Vermont students who completed CCV’s Early College program (earning 20+ credits), require full-time enrollment (12+ credits), and meet income thresholds. The program covers remaining tuition/fees after other aid and provides $500-$1,000 per semester for books/supplies based on household income, with support for up to five semesters or degree completion. This aims to address equity gaps in college access, particularly for low-income, first-generation, and historically underserved students.

Maddy summaryH 265, the "Fair Access to Online Utility Payment Act," prohibits Vermont municipalities from charging convenience fees for online payments of municipal utility bills (electric, water, wastewater, or communications). It directly affects ratepayers - especially low-income residents - and municipalities that currently impose such fees. Key provisions require municipalities to absorb all online payment processing costs into general budgets (not pass them to customers), disclose these costs in annual budgets, and justify any rate increases tied to payment systems. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and includes support for municipalities to transition to cost-efficient payment methods.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies Vermont's unemployment insurance rules for adjunct faculty at colleges and universities. It directly affects part-time instructors who teach between academic terms but lack guaranteed future work. The key provision defines "reasonable assurance" of future employment as requiring a concrete job offer meeting specific criteria: written or verbal offer from an authorized person, same position, pay at least 90% of previous year, and not contingent on factors like funding or enrollment. If an adjunct isn't offered a position for the next term, they qualify for retroactive benefits. The changes take effect July 1, 2025.

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 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 summaryThis bill prohibits discrimination based on criminal history in employment and housing across Vermont. It adds "criminal history" to Vermont's existing anti-discrimination laws, meaning employers cannot refuse to hire or landlords cannot deny housing solely due to an individual's criminal record. The law includes exceptions for jobs where federal or state law mandates disqualification (e.g., for certain crimes in childcare roles) or for positions substantially related to the offense. It also defines "criminal history" broadly to cover all contact with the criminal justice system, including arrests and court dispositions.

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 summaryJRH 2 is a Vermont legislative resolution urging President Trump to avoid imposing tariffs on goods and services imported from Canada. It directly affects Vermonters by highlighting the state's deep economic ties with Canada, including $2.6 billion in annual imports, 17,000 jobs supported by Canadian investments, and critical energy imports (100% of Vermont Gas Systems' supply). The resolution formally requests the President refrain from tariffs, citing risks to Vermont's economy and longstanding cross-border trade relationships, and directs the Secretary of State to send it to the President, Governor Scott, and Canadian officials.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution designates February 12, 2025, as "Farm to School and Child Awareness Day" at the Vermont State House. It recognizes Vermont's existing Farm-to-School programs, which connect schools with local farmers to provide healthy meals and support agricultural sustainability. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the Vermont Farm to School & Early Childhood Network. As a ceremonial designation, it does not create new laws or funding but highlights ongoing initiatives benefiting schools, early childhood programs, and Vermont farmers.