Rep. Troy Headrick

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont schools, school districts, cultural institutions (like museums), and educational programs receiving public funds to consult with and obtain written endorsement from the Odanak and Wôlinak First Nations before using or presenting materials about Indigenous history or culture in Vermont. It directly affects all public schools, approved independent schools, and cultural institutions hosting school groups that develop or use such curriculum. The key mechanism is mandating formal consultation and written approval from these two Abenaki nations, whose ancestral territory includes present-day Vermont, to ensure accuracy and cultural integrity. The bill is grounded in Vermont’s recognition of UNDRIP principles, particularly the right of Indigenous peoples to consent to decisions affecting their cultural heritage.

Maddy summaryH.576 proposes creating the Affirming Health Care Trust Fund, administered by Vermont's State Treasurer, to provide financial support for gender-affirming health care services. The fund would award money directly to Vermont health care providers and qualifying nonprofits to cover costs like uncompensated care, clinic operations, and insurance - specifically aiming to reduce access barriers related to geography, income, race, and other factors. It explicitly prohibits sharing patient-identifiable data and requires confidentiality for recipient information. The bill is currently under review by the Health Care Committee and has not yet become law.

Maddy summaryH 397 updates Vermont's emergency management and flood response systems. It requires the Division of Emergency Management to annually report on mitigation plans to legislative committees and revise the State Emergency Management Plan every five years to cover response coordination, preparedness, and local planning templates. The bill expands grant funding for flood mitigation projects, including voluntary buyouts for flood-affected properties, and mandates new assistance for municipalities to access river monitoring and weather alert systems. It also provides municipalities with greater flexibility to borrow funds for emergency-related expenses and manage unspent budget balances. These changes directly affect state agencies, local governments, and communities in flood-prone areas.

Maddy summaryThis Vermont House resolution (HR 9) urges all state agencies to protect the privacy and medical confidentiality of Vermonters diagnosed with autism, specifically in response to federal plans for an autism research database. It directly affects autistic Vermonters by seeking to prevent their personal health data - like medical records, insurance claims, and wearable device information - from being collected or shared without informed consent. The resolution emphasizes that autism is a neurological difference, not a disease, and highlights concerns about federal data collection practices that lack explicit privacy safeguards. As a non-binding resolution, it directs state officials to uphold privacy rights and has been formally adopted by the House.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Maine's adoption and guardianship laws. It allows parents to finalize certain adoptions without court approval and enables parents to designate standby guardians for their children without requiring court involvement. The changes affect families seeking to formalize adoptions or plan for child care in emergencies. The bill became law when the Governor signed it on May 22, 2025.

Maddy summaryHCR 145 is a House concurrent resolution that celebrates the 35th anniversary of the installation of the first piece of art for the Art in State Buildings Program. The resolution also directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the Vermont Arts Council.

Maddy summaryH 219 establishes the Department of Corrections’ Family Support Program, providing free parenting and trauma-informed family support services to all incarcerated individuals who are parents or guardians. The program aims to increase parents' knowledge and skills, offer resources for communicating with their children and caregivers, and create child-friendly visitation spaces. It also includes outreach for children's services and reentry support for parents. The bill directs the Department to include funding for these services in its annual budget, with initial implementation at the Chittenden Regional and Northern State Correctional Facilities and an intent to expand statewide by 2028, contingent on appropriated funds.

Maddy summaryHCR 137 is a House concurrent resolution that celebrates the 40th anniversary of Robin’s Nest Children’s Center in Burlington’s Old North End. It acknowledges the center's history of providing early childhood care and education to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers since 1985.

Maddy summaryHCR 110 is a House concurrent resolution that designates April 2025 as Black Maternal Care Awareness Month in Vermont. This resolution aims to raise awareness about racial inequities in maternal health outcomes and celebrates efforts to address these disparities, and directs a copy to be sent to the Black Mamas Matter Alliance.

Maddy summaryThis resolution, HCR 81, honors the life and public service of Brenda Churchill, a former Bakersfield Select Board member and advocate for transgender rights. It extends the Vermont General Assembly's condolences to her family and recognizes her contributions to local and state government, including her work on the Vermont Commission on Women.