Rep. Abbey Duke

Maddy summaryH.649 regulates captive insurance companies and risk retention groups in Vermont. It bans risk retention groups from making loans or investments in their parent companies or affiliates (except existing arrangements before 2026) and revises reporting requirements. Captive insurance companies must now file annual financial reports by March 1 (or March 15 for specific types), using standardized accounting methods, while risk retention groups must submit annual and quarterly reports to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). The bill also requires certification statements for each "protected cell" within sponsored captive insurance companies. These changes directly affect Vermont-based captive insurers, risk retention groups, and their financial reporting obligations.

Maddy summaryThis House concurrent resolution formally acknowledges the 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disasters that struck Japan's Tohoku region. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the Japanese Consul General in Boston and to Dr. and Mrs. Masatoshi Kida, recognizing their long-term efforts to strengthen friendship and cultural understanding between Vermont and Japan. The document serves as a commemorative statement of remembrance rather than a policy change, and it does not alter any laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill welcomes the officers and crew of the U.S. submarine USS VERMONT (SSN 792) to the Vermont State House on March 17, 2026, and designates April 18, 2026, as USS VERMONT Day in the state. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to the submarine's commanding officer and support group as an official acknowledgment. It recognizes the vessel's recent achievements, including its participation in the AUKUS security partnership and its completion of maintenance in Australia. The bill also notes that an information display about the submarine will be shown at the State House the day before the designated USS VERMONT Day.

Maddy summaryVermont's H 205 bill prohibits most noncompete agreements that restrict franchisees from operating their businesses after leaving a franchisor or employees from competing after leaving a job. It exempts agreements protecting trade secrets, reasonable nonsolicitation agreements (like preventing employee poaching), and noncompetes for employees earning $100,000+ annually (with a 3-day job offer notice requirement). The bill requires franchisors and employers to notify affected individuals that existing noncompete clauses are void and unenforceable. It takes effect on July 1, 2025, with specific exceptions for business sales, dissolutions, and severance agreements containing reasonable time, geographic, and scope limits.

Maddy summaryHCR 178 is a ceremonial resolution honoring former Vermont State Senator William H. Carris of Wells. It commemorates his life and service, including his career as a business leader (founder of Carris Reels, which implemented an employee stock ownership plan), his philanthropy, and his three terms in the Vermont Senate (2006-2016). The resolution extends the General Assembly's sympathy to his family and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to them. As a non-binding tribute, it has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents or legislation.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 910) provides additional funding and support for Vermont businesses of all sizes and stages. It expands the Vermont Small Business Development Center's capacity, increases funding for the Micro Business Development Program and Vermont Professionals of Color Network, and updates the Vermont Training Program and Employment Growth Incentive. The bill also creates a one-year high school entrepreneurship pilot program focused on technical education. These changes directly affect Vermont businesses, entrepreneurs, and high school students seeking business skills.

Maddy summaryHCR 196 is a ceremonial resolution honoring U.S. Army Major General Gregory Knight, Vermont's Adjutant and Inspector General, for his 43-year military and public service career. It formally commends his service - including deployments to Iraq, academic achievements, leadership in the Vermont National Guard, and his seven-year tenure as the state's top military officer - and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to him and the Vermont National Guard. This resolution does not create new laws or affect policy; it is a symbolic gesture of recognition. The bill was offered by all members of both the House and Senate.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding symbolic resolution designating February 2026 as "School Board Appreciation Month" in Vermont. It recognizes the work of locally elected school board members, who manage district budgets and make educational decisions affecting students and communities. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the Vermont School Board Association, with no new policies, funding, or obligations created. It serves purely as a commemorative gesture to acknowledge school board service.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution designates February 11, 2026, as "Disability Advocacy Day" at the Vermont State House. It recognizes the work of disability rights groups like the Vermont Coalition for Disability Rights (VCDR) and highlights ongoing challenges such as educational disparities and barriers in employment, housing, and transportation faced by Vermonters with disabilities. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges these issues and the contributions of people with disabilities. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to VCDR.

Maddy summaryHCR 181 is a ceremonial resolution congratulating 25 Vermont businesses and organizations that won the 2025 Spirit of the ADA Award. It formally recognizes these recipients - such as Walmart Rutland, Copley Hospital, and the Vermont Granite Museum - for their inclusive employment practices that align with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send each winner a copy of the resolution, with no policy changes or new requirements for the recipients. This is purely symbolic recognition, not a legislative action affecting laws or regulations.