Rep. Bob Hooper

Maddy summaryThis Vermont House concurrent resolution (HCR 197) formally congratulates the YMCA on its 175th anniversary and extends best wishes for its future work. It specifically acknowledges the YMCA's national history and its local impact in Vermont, noting that the YMCA of Greater Burlington and Meeting Waters YMCA serve 15,000 Vermonters annually. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to these two Vermont branches. As a ceremonial resolution, it contains no new policies, funding, or requirements - it is purely a symbolic gesture of recognition.

Maddy summaryH.897 requires social media platforms to block Vermont residents under 18 from creating accounts. It directly affects minors under 18 living in Vermont who would be unable to sign up for new social media profiles. The key provision mandates platforms to prohibit account creation for this age group, rather than restricting usage of existing accounts. The bill focuses on preventing new account creation for underage users, not on content moderation or parental controls. This is a direct restriction on platform access for minors under 18 within Vermont.

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 summaryH.880 would repeal Vermont's current exception allowing clergy to avoid reporting child abuse or neglect when disclosed confidentially during spiritual counseling. This change directly affects clergy members (like priests, ministers, or religious advisors) who currently may withhold reports under specific conditions. The bill removes the four-part exception (confidential communication during counseling, intended as confidential, for contrition/conscience, and required by religious law) and also repeals a related provision requiring reporting if abuse is learned outside that confidential context. As enacted, clergy would have the same reporting obligations as other mandated reporters under Vermont law, effective July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHCR 177 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Twin Valley High School's Athletic Director and boys' soccer coach Buddy Hayford for achieving 500 career coaching victories. It recognizes his 43-year coaching career, including 10 divisional titles, two state basketball titles, and his status as Vermont's first high school soccer coach to reach 500 wins. This resolution, offered by all House members and sponsoring senators, formally congratulates Hayford and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to him and his school - **it is not a law but a symbolic gesture of appreciation**.

Maddy summaryH.831 requires Vermont's Secretary of State to include the year of passage in the official number assigned to each General Assembly act, changing the format to "Act No. [NUMBER]-[YEAR]" starting in the 2027-2028 legislative session. This procedural change directly affects the Secretary of State's office and the official record-keeping of all future state laws. The bill amends Vermont Statutes Annotated § 104 to mandate this new numbering system for all acts passed after the 2026-2027 biennium. It does not alter the content or effect of any laws, only how they are formally identified in state records.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H.825) simplifies the process for property owners to install wheelchair ramps by removing the requirement to submit a zoning permit application. It directly affects property owners seeking to make accessibility improvements and the municipal panels that review development projects. The key provision requires these panels to allow ramp construction without permits and mandates they receive training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as it relates to zoning. This change aims to reduce barriers for accessible home modifications while ensuring local officials understand ADA compliance.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic House resolution (HR 12), not a policy bill. It expresses Vermont's support for Governor Philip B. Scott's statement criticizing federal immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota. The resolution specifically endorses the governor's call for halting "Operation Metro Surge" (the federal deployment of ICE/CBP agents), condemning the fatal shooting of a protester, and demanding adherence to constitutional rights. As a resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes - it solely conveys legislative support for the governor's position.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCR 171) formally honors Professor Emeritus Willard Sterne Randall for his career in journalism and historical scholarship. It recognizes his work as a journalist for major publications, his academic contributions as a history professor (including at the University of Vermont), and his award-winning biographies of figures like Hamilton and Washington. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely ceremonial, directing the Secretary of State to send a copy to Professor Randall. It does not affect any laws, regulations, or individuals beyond this symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryHCR 172 is a commemorative resolution honoring Jon Gailmor, a Vermont folk singer and former Elmore Town Moderator who died in 2025. The resolution expresses the Vermont General Assembly’s condolences to his family and Elmore residents, recognizing his contributions as a musician who celebrated Vermont through songs like "A Town Meeting Tune" and his 15+ years serving as Elmore's town moderator. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to Gailmor’s family and the Elmore Town Clerk. This is a ceremonial measure with no policy impact.