Rep. Bob Hooper

Maddy summaryH.726 requires Vermont employers to consider employee requests for flexible work arrangements (like adjusted hours, remote work, or job-sharing) at least twice yearly, provided the arrangement doesn’t conflict with business operations. It directly affects employees seeking changes to their schedules and employers with 10+ employees. Employers must discuss requests in good faith, and may deny them only if the request would cause specific impacts like excessive costs, harm to morale, or inability to meet customer demand. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryH 711 would exempt sales of gold or silver bullion and coins purchased for investment from Vermont's sales and use tax, effective July 1, 2026. The bill specifically covers refined gold/silver bullion and coins (like bars or minted coins) used as investment, excluding jewelry, art, or industrial metals. It amends Vermont law to clarify that this exemption promotes investment in precious metals and defines "precious metal bullion or coins" as items valued primarily by their metal content. This change directly affects individuals and investors buying investment-grade gold or silver.

Maddy summaryThis Vermont bill (H 334) bans most noncompete agreements and "stay-or-pay" provisions that require employees to repay employers upon leaving a job. It prohibits agreements restricting work for competitors after separation, with limited exceptions for business sales or dissolution. Employers must notify affected employees about void agreements and cannot retaliate against workers who refuse such terms. The law applies to all Vermont employers and covers existing contracts that violate these restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont's Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) and Department of Financial Regulation to find ways to keep animal-derived thyroid medications - like desiccated thyroid extract - available to patients who need them. It directs these agencies to implement feasible solutions without new laws and consult with healthcare providers, insurers, and patients with thyroid conditions. The OPR must report by January 2027 with findings, implemented options, and any needed legislative changes. The bill specifically aims to maintain access for patients for whom these medications are more effective or better tolerated than synthetic alternatives. It does not create new coverage requirements but mandates agency action to preserve current access pathways.

Maddy summaryH 617 requires Vermont public and independent schools to create individualized seizure action plans for students diagnosed with seizure disorders, developed collaboratively with parents and school staff. Schools must designate at least two trained staff members per school to administer seizure rescue medications or assist with vagus nerve stimulators, and obtain parental written authorization including a healthcare provider’s detailed medication plan and the medication in its original sealed packaging. Additionally, schools must provide biennial staff training on seizure recognition and first aid using guidelines from the Epilepsy Foundation, and the Agency of Education will collect compliance data for annual reporting to the legislature. This bill directly affects students with seizure disorders, school staff, and parents/guardians through new safety protocols and documentation requirements.

Maddy summaryThis House concurrent resolution formally recognizes May 2025 as National Tennis Month in Vermont. It acknowledges the sport's history and its promotion by organizations like the United States Tennis Association (USTA).

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 summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution congratulates Kathleen Lynch of Burlington on being named the 2025 Vermont Mother of the Year. It formally recognizes her for her commitment to motherhood and community service, directing that a copy of the resolution be sent to her.

Maddy summaryHCR 122 is a House concurrent resolution that officially recognizes the week of May 6-12 as National Nurses Week in Vermont. This resolution serves to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of nurses within the state.

Maddy summaryThis House concurrent resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of the conclusion of the Vietnam War, which took place on April 30, 1975. The resolution directs the General Assembly to acknowledge this anniversary and sends copies to the Vermont State Council of the Vietnam Veterans of America, the American Legion Department of Vermont, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Vermont.