Rep. Carol Ode

Maddy summaryHCR 30 is a memorial resolution honoring Donald H. Turner Jr., a former Vermont Representative, House Republican Leader, and Milton Town Manager. The resolution expresses the General Assembly's condolences to his family following his death in November 2024 and directs copies of the resolution to his family, the Milton Town Clerk, and the Milton Fire Department. This procedural resolution commemorates his public service, including his 30+ years with the Milton Fire Department and his legislative career representing Milton.

Maddy summaryH 317 prohibits credit card networks and payment processors from charging merchants fees on the tax or tip portion of a transaction. It requires merchants to report tax and gratuity amounts during payment processing, and if they don't, they may face fees on the full transaction amount. Merchants can correct inaccurate reports within 30 days, and payment networks must refund fees on tax/tip amounts if documentation is provided within 180 days. The law applies to all Vermont merchants accepting credit cards and takes effect July 1, 2025. Violations carry $1,000 penalties per transaction.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HCR 26) honoring Burlington High School alumna Ilona Maher for winning a bronze medal with the U.S. women's rugby sevens team at the 2024 Paris Olympics. It formally congratulates her on this achievement and directs Vermont's Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to her. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely serves to recognize her athletic accomplishment and community ties. It was adopted by the Vermont House and Senate in February 2025 as a symbolic gesture.

Maddy summaryH 303 bans the land application of septage (septic tank waste), sludge (wastewater treatment byproduct), and biosolids (treated sewage solids) for agricultural use. It also prohibits selling compost or soil products containing these materials. The law applies directly to farmers, waste treatment facilities, and businesses producing agricultural products. The ban takes effect July 1, 2025, replacing current testing requirements for land application.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H.288) provides reduced or waived motor vehicle registration fees for Vermont veterans with honorable discharges. Veterans who provide proof of service (via DD Form 214) qualify for either a 100% fee waiver (once per year) or a 50% reduction on registration fees for specific vehicle types, including cars, motorcycles, snowmobiles, and boats. The exemption applies if the veteran is listed as an owner or co-owner on the registration form. It takes effect January 1, 2026, and requires veterans to submit documentation to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

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 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.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires online businesses likely to be accessed by children to avoid using design features that are harmful or overly invasive of children's privacy. It defines "covered businesses" as those with online services reasonably likely to be used by minors and mandates that these businesses set privacy settings to the most protective default for children. Key provisions prohibit design features causing compulsive use (like endless scrolling) and require businesses to handle children's personal data with heightened safeguards. The law applies to Vermont-based businesses offering online products or services to minors, aiming to protect children's privacy through proactive design standards.