Rep. Angela Arsenault

Maddy summaryH.385 prohibits creditors from causing "coerced debt" - debt incurred through domestic abuse, human trafficking, economic abuse, or fraud - and creates remedies for victims. It directly affects survivors of abuse or trafficking who owe debt obtained without their consent or under coercion. Key provisions require creditors to stop all collection efforts, return payments, and notify credit bureaus within 10 business days if a debtor provides a "statement of coerced debt" plus adequate documentation (like police reports or certified statements from domestic violence advocates). The bill defines "coerced debt" as debt stemming from unauthorized use of personal information, threats, or economic control in abusive relationships.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that honors the memory of Terje Anderson, a gay rights advocate and political activist who passed away in 2026. It recognizes his significant contributions to social justice, including his leadership roles in AIDS service organizations and his service as chair of the Vermont Democratic Party. The resolution formally expresses the General Assembly's condolences to Anderson's family and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to his survivors and the Vermont Democratic Party.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that expresses the General Assembly's best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery to Representative Anne Donahue. It directly affects Representative Donahue, who recently suffered a brain aneurysm but is recovering well as of March 2026. The resolution highlights her long-standing contributions to mental health care, including her work on the Vermont Psychiatric Care Hospital and efforts to address historical injustices related to eugenics. Additionally, it directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Representative Donahue.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Vermont General Assembly to officially recognize May 2026 as National Foster Care Month within the state. It does not create new laws or change how foster care is administered, but rather serves to honor the work of foster families and raise awareness about the foster care system. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to the Department for Children and Families.

Maddy summaryH 650 requires educational technology providers (like software companies) to annually register with Vermont’s Secretary of State by January 31, paying a $100 fee and submitting privacy policies. It mandates the Secretary of State to create certification standards for these products, ensuring they comply with privacy laws and avoid collecting sensitive student data (like health or behavioral information). Schools cannot use uncertified products, and certification must verify that products are designed for education, have clear privacy practices, and do not include features like targeted advertising or compulsive usage triggers. This directly affects tech providers and Vermont schools by establishing a formal review process before products can be used in classrooms.

Maddy summaryThis Senate concurrent resolution honors the life and service of former Washington County Senator Mary Just Skinner. It formally expresses the General Assembly's condolences to her family following her unexpected death in January 2026. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to her family as a gesture of respect.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors Dennis Miles, the General Assembly Doorkeeper, for his long service to the Vermont legislature and its staff. It recognizes his 41-year career as an educator and coach before he joined the General Assembly in 2014, where he has managed building security and mentored legislative pages for over a dozen years. The resolution formally acknowledges his dedication and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to him as a gesture of appreciation.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors General Assembly Head Doorkeeper Michael Wiater and his wife, Donna Wiater, for their long careers in Vermont state government. It recognizes Mike Wiater's background as a former soldier and state police officer before he spent over two decades facilitating the orderly operation of the State House, while also acknowledging Donna Wiater's work as an administrative assistant. The document serves to express gratitude for their public service and officially extends best wishes for their future as they conclude their tenures in 2026. Finally, it directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of this honor to the couple.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a formal resolution that congratulates Linda Alvarez on being named the 2026 Vermont Teacher of the Year and honors the two finalists, Jason Raymond and Erin Randall. Linda Alvarez, a career and technical education instructor at Windham Regional Career Center, is recognized as the first CTE teacher to receive this award. The resolution highlights her background in business and education, her commitment to student success, and her additional roles advising student organizations and serving on advisory councils. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to the three educators as an official acknowledgment of their achievements.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a memorial resolution honoring the life of former Representative Stephen Andrew Carr, who passed away in April 2026. It recognizes his extensive community service in western Vermont, including his roles on local selectboards, his leadership in economic development projects like the Segment 6 Project, and his long career in banking and finance. The resolution formally extends the General Assembly's condolences to his family and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to them.