Rep. Angela Arsenault

Maddy summaryH.627 expands rights for crime victims in forensic cases where defendants face competency or sanity evaluations. It requires prosecutors to notify victims (who haven’t opted out) at least 30 days before key proceedings, including hearings on a defendant’s discharge from mental health treatment or hospitalization. The bill mandates that victims receive notice of court hearings and the right to be heard when a defendant committed under mental health laws is scheduled for discharge. This applies to cases where defendants were found incompetent to stand trial or not guilty by reason of insanity. The law aims to ensure victims are informed about their rights and the status of the defendant’s case.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 571) adopts the recommendations from the Firearm Surrender Order Compliance Working Group's report dated November 15, 2025. It directly affects law enforcement agencies and individuals subject to firearm surrender orders under Vermont law. The bill implements specific procedural changes proposed by the working group to improve compliance with such orders, without creating new criminal penalties or altering existing firearm laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires mental health officials to notify crime victims at least 10 days before discharging someone committed after being found incompetent to stand trial or not guilty by reason of insanity. Victims can then request a court hearing within 10 days to share their views on the discharge, which would pause the release until the hearing concludes. The court must issue its decision within 15 days after the hearing. This applies to all cases where the defendant was found incompetent to stand trial, including those where the criminal case remains pending.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Vermont law (15 V.S.A. § 1103(c)(2)(J)) to specify that civil contempt proceedings related to protection orders must follow Rule 16 of the Vermont Rules of Family Proceedings. It directly affects individuals involved in civil protection order cases, including petitioners, respondents, and court staff handling contempt matters. The key change adds a procedural requirement for how courts process contempt violations in these cases, clarifying the legal framework without altering the substance of protection orders. The amendment became law after being signed by the Governor on June 5, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 151) is a ceremonial gesture congratulating Casella Waste Systems, Inc. on its 50th anniversary. It formally recognizes the company's founding in 1975, growth to over 5,000 employees across 10 states, sustainability initiatives (including EV fleets and the Casella Center for Circular Economy), and community contributions. The resolution has no legislative effect - only directing the Secretary of State to send a copy to the company. It directly affects Casella Waste Systems, Inc., as the recipient of this symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Maine's adoption and guardianship laws. It allows parents to finalize certain adoptions without court approval and enables parents to designate standby guardians for their children without requiring court involvement. The changes affect families seeking to formalize adoptions or plan for child care in emergencies. The bill became law when the Governor signed it on May 22, 2025.

Maddy summaryHCR 148 is a House concurrent resolution that commemorates the life and career of distinguished Vermont attorney Richard T. Cassidy of Burlington. The resolution extends condolences from the General Assembly to his family and colleagues and directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to them and relevant legal organizations.

Maddy summaryH 219 establishes the Department of Corrections’ Family Support Program, providing free parenting and trauma-informed family support services to all incarcerated individuals who are parents or guardians. The program aims to increase parents' knowledge and skills, offer resources for communicating with their children and caregivers, and create child-friendly visitation spaces. It also includes outreach for children's services and reentry support for parents. The bill directs the Department to include funding for these services in its annual budget, with initial implementation at the Chittenden Regional and Northern State Correctional Facilities and an intent to expand statewide by 2028, contingent on appropriated funds.

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 summaryH.96 increases the monetary thresholds requiring a certificate of need for healthcare projects in Vermont. It raises the cost limits from current levels (e.g., $1.5 million for facility capital costs to $10 million) to $10 million or $50 million for larger projects. The bill directly affects hospitals and healthcare facilities that would previously need state approval for projects exceeding these thresholds. It also exempts healthcare services or facility projects resulting from state contracts from the certificate requirement. This change reduces regulatory burden for many healthcare investments by raising the cost bar for mandatory review.