Rep. Angela Arsenault

Maddy summaryHCR 70 is a ceremonial resolution designating April 10, 2025, as Alzheimer’s Awareness Day at the Vermont State House. It formally recognizes the impact of Alzheimer’s disease in Vermont, citing local statistics about affected residents, caregivers, and associated costs. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the Alzheimer’s Association, Vermont Chapter, and acknowledges current awareness efforts by families, caregivers, and medical professionals. This is a non-binding designation with no new policy or funding changes.

Maddy summaryHCR 55 is a symbolic resolution recognizing April 2025 as "Month of the Military Child" in Vermont. It directly acknowledges the experiences of Vermont military children, particularly those with parents in the Vermont National Guard (approximately 1,000 personnel deployed annually), who face challenges like frequent relocations and parental deployment. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the Vermont National Guard’s Child & Youth Services office. As a concurrent resolution, it has no legal force but serves to honor military-connected youth through official state recognition.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises Vermont's minimum age for juvenile delinquency proceedings from 10 to 12 years old. It also increases the age threshold for transferring youth to adult court from 19 to 20 years old, meaning youth aged 16-17 committing offenses will now remain in juvenile court until age 21 (previously 20), and those aged 18 will stay until age 22 (previously 21). The law directly affects youth aged 12-20 involved in delinquency cases, keeping them in the juvenile justice system longer. Implementation requires the Agency of Human Services to report progress on facility and program expansions by 2026, with full implementation effective July 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution (HR 7) is a non-binding statement by the Vermont House of Representatives reaffirming Vermont's longstanding relationship with Taiwan and supporting stronger two-way ties. It specifically highlights Vermont's significant economic connection with Taiwan - $254 million in Vermont exports to Taiwan and $55.3 million in imports in 2022 - and advocates for Taiwan's participation in international organizations like the WHO and climate forums. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally urges enhanced bilateral cooperation, including potential agreements on trade and education. It was adopted by the Vermont House on March 27, 2025, and directs copies to Vermont officials, Taiwan's president, and U.S. leaders.

Maddy summaryHCR 60 is a ceremonial resolution designating March 25, 2025, as Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Day at the Vermont State House. It formally recognizes advocates and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who will visit the State House that day to discuss service needs. The resolution has no policy or funding changes - it simply designates a day for acknowledgment and directs the Secretary of State to share the resolution with advocacy groups present. This is a symbolic gesture, not a substantive legislative action.

Maddy summaryHCR 54 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Thomas Paul Salmon, a former Vermont Representative, Governor (75th), and Interim University of Vermont President. The resolution expresses the General Assembly's condolences to his family following his death on January 14, 2025, and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to them. It commemorates his career, including his two terms as governor (1972-1978) and his six-year tenure as UVM Interim President. As a non-binding memorial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents.

Maddy summaryHCR 13 is a non-binding memorial resolution honoring Robert Louis Picher, the former Clerk of the Vermont House of Representatives. It commemorates his 30 years of service (1963-1993, plus 2002 acting role), military career, legal background, and community contributions. The resolution expresses the Vermont General Assembly’s condolences to his family and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to them. This is purely ceremonial with no policy changes or affected constituents.

Maddy summaryHCR 48 is a ceremonial resolution honoring former Vermont House Representative Curt McCormack of Burlington, who died in September 2024. It recognizes his environmental advocacy (including pioneering work on chlorofluorocarbon limits), transportation leadership (as Bicycle-Pedestrian Coordinator and House Transportation Committee Chair), and service as a Peace Corps volunteer in Senegal. The resolution extends condolences to his family and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to them. This procedural resolution does not create policy changes or affect any constituents.

Maddy summaryThis bill imposes an 11% excise tax on the retail sale of firearms, firearm precursor parts, and ammunition in Vermont. Licensed firearm dealers and ammunition vendors must collect the tax at the point of sale (during background checks) and remit it quarterly to the state. The tax applies to all retail transactions except those exempt under Vermont law, such as transfers to law enforcement or immediate family members. Revenue from the tax will be deposited into the Domestic and Sexual Violence Special Fund, which supports victim services. The tax takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryH.57, "Jessica's Law," would extend Vermont's existing $80,000 survivor benefit for emergency personnel to law enforcement officers. It requires the state to pay this benefit to surviving spouses, children, or parents when a certified law enforcement officer dies "in the line of duty" or from an occupation-related illness. The bill amends existing law to include law enforcement officers under the same eligibility criteria and benefit structure currently applied to firefighters and emergency personnel. The benefit would be administered by a state review board and take effect on July 1, 2025.