Rep. Daisy Berbeco

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.360 establishes privacy protections for Vermont residents using mobile identification, such as digital driver's licenses or nonmobile credentials. It requires mobile ID systems to let users share only necessary information (e.g., age verification without revealing full birthdate) and obtain explicit consent before disclosing any data. The bill prohibits businesses from forcing mobile ID use for services unless legally required (like age checks for alcohol sales) and mandates that verification systems cannot store, link, or share data about ID checks. These rules apply to the Department of Motor Vehicles and all entities using mobile ID verification.

Maddy summaryH 323 proposes creating the Mental Health Innovation Special Fund, financed through voluntary tax checkoffs on state income returns. The fund would support three main programs: mandatory school mental health screenings for students, a peer-to-peer mental health support pilot in schools, and a statewide mental health and substance misuse literacy curriculum for students. It directs the Department of Health and Education to develop and implement these initiatives, with grant funding available for innovative mental health and substance misuse treatment programs targeting youth and workforce development. The bill establishes mechanisms for public contributions via tax forms and annual reporting requirements for fund usage, directly affecting Vermont students, schools, and mental health care providers.

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.367 creates the Vermont Olympics Task Force to develop a proposal for Vermont hosting the Olympic Games (Winter or Summer) or Youth Olympics. The task force, composed of legislators, tourism business owners, Olympic athletes, and regional planning representatives, must produce a proposal aligned with Olympic sustainability goals and Vermont’s economic development plans. Key provisions require the proposal to address housing needs, transportation infrastructure, climate resilience, tourism industry support, equity, and long-term community benefits. The task force must submit updates to the legislature by 2025-2026, focusing on feasibility without committing state funds. This bill directly affects Vermont’s tourism industry, regional planning, and potential economic development strategies.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes safety standards and oversight for developers and deployers of inherently dangerous artificial intelligence systems in Vermont. It requires these entities to submit safety and impact assessments to a new Division of Artificial Intelligence within the Agency of Digital Services. The Attorney General can enforce the law by taking legal action against noncompliant developers or deployers, including seeking court orders to stop violations. The bill specifically targets high-risk AI systems, dual-use foundational models, and generative AI systems that pose serious risks to public safety, economic security, or individual rights.

Maddy summaryThis Vermont bill regulates developers and deployers of automated decision systems (ADS) used in consequential decisions - such as hiring, housing, loan approvals, or healthcare access - to prevent algorithmic discrimination. It requires businesses to clearly inform consumers before using ADS in such decisions, explaining what data is measured, how it is used, and how it influences outcomes. The bill prohibits the use of ADS that result in discriminatory treatment based on protected characteristics like race, gender, age, or disability. These requirements apply to businesses operating in Vermont that deploy or develop ADS for decisions materially affecting residents' rights, liberties, or welfare.

Maddy summaryH 325 would have Vermont adopt the School Psychologist Interstate Licensure Compact, enabling school psychologists licensed in Vermont to practice in other participating states without repeating background checks, education verification, or other redundant licensing steps. This directly affects school psychologists seeking to work across state lines, particularly in states that have joined the compact, and addresses workforce shortages by streamlining mobility. The key mechanism creates "equivalent licenses" that recognize a psychologist's qualifications from their home state, while ensuring all practitioners meet each state's scope of practice and safety standards. By adopting this compact, Vermont aims to improve access to school psychological services - such as academic, mental, and behavioral health support - across member states.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 39) designates February 19, 2025, as "Recovery Day at the State House" to honor Vermonters in recovery from substance use disorders. It recognizes the work of organizations like VAMHAR and Recovery Partners of Vermont, which support recovery pathways and community connections. The resolution commemorates Recovery Day 2025's theme, "Recovery Rooted in Community Connection," and directs the Secretary of State to share the resolution with these organizations. As a ceremonial designation, it does not create new laws or funding but publicly acknowledges the recovery community's efforts.