Rep. Alyssa Black

Maddy summaryH 516 proposes to approve several amendments to the charter of the Town of Essex. The bill clarifies when a Selectboard member's office is considered vacant, such as if they move out of town or fail to attend at least 50 percent of meetings in a year. It also establishes the duties of the Town Moderator and outlines procedures for electing a temporary Moderator when needed. Additionally, the bill authorizes the Selectboard to appoint members to the Town Cemetery Commission and requires the Selectboard to hire a public accountant to examine the Town's financial statements.

Maddy summaryH 558 transfers sole authority for Vermont's Medicaid school-based services program from current oversight to the Agency of Human Services (AHS), while clarifying the Agency of Education's (AOE) role in coordinating with school districts. The bill establishes a School-Based Medicaid Reimbursement Fund managed by AHS, directing 55% of federal reimbursement funds to supervisory unions (which manage multiple school districts), 25% for AHS and AOE administrative costs, and any remaining balance to the Education Fund. It requires supervisory unions to submit Medicaid claims for eligible students and creates an incentive fund for unions with high participation rates (over 80%). This directly affects supervisory unions, AHS, AOE, and school districts by changing how Medicaid reimbursement funds are distributed and administered.

Maddy summaryThis bill welcomes the officers and crew of the U.S. submarine USS VERMONT (SSN 792) to the Vermont State House on March 17, 2026, and designates April 18, 2026, as USS VERMONT Day in the state. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to the submarine's commanding officer and support group as an official acknowledgment. It recognizes the vessel's recent achievements, including its participation in the AUKUS security partnership and its completion of maintenance in Australia. The bill also notes that an information display about the submarine will be shown at the State House the day before the designated USS VERMONT Day.

Maddy summaryHCR 178 is a ceremonial resolution honoring former Vermont State Senator William H. Carris of Wells. It commemorates his life and service, including his career as a business leader (founder of Carris Reels, which implemented an employee stock ownership plan), his philanthropy, and his three terms in the Vermont Senate (2006-2016). The resolution extends the General Assembly's sympathy to his family and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to them. As a non-binding tribute, it has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents or legislation.

Maddy summaryHCR 196 is a ceremonial resolution honoring U.S. Army Major General Gregory Knight, Vermont's Adjutant and Inspector General, for his 43-year military and public service career. It formally commends his service - including deployments to Iraq, academic achievements, leadership in the Vermont National Guard, and his seven-year tenure as the state's top military officer - and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to him and the Vermont National Guard. This resolution does not create new laws or affect policy; it is a symbolic gesture of recognition. The bill was offered by all members of both the House and Senate.

Maddy summaryThis Vermont House concurrent resolution (HCR 197) formally congratulates the YMCA on its 175th anniversary and extends best wishes for its future work. It specifically acknowledges the YMCA's national history and its local impact in Vermont, noting that the YMCA of Greater Burlington and Meeting Waters YMCA serve 15,000 Vermonters annually. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to these two Vermont branches. As a ceremonial resolution, it contains no new policies, funding, or requirements - it is purely a symbolic gesture of recognition.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution designates February 11, 2026, as "Disability Advocacy Day" at the Vermont State House. It recognizes the work of disability rights groups like the Vermont Coalition for Disability Rights (VCDR) and highlights ongoing challenges such as educational disparities and barriers in employment, housing, and transportation faced by Vermonters with disabilities. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges these issues and the contributions of people with disabilities. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to VCDR.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HCR 175), not a substantive bill. It honors the late Venerable J. Stannard Baker of Shelburne, recognizing his pivotal role in Vermont's marriage equality history. The resolution commemorates his leadership in the landmark 1999 *Baker v. State* case that established marriage equality under the Vermont Constitution, leading to civil unions and later marriage rights. It expresses the legislature's condolences to his family and directs the Secretary of State to share the resolution with his family and the Episcopal Diocese of Vermont.

Maddy summaryHCR 177 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Twin Valley High School's Athletic Director and boys' soccer coach Buddy Hayford for achieving 500 career coaching victories. It recognizes his 43-year coaching career, including 10 divisional titles, two state basketball titles, and his status as Vermont's first high school soccer coach to reach 500 wins. This resolution, offered by all House members and sponsoring senators, formally congratulates Hayford and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to him and his school - **it is not a law but a symbolic gesture of appreciation**.

Maddy summaryHCR 180 is a ceremonial resolution congratulating the 2025 Essex High School Hornets boys' volleyball team on winning the Vermont State championship. It formally recognizes the team's 3-1 victory over Mount Mansfield Union High School in the championship match and acknowledges the players and co-head coaches. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to Essex High School. This is a non-binding, symbolic gesture with no policy changes or funding impacts.