Rep. Alyssa Black

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 368 prohibits the possession of firearms in government buildings across Vermont, directly affecting individuals entering such buildings (like courthouses or town halls) who carry firearms without authorization. It imposes penalties of up to one year in jail or a $1,000 fine for violations, with exceptions for law enforcement officers on duty and government employees authorized to carry firearms for official duties. Municipalities can opt out of the prohibition by resolution, allowing specific buildings or all municipal buildings to permit firearms. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026, and requires clear signage at all public entrances of covered buildings.

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 summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HCR 26) honoring Burlington High School alumna Ilona Maher for winning a bronze medal with the U.S. women's rugby sevens team at the 2024 Paris Olympics. It formally congratulates her on this achievement and directs Vermont's Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to her. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely serves to recognize her athletic accomplishment and community ties. It was adopted by the Vermont House and Senate in February 2025 as a symbolic gesture.

Maddy summaryH.310 requires Vermont public schools (K-12) to address antisemitism through updated policies and education. It amends the harassment definition to explicitly include antisemitic harassment - covering slurs, stereotypes, and threats targeting Jewish heritage - and mandates the Secretary of Education to develop a curriculum on antisemitism's evolution, effects, and legal consequences. The bill also requires training for school staff, age-appropriate teaching materials, and technical assistance for implementation. This affects all Vermont public school students and educators, aiming to prevent antisemitic incidents amid rising national hate crime statistics cited in the bill. The proposed curriculum would be developed in coordination with Shalom Alliance of Vermont.

Maddy summaryH 264 requires Vermont firearm owners to store guns securely - locked and separate from ammunition - when children or prohibited persons (e.g., those banned by law from owning guns) might access them. It directly affects all gun owners in homes or premises under their control. Key provisions include fines up to $1,000 or jail time for negligence leading to a crime, and up to $5,000 or five years in jail if access causes death or serious injury. Dealers must post mandatory safety signs about risks like accidental child access or suicide. The law takes effect upon passage.

Maddy summaryHCR 21 is a symbolic resolution expressing the Vermont General Assembly's appreciation for school board members' role in public education. It formally designates February as "School Board Recognition Month" in Vermont to highlight their contributions. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely ceremonial, acknowledging school board members' civic service. The resolution was adopted by both chambers on February 7, 2025, and directs the Secretary of State to share it with the Vermont School Boards Association.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 29) is a ceremonial gesture congratulating Montgomery runner Elinor Purrier St. Pierre on her eighth-place finish in the women's 1500m at the 2024 Paris Olympics. It recognizes her athletic achievements, including American records and prior Olympic participation, as detailed in the resolution's "whereas" clauses. The resolution directs Vermont's Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Ms. Purrier St. Pierre. As a symbolic tribute with no policy changes or direct effects, it does not alter laws or affect any constituents beyond expressing legislative recognition.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution honors the Vermont Old Cemetery Association (VOCA) for its 65+ years of preserving Vermont's historic cemeteries. VOCA provides restoration grants, veteran burial support, and educational resources (like its newsletter and book *Burial Grounds of Vermont*) to local cemetery groups and municipalities. The resolution formally recognizes VOCA's work without creating new laws, funding, or policy changes. It serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation for the organization's contributions to cemetery preservation and public education.