Rep. Phil Pouech

Maddy summaryH 371 imposes a moratorium on retailers using electronic shelf labels or AI-driven dynamic pricing (where prices change in real-time) for consumer goods like food and household items until January 15, 2027. During this period, the Secretary of Agriculture must report to the legislature on how such pricing works and how to protect consumers from unfair practices. After the moratorium ends, retailers may use electronic shelf labels but cannot change prices dynamically while open to the public or alter prices more frequently than every 24 hours. The bill directly affects retail businesses selling consumer commodities in Vermont and aims to establish clear consumer protections around pricing transparency.

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 227 creates a two-bed residential peer respite facility in southern Vermont to provide short-term support for people experiencing mental health crises, avoiding hospitalization. The facility will offer two types of stays: one bed for up to four weeks and another for up to two weeks, operated by a provider selected through a state contract. The bill appropriates $515,000 for fiscal year 2026 to fund this facility, requiring the Department of Mental Health to contract with an eligible provider by January 1, 2026. It aims to expand access to peer-supported care in southern Vermont, reducing reliance on emergency hospital settings for crisis care. The facility will become operational on July 1, 2025.

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 summaryVermont's H 296 would adopt the Dietician Licensure Compact, allowing licensed dietitians in Vermont to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. This compact directly affects licensed dietitians seeking to work across state lines and improves public access to dietetics services by eliminating redundant licensing requirements. The key mechanism establishes a "compact privilege" equivalent to a state license, streamlining practice for professionals while maintaining state-level regulatory authority over patient care standards.

Maddy summaryH 295 requires Vermont employers to pay employees for unused vacation time they have earned when leaving a job, whether voluntarily or involuntarily. The bill amends state law to mandate that final wage payments include the value of accrued vacation leave, ensuring employees receive compensation for time earned but not taken. This applies to all Vermont employers and takes effect on July 1, 2025. Employees will no longer forfeit earned vacation benefits upon separation from employment.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Vermont's State Registrar to amend a death certificate to reflect the deceased person's gender identity at the time of death. It permits correction upon application by a healthcare provider, medical examiner, or close family members (spouse, child, parent, or guardian). The Department of Health must create rules specifying acceptable evidence (like advanced directives) and required forms for these requests. The changes take effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryH 283 would allow adjacent Vermont municipalities to request delegation of authority from the Secretary of Natural Resources to regulate state waters, specifically to limit or ban wake boats. Municipalities must formally request this delegation, adopt local bylaws or ordinances to enforce the restrictions, and the Secretary would approve based on the public good. This directly affects towns bordering lakes or rivers where wake boat activity is a concern, enabling local control over such regulations rather than state-level management. The bill does not change existing state water use rules but provides a pathway for municipalities to address wake boat impacts through local governance.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont drivers aged 70 or older to pass a vision test in person when renewing their driver's license, replacing automatic renewals for this age group. It also creates new licensing requirements for motor homes: operators of vehicles weighing 10,000-26,000 pounds must obtain a motor home endorsement (with a $4 annual fee), while heavier vehicles (26,001+ pounds) require a commercial driver's license. The bill establishes learner's permits for motor homes ($24 fee) and specifies testing rules, including a 120-day permit period with limited driving conditions. These changes directly affect older drivers and motor home operators in Vermont, focusing on safety through updated licensing procedures.

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.