Rep. Bridget Burkhardt

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 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 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 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 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 bill expands the scope of practice for optometrists in Vermont by creating an "advanced therapeutic procedures specialty." Qualified optometrists with this specialty may now perform specific procedures, including removing small superficial eye lesions (like chalazia), certain laser treatments (such as for cataracts), and targeted injections for conditions like chalazia or vision testing. The bill also explicitly prohibits optometrists from performing retinal surgeries, corneal transplants, or injections into the back of the eye. Optometrists seeking this specialty must complete additional continuing education hours focused on advanced procedures. The changes aim to clarify and modernize what optometrists can legally provide while maintaining patient safety through defined boundaries.

Maddy summaryH 255 increases criminal penalties for assaulting public transit workers in Vermont. It adds up to one year in prison for a first assault offense and up to 10 years for repeat offenses against workers while they perform their duties. The bill also prohibits intentionally exposing transit workers to bodily fluids (like blood or vomit), punishable by up to one year in jail or a $1,000 fine. "Public transit worker" is defined to include drivers (employees or volunteers) and support staff at transit centers. The law applies to all such assaults committed while workers are on duty, excluding individuals under 18 in residential facilities.

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.