Rep. Matt Walker

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 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 (H 252) prohibits individuals convicted of a second or subsequent felony from earning time off their prison sentence through Vermont's earned time program. It amends 28 V.S.A. § 818 to explicitly exclude people sentenced for a felony after a prior felony conviction from participating in the program. The key change removes this group from eligibility, meaning repeat felony offenders cannot reduce their sentences via earned time. This applies to all current and future offenders meeting this criteria, excluding them from the standard earned time provisions. The bill is currently pending referral to the Committee on Corrections and Institutions.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 254) clarifies court procedures for serving legal documents in civil cases. It requires that when a Vermont court approves alternate service of process (such as publishing a notice or leaving documents at a defendant's home), that order automatically applies to all future service steps in the same case - including post-judgment actions - without needing new court orders. The bill directly affects civil court proceedings where alternate service is used, streamlining the process for plaintiffs and courts. It specifically updates Vermont Rule of Civil Procedure 4(d)(1) and applies to all existing and future cases using such service methods.

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.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 12) is a non-binding ceremonial resolution expressing legislative congratulations to the University of Vermont (UVM) men's soccer team for winning their first NCAA Division I men's soccer championship (College Cup) in 2024. It formally recognizes the team's achievement, including their "Cardiac Cats" nickname and championship victory over Marshall University. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to UVM Athletics but does not create any new policy, funding, or legal obligations. It is purely symbolic recognition of the team's athletic accomplishment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H.150) reinstates an exemption allowing firearm transfers at gun shows to bypass Vermont's standard 72-hour waiting period. It directly affects gun show organizers, vendors, and attendees participating in firearm transactions at events sponsored by firearm-focused organizations (like competitive shooting clubs or collector groups). The key mechanism adds a specific exemption to Vermont law, stating that firearm transfers at qualifying gun shows are not subject to the 72-hour waiting period requirement. This policy change reverses a prior removal of this exemption, returning to a previous regulatory approach for gun show transactions.

Maddy summaryH 139 creates a working group to study whether Vermont's secondary schools should require licensed athletic trainers at all athletic events and practices. The group, made up of education leaders, athletic directors, and athletic trainers, will examine the need, available resources, and cost-effective ways to share trainers across school districts. They must submit a report to lawmakers by December 1, 2025, but the bill itself does not require trainers to be present - only study the possibility. This affects all Vermont public secondary schools, particularly rural districts facing medical access challenges.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 2) formally congratulates the 2024 Missisquoi Valley Union High School Thunderbirds softball team for winning the Division I championship. It directly recognizes the team members, coaches, and staff who achieved this victory, including specific player names and support personnel listed in the resolution. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the school, serving as a ceremonial acknowledgment with no policy changes or funding impacts. As a symbolic gesture, it does not alter laws or affect broader legislation.