Rep. Monique Priestley

Maddy summaryThis bill, H.639 (Genetic Information Privacy Act), requires direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies to protect the genetic data of Vermont residents. It mandates that companies obtain clear "express consent" from consumers before collecting or sharing their genetic data (defined as information from DNA analysis, including SNPs and inferred data), prohibits using "dark patterns" to manipulate consent, and limits data sharing without permission. Consumers gain the right to access their own genetic data and must actively authorize its use. The law applies specifically to companies offering genetic testing directly to Vermont residents, excluding deidentified data and research conducted under federal human subjects protections.

Maddy summaryH 686 requires lobbyists, lobbying firms, or their employers to clearly identify themselves in advertisements intended to influence Vermont legislative action. Specifically, any ad paid for by these entities must include their name and a statement that the advertisement was paid for by them, before the end of a legislative session. This applies to all such ads created during the session and takes effect on July 1, 2026. The bill directly affects lobbying organizations and their paid communications with the public.

Maddy summaryH.816 prohibits mental health professionals in Vermont from using artificial intelligence to make therapeutic judgments, diagnoses, treatments, or provide therapeutic communication to clients. It specifically bans advertising or offering mental health services that claim AI provides these clinical functions. The bill allows AI use for administrative tasks like scheduling, documentation, or quality improvement, as long as licensed professionals retain full clinical responsibility. Violations would be enforced under Vermont's Consumer Protection Act, giving the Attorney General authority to take action. This directly affects all mental health service providers, including therapists and clinics, operating within Vermont.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Vermont's licensing requirements for financial service providers. It specifically adds a $200 registration fee and $300 application fee for consumer litigation funding companies seeking to operate in Vermont. The bill also clarifies licensing approval criteria, requiring applicants to demonstrate financial responsibility (including checks for recent judgments, tax liens, foreclosures, or delinquent accounts) and criminal history review (particularly for fraud or money laundering convictions). These changes directly affect businesses applying for or renewing licenses in banking, insurance, securities, and consumer litigation funding sectors, as well as the Commissioner who enforces these standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 211) requires data brokers in Vermont to notify consumers if their personal information is involved in a security breach, certify that data is used for legitimate purposes, and provide an accessible way for consumers to request deletion of their information. It directly affects Vermont residents whose personal data is collected and sold by businesses without a direct customer relationship (e.g., companies selling addresses, phone numbers, or biometric data). Key provisions define "data brokers" narrowly to exclude businesses with direct customer ties (like retailers or employers) and clarify that publicly available business information isn’t covered. The bill aims to strengthen protections for consumer data by adding specific obligations for brokers handling sensitive information like Social Security numbers or biometric identifiers.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that honors Representative Kevin "Coach" Christie of Hartford for his civic leadership and extends best wishes for his future. It recognizes his long history of public service, including his work as an educator, his role on the Hartford School Board, and his legislative focus on education and social equity. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Representative Christie.

Maddy summaryH.739 prohibits the use and sale of the herbicide paraquat in Vermont, including specific forms like "paraquat dichloride" and "paraquat bis(methylsulfate)." The bill would directly affect farmers, agricultural businesses, and pesticide sellers who currently use or sell paraquat. It allows limited exemptions only for environmental or agricultural emergencies when no less harmful alternative exists, with exemptions valid for up to one year and requiring specific details like geographic scope and permitted uses. The bill does not create new enforcement mechanisms but defines the prohibition and exemption process.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors the life and public service of former Representative Francis Matthew "Topper" McFaun. It recognizes his long career in Vermont, which included roles in the executive branch, local government, and coaching, as well as his nearly 11 years serving in the House of Representatives. The resolution formally acknowledges his contributions to the community and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to him.

Maddy summaryH.385 prohibits creditors from causing "coerced debt" - debt incurred through domestic abuse, human trafficking, economic abuse, or fraud - and creates remedies for victims. It directly affects survivors of abuse or trafficking who owe debt obtained without their consent or under coercion. Key provisions require creditors to stop all collection efforts, return payments, and notify credit bureaus within 10 business days if a debtor provides a "statement of coerced debt" plus adequate documentation (like police reports or certified statements from domestic violence advocates). The bill defines "coerced debt" as debt stemming from unauthorized use of personal information, threats, or economic control in abusive relationships.

Maddy summaryThis Vermont bill (H.270) establishes confidentiality for peer support counseling sessions provided to emergency service providers, including firefighters, EMTs, police officers, and others in critical response roles. All communications - oral or written - during these sessions must remain confidential, with exceptions for threats of suicide/homicide, child or vulnerable adult abuse, criminal conduct, or plans to commit a crime. Written records related to sessions are exempt from public disclosure under Vermont’s Public Records Act. The law takes effect on July 1, 2025, and applies to both paid and volunteer emergency service providers.