Rep. Monique Priestley

Maddy summaryH 262 restricts Vermont employers from using electronic monitoring of employees (like tracking computer use or location) and automated decision systems (such as AI tools for hiring or promotions) without specific limitations. Employers may only use such monitoring if it serves one of seven defined purposes (e.g., safety, compliance, or performance assessment) and is the least invasive method necessary. The bill requires employers to justify monitoring based on objective evidence and prohibits using it for general surveillance or non-essential purposes. It directly affects all Vermont employers, including contractors and job applicants, by imposing new requirements on workplace monitoring practices.

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 creates a $1,000 income tax deduction for Vermont taxpayers who cover qualified home study program expenses for their dependent children. It directly affects parents or guardians who educate their dependents through home study programs (as defined under Vermont law), provided the child is not claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer. The deduction covers costs like educational materials, equipment, and software required for home study, but does not include full tuition. The provision applies retroactively to taxable years beginning January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 239) would extend key rights to temporary Vermont state employees who work over 1,280 hours annually for two years. It requires temporary workers to receive comparable pay, whistleblower protections, sick/annual leave, and health insurance meeting ACA standards after six months of employment. The bill also prohibits termination without good cause and clarifies that such employees qualify as "State employees" for labor rights purposes. These changes apply to temporary workers in state agencies, colleges, and courts who meet the hour threshold, effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryH 233 requires Vermont state agencies to execute grant agreements with nonprofits within 30 days of funding approval or award notice, and to pay approved expenses within 30 days of a valid request. It mandates updating Administrative Bulletin 5 by July 2025 to establish a uniform process for nonprofits to use indirect rates above the standard "de minimis" rate. The bill also creates an online reporting system for grantees to document delays and a public database to track these issues. A working group will analyze grant processes, including payment delays and indirect rate consistency with federal standards, and submit recommendations by September 2026. This directly affects nonprofits receiving state-funded grants by clarifying payment timelines and administrative procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 223) clarifies that using tracking technology without consent to follow someone’s movements - such as via GPS in a vehicle - counts as stalking under Vermont law. It prohibits installing or using tracking devices in vehicles without the operator’s and all occupants’ consent, with limited exceptions for law enforcement, parents monitoring minors, and vehicle dealers. The bill also allows courts to grant abuse survivors temporary vehicle possession for safety and creates a process for survivors to quickly disable an abuser’s access to a vehicle’s connected tracking services, even if the abuser owns the account. It directly affects domestic violence survivors, victims of stalking, and individuals using vehicles in abusive situations.

Maddy summaryHCR 19 is a ceremonial resolution congratulating Vermonter Noah Dines on setting a new world record for vertical skiing, achieving 3,590,097 feet in one year (equivalent to 120 Mount Everest ascents). It has no policy provisions or direct impact on constituents, as it solely expresses legislative recognition of Dines' athletic achievement. The resolution was formally adopted by the Vermont General Assembly on February 7, 2025, and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to Dines. This is purely symbolic, with no legislative action or funding attached.

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 concurrent resolution designates February 12, 2025, as "Farm to School and Child Awareness Day" at the Vermont State House. It recognizes Vermont's existing Farm-to-School programs, which connect schools with local farmers to provide healthy meals and support agricultural sustainability. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the Vermont Farm to School & Early Childhood Network. As a ceremonial designation, it does not create new laws or funding but highlights ongoing initiatives benefiting schools, early childhood programs, and Vermont farmers.