Rep. Monique Priestley

Maddy summaryH.791 establishes the "Vermont Government Data Practices Act," setting privacy standards for how state agencies handle personal information. It requires all Vermont state agencies (including departments, boards, and commissions) to only collect and store necessary personal data - such as health records, biometrics, location data, or financial details - directly from individuals when possible, and to maintain accuracy and relevance. The bill prohibits agencies from disclosing personal information without justification and mandates that contractors handling state data follow the same rules. This directly affects how Vermont's government manages citizen data across all executive branch operations.

Maddy summaryH.793 removes Vermont corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and similar business entities' legal authority to spend money on election activities (like supporting candidates) or ballot-issue activities (like funding ballot measures). It amends Vermont's business corporation laws to explicitly revoke any prior broad powers that could be interpreted as allowing such spending, defining these activities clearly to prevent misuse. The bill ensures these entities can only engage in activities necessary for their lawful business, charitable, or organizational purposes - without political spending authority. It preserves natural persons' rights and political parties' activities while applying uniformly across all business entity types.

Maddy summaryH.799 creates the Free Degree Promise Program to provide tuition-free associate's degrees at Vermont's Community College of Vermont (CCV) for eligible high school graduates. It directly affects Vermont students who complete CCV's Early College program (earning 20+ credits) and submit financial aid applications. The program covers tuition/fees after other aid, provides stipends for books and transportation, and includes career advising. Funding comes annually from the Vermont Education Endowment Trust Fund (5% of assets), with the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation designated as a recipient. This codifies an existing initiative to reduce student debt and expand access to postsecondary education.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Vermont's apprenticeship programs to improve diversity and accessibility. It defines "underserved communities" broadly to include racial minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, people with disabilities, rural residents, and others facing systemic barriers. Key requirements include a 5-year strategic plan (starting 2026), annual reports tracking participation by race, gender, age, and occupation, and working groups focused on removing barriers for underrepresented groups. The changes directly affect all Vermont apprenticeship programs, sponsors, and participants, aiming to increase equitable access to skilled trades careers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires chatbot providers operating in Vermont to protect users' data privacy and security, clearly disclose when users are interacting with an AI (not a human), and allow users to access their own chat logs. It defines key terms like "chatbot" (AI systems simulating conversation) and "affirmative consent" (clear permission, not hidden terms of use), and prohibits deceptive "dark patterns." The law applies to all chatbot providers within Vermont, directly affecting users who interact with these services. Key provisions mandate transparent data handling, user access to their input/output data, and strict rules against misleading consent practices.

Maddy summaryThis Vermont bill (H.776) requires health insurance companies using artificial intelligence to make coverage decisions to base those decisions on individual patient medical records - not group data - and prohibits AI from denying coverage. Final coverage decisions must be made by licensed human health care providers after reviewing patient-specific clinical information. The bill also mandates quarterly AI performance reviews, transparency about AI use in policies, and ensures tools are applied fairly across all patients with similar needs. It takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryVermont's H.783 requires businesses to clearly disclose when consumers interact with a chatbot during commercial transactions, preventing reasonable confusion about speaking with a human. It directly affects companies using AI chatbots for customer service, sales, or other commercial interactions. The law mandates a "clear and conspicuous" notice before or during the conversation, defining chatbots broadly to include AI agents, avatars, and automated systems simulating human dialogue. Violations would be treated as unfair trade practices under existing consumer protection law, effective July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryH.777 creates the Vermont Skier Development Scholarship Fund to provide up to 20 annual scholarships of $25,000 each for Vermont high school students (grades 9-12) who attended Vermont public or approved private schools. The fund, financed by sales tax, supports students attending eligible Vermont ski academies that meet specific standards for student support, academic quality, and safety. Scholarship recipients must maintain athletic progress (competitive standing, training), academic performance, and Vermont community engagement. Ski academies must demonstrate compliance with accessibility, transparency, accredited academics, and safety protocols to qualify for funding.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 165) commemorates Micheline Lemay of Stowe for her leadership in outdoor recreation and mindfulness. It specifically recognizes her work as a co-owner of Rugged Adventures Summer Camp, her personal journey overcoming serious health challenges including cancer, and her "Mansfield Million" ski challenge to ascend Mount Mansfield. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to Micheline Lemay, with no policy changes or direct effects on legislation or constituents.

Maddy summaryHCR 172 is a commemorative resolution honoring Jon Gailmor, a Vermont folk singer and former Elmore Town Moderator who died in 2025. The resolution expresses the Vermont General Assembly’s condolences to his family and Elmore residents, recognizing his contributions as a musician who celebrated Vermont through songs like "A Town Meeting Tune" and his 15+ years serving as Elmore's town moderator. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to Gailmor’s family and the Elmore Town Clerk. This is a ceremonial measure with no policy impact.