Rep. Michael Marcotte

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes Vermont's Data Privacy Act to protect consumer personal data by requiring businesses to obtain clear, affirmative consent before collecting and using information. It directly affects adult residents of Vermont who use services from companies that process their personal data, while excluding individuals acting in commercial or employment contexts. Key provisions define sensitive data types like biometric, genetic, and health information, prohibit manipulative design patterns, and grant consumers rights to access, correct, and delete their data. The legislation also creates specific protections for children's online experiences and requires businesses to implement security measures and provide privacy notices.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes Vermont's Uniform Directed Trust Act, which creates a legal framework for trusts where a person other than the trustee can direct how the trust is managed. The law defines a "trust director" as someone granted the authority to direct investments, management, or distribution of trust assets without serving as the trustee, while maintaining fiduciary duties similar to those of a trustee. Key provisions clarify when the law applies to trusts based on their administration location, specify which powers are excluded from directed trust rules, and outline the responsibilities and liabilities of trust directors. The bill also includes protections for licensed professionals acting in their professional capacity and sets standards for how trust directors must exercise their powers, including requirements for joint decision-making.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Office of Workforce Strategy and Development within the Executive Branch to coordinate Vermont's workforce education and training efforts. The office will be led by an Executive Director who reports to the Governor and will oversee the State Workforce Development Board, align workforce initiatives with other state strategies, and manage data collection on program outcomes. The State Workforce Development Board will be expanded to include representatives from labor organizations, education institutions, businesses, local government, and individuals with employment barriers, ensuring diverse regional and community perspectives. A new Executive Committee will manage the board's daily operations through monthly meetings, with duties including recommending rule changes and establishing subcommittees as needed.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Vermont Veterans' Home Board to establish a nursing home in Vermont that provides services and supports to Vermont veterans who do not currently reside at the Home. The legislation requires the new facility to comply with all applicable state and federal licensing and regulatory requirements. By adding a new subdivision to the relevant statute, the bill formally expands the Board's powers and duties to include this new service option. The measure was signed into law by the Governor in June 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill ends the Vermont Employment Growth Incentive Program, which previously provided financial incentives to businesses for creating jobs in the state. The change stops the Vermont Economic Progress Council from accepting or approving new applications for these job creation incentives starting January 1, 2027. The program's existing rules remain in place until that date, but no new businesses will be able to apply for funding after the deadline. The legislation takes effect on July 1, 2024, allowing time for the state to transition away from the incentive program.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Vermont's financial regulations to strengthen oversight of insurance holding companies and improve enforcement capabilities for the state's financial services commissioner. It establishes a special fund to finance financial education programs, provide restitution to victims of financial fraud, and award payments to whistleblowers who report violations. The legislation also clarifies definitions for insurance holding company systems and international groups, while updating notice requirements to mandate certified mail for certain communications. Additionally, it increases the maximum civil penalty for violations to $15,000 per incident and allows for higher penalties in cases involving vulnerable adults.

Maddy summaryThis Senate concurrent resolution honors Senator Robert A. Starr of the Orleans District for his decades of distinguished public service in Vermont. The document recognizes his long career in local government, including roles on the town zoning board, school board, and civil authority, as well as his extensive legislative service spanning over 45 years. It highlights his leadership on agricultural issues, particularly dairy farming, and his work supporting Vermont's farmland preservation efforts. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Senator Starr as an official acknowledgment of his contributions.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates the Boys & Girls Clubs of Vermont's 2024 Youth of the Year honorees and designates April 4, 2024 as Boys & Girls Club Day at the State House. The resolution recognizes Braden Howe from Brattleboro and Henry Tornwini from Burlington, who were selected for their achievements and community contributions. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to the honored youth, serving as an official acknowledgment of their accomplishments. This type of measure does not change laws or policies but instead provides formal recognition and public appreciation for the individuals and organization involved.

Maddy summaryThis House concurrent resolution celebrates the 50th anniversary of the National Conference of State Legislatures, an organization founded in 1975 that supports state and territorial legislators and their staff. The resolution recognizes the group's role in advancing state legislative effectiveness, fostering cooperation between states, and providing a unified voice for state legislatures in the federal system. It directs the Vermont Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The measure is a commemorative action with no policy changes or budgetary impact.

Maddy summaryThis Vermont House resolution reaffirms the strong friendship and bilateral relations between the United States and Taiwan, as well as the relationship between the State of Vermont and Taiwan. The bill highlights the economic ties between the two regions, noting that Taiwan is Vermont's second-largest export destination and the U.S. is Taiwan's second-largest trading partner. It expresses support for Taiwan's participation in international organizations like the World Health Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization. Additionally, the resolution supports establishing a memorandum of understanding between Vermont and Taiwan to expand educational exchanges and cooperation. The document directs the House Clerk to send copies to relevant U.S. and Taiwanese officials.