Rep. Anne Donahue

Maddy summaryH.208 creates Vermont's first comprehensive data privacy law, giving residents specific rights over their personal data. It requires businesses to obtain clear, affirmative consent for data collection (prohibiting "dark patterns" like deceptive pop-ups), bans the sale of biometric data and sensitive health information (including gender-affirming and reproductive health data), and restricts online tracking. The law directly affects Vermont residents and any business collecting their data, including data brokers and companies using contextual advertising. Key provisions include mandatory opt-in consent for data processing, requirements for transparent privacy notices, and new protections against automated decisions affecting housing, employment, or healthcare access.

Maddy summaryH 184 proposes a $500,000 community health center pilot program administered by Vermont's Department of Health. The bill directs grants to develop health and wellness programming specifically for marginalized communities facing health disparities. It requires the Department to seek input from the Health Equity Advisory Commission when designing the program. The bill was introduced by several representatives and referred to the Human Services Committee on February 11, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires medical device manufacturers to provide hospitals and independent repair shops with manuals, parts, and diagnostic tools needed to maintain or repair FDA-approved medical equipment on fair terms. Manufacturers must supply repair manuals at no cost (only charging for physical copies' shipping costs), offer replacement parts at the same price they give their own authorized repair partners, and not restrict access to tools or software. It applies to all medical devices used in patient care, including diagnostic and treatment equipment, but excludes religious facilities relying solely on spiritual healing. The law aims to expand repair options for healthcare facilities without forcing them to depend exclusively on the original device manufacturer.

Maddy summaryH.161, the Vermont Fair Repair Act, requires manufacturers of agricultural, electronic, and forestry equipment to provide independent repair shops and equipment owners with the same parts, tools, and documentation they offer to their own authorized dealers. This includes making security features accessible for repairs, such as unlocking equipment. The law applies to equipment like tractors, computers, and forestry machinery but excludes motor vehicles and medical devices. It ensures Vermont residents and independent repair providers can access necessary repair resources without manufacturer restrictions.

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 summaryH.164 would change how Vermont distributes local option tax revenue to municipalities, increasing the share from 70% to 80% for the communities generating that revenue. It also requires that any surplus in the PILOT Special Fund (a fund for payments in lieu of taxes from state-owned properties) be distributed proportionally to the municipalities that contributed to the surplus. The bill directs the Joint Fiscal Office to prepare a report on transitioning to a system where the state retains only the minimal amount needed to administer the fund, aiming to eliminate future surpluses. This bill directly affects all Vermont municipalities receiving local option tax revenue and those contributing to the PILOT Special Fund.

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 summaryThis bill (H 153) amends Vermont law to expand who can request certified copies of birth and death certificates. It adds aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews to the existing list of eligible family members, which previously included parents, siblings, grandparents, and other close relatives. The change directly affects these extended family members seeking official records for personal, legal, or medical purposes. The amendment to 18 V.S.A. § 5016 takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 9) formally honors Vermonters involved in creating the Tony Award-winning musical *Hadestown* and Vermont youth theater groups performing teen versions of the show. It specifically recognizes creators like Anaïs Mitchell (Middlebury College alum), Michael Chorney, and Ben T. Matchstick, along with Vermont youth ensembles including Peoples Academy, Very Merry Theatre, and U-32/Montpelier High School productions supported by *Hadestown* creators. The resolution has no legal effect - it is purely ceremonial, celebrating their artistic achievements and community impact without enacting new policy. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies to the honorees.

Maddy summaryHCR 8 is a procedural resolution designating January 29, 2025, as "Mental Health Advocacy Day" at the Vermont State House. It symbolically recognizes the importance of mental health care parity with physical health care, referencing Vermont law (8 V.S.A. § 4089b) that requires equal treatment. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to share a copy with mental health advocacy organizations present at the State House on that date. This is a ceremonial gesture with no new policy or funding changes, solely intended to highlight ongoing advocacy efforts.