Rep. Conor Casey

Maddy summaryH 813 requires approved independent schools receiving public funding to meet the same education quality standards, transparency rules, and accountability measures as Vermont public schools. It mandates these schools to develop annual improvement plans, publicly report student performance data (including graduation rates and cost-per-pupil), maintain safe facilities, employ licensed special educators, follow open meeting and public records laws, and not charge extra fees to publicly funded students. The bill directly affects independent schools that accept state tuition payments, ensuring they operate with comparable standards to public schools. Key provisions include standardized reporting formats, safety regulations, and prohibitions on charging additional fees beyond state funding. This extends Vermont’s public school accountability framework to all schools using public funds.

Maddy summaryH.838 amends Vermont's State Employees’ Retirement System definitions to create a new Group G membership category. It directly affects specific state employees, including Department of Corrections security/treatment staff, justice youth facility workers, Vermont Psychiatric Care Hospital employees, sheriffs, and certified deputy sheriffs who perform law enforcement as their primary duty. The bill establishes eligibility requirements: employees must be hired after July 1, 2023 (or elect to join by June 2023), or be current members who elect to join by December 2024, while meeting certification and employment criteria. This changes membership classification without altering retirement benefits or funding.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic House resolution (HR 12), not a policy bill. It expresses Vermont's support for Governor Philip B. Scott's statement criticizing federal immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota. The resolution specifically endorses the governor's call for halting "Operation Metro Surge" (the federal deployment of ICE/CBP agents), condemning the fatal shooting of a protester, and demanding adherence to constitutional rights. As a resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes - it solely conveys legislative support for the governor's position.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $750,000 for Vermont's dementia respite grant program and $100,000 for a pilot program creating dementia-friendly activities. It directly affects low-income Vermonters with dementia (income ≤400% federal poverty level) and their unpaid caregivers, providing up to $3,000 per person for respite care like adult day programs. The pilot program funds community organizations in Rutland and Washington Counties to develop activities supporting brain health for people with cognitive impairment. Funds are distributed on a first-come basis, with respite grants prioritizing out-of-home daytime care options. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a substantive bill. HCR 161 formally congratulates Montpelier High School's Division III field hockey team for winning the 2025 championship, citing their undefeated 17-0 season and a 2-1 overtime victory in the state final. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to Montpelier High School. It has no policy impact or funding provisions - it solely serves as a symbolic recognition of the team's achievement. The resolution was offered by multiple representatives and senators from Montpelier.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires federal immigration authorities to obtain a judicial warrant before entering nonpublic areas of Vermont's schools, healthcare facilities, polling places, public libraries, or childcare centers. It also prohibits Vermont's Department of Corrections from assisting federal immigration enforcement beyond what federal law permits and limits civil arrests in government buildings. The Human Rights Commission must create a model policy for sensitive locations by April 2027, guiding institutions on refusing warrantless access requests. These provisions directly affect federal immigration agents, Vermont schools, healthcare providers, and other sensitive location operators.

Maddy summaryH.747, the "No Secret Police Act," requires all Vermont local, state, and federal law enforcement officers to visibly display their agency name and either their name or badge number during public interactions. It prohibits wearing masks or disguises that conceal identity, except for specific safety-related exceptions like medical masks, fire operations, or declared weather emergencies. Law enforcement agencies must create and publicly post written policies ensuring compliance with these identification standards. The bill aims to promote transparency and trust between officers and the public during routine engagements.

Maddy summaryH.714 requires Vermont state agencies to publicly disclose any automated tools (like AI or algorithms) used for employment decisions affecting wages, hiring, promotion, or discipline. Agencies must post details about these tools on their websites, including their purpose and when they began using them. The bill explicitly protects unionized state employees by ensuring these tools cannot reduce job security, benefits, or collective bargaining rights. It also creates a study committee to examine the impact on state employees and explore extending these requirements to municipal workers, teachers, and public college staff.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Vermont's Bill of Rights for Sexual Assault Survivors by guaranteeing specific protections during medical exams and criminal investigations. It directly affects survivors who report sexual assault to law enforcement, hospitals, or victim advocates, granting them the right to have a chosen support person present during exams and interviews, retain private counsel throughout proceedings, shower immediately after medical evaluations, and request a same-gender law enforcement officer for interviews. The bill also prohibits using evidence from medical exams to prosecute survivors for minor offenses like drug crimes or misdemeanors. These changes take effect July 1, 2026, and apply to all sexual assault cases reported under Vermont law.