Rep. Ela Chapin

Maddy summaryH 606 (Vermont) updates firearms laws by making the theft of any firearm a grand larceny (previously requiring $900+ value), increasing penalties for repeat firearm possession by prohibited individuals, and banning firearm possession for people ordered by a court to be restricted due to mental health risks. The bill also prohibits machine guns and devices mimicking them, while allowing firearms manufacturers to face liability in public nuisance lawsuits. These changes directly affect individuals with prior violent crime convictions, those subject to court-ordered mental health restrictions, and firearms manufacturers. The bill aims to strengthen enforcement around firearm theft, prohibited possession, and specific weapon types without altering federal firearm restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont correctional facilities to provide free telephone, video, and electronic communication services to incarcerated individuals at no cost to them. It caps commissary prices at no more than 10% above fair market value for comparable community products. The bill mandates that incarcerated individuals receive at least the federal minimum wage for their labor, with wages held in a separate fund and subject to limited deductions for maintenance or victim restitution. Additionally, the Department of Corrections must evaluate contracts with Global Tel Link and the Keefe Group by January 1, 2026, to ensure pricing does not exceed community rates or competitor offerings.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 211) requires data brokers in Vermont to notify consumers if their personal information is involved in a security breach, certify that data is used for legitimate purposes, and provide an accessible way for consumers to request deletion of their information. It directly affects Vermont residents whose personal data is collected and sold by businesses without a direct customer relationship (e.g., companies selling addresses, phone numbers, or biometric data). Key provisions define "data brokers" narrowly to exclude businesses with direct customer ties (like retailers or employers) and clarify that publicly available business information isn’t covered. The bill aims to strengthen protections for consumer data by adding specific obligations for brokers handling sensitive information like Social Security numbers or biometric identifiers.

Maddy summaryH.778 requires Vermont's Division of Emergency Management to create emergency response plans (EOPs) for high-hazard dams with significant population at risk: all dams affecting 1,000+ people must have plans by 2030, and those affecting 100-999 people by 2031. The bill also clarifies that the Governor or Emergency Management Director can order evacuations without municipal approval during dam failure risks. Additionally, it mandates a pilot project developing EOPs for two state-owned high-hazard dams with over 1,000 people at risk, due by July 2028. These plans must identify flood zone structures for emergency alerts and include regular training exercises for responders.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that honors Representative Kevin "Coach" Christie of Hartford for his civic leadership and extends best wishes for his future. It recognizes his long history of public service, including his work as an educator, his role on the Hartford School Board, and his legislative focus on education and social equity. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Representative Christie.

Maddy summaryH.739 prohibits the use and sale of the herbicide paraquat in Vermont, including specific forms like "paraquat dichloride" and "paraquat bis(methylsulfate)." The bill would directly affect farmers, agricultural businesses, and pesticide sellers who currently use or sell paraquat. It allows limited exemptions only for environmental or agricultural emergencies when no less harmful alternative exists, with exemptions valid for up to one year and requiring specific details like geographic scope and permitted uses. The bill does not create new enforcement mechanisms but defines the prohibition and exemption process.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors the life and public service of former Representative Francis Matthew "Topper" McFaun. It recognizes his long career in Vermont, which included roles in the executive branch, local government, and coaching, as well as his nearly 11 years serving in the House of Representatives. The resolution formally acknowledges his contributions to the community and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to him.

Maddy summaryH.385 prohibits creditors from causing "coerced debt" - debt incurred through domestic abuse, human trafficking, economic abuse, or fraud - and creates remedies for victims. It directly affects survivors of abuse or trafficking who owe debt obtained without their consent or under coercion. Key provisions require creditors to stop all collection efforts, return payments, and notify credit bureaus within 10 business days if a debtor provides a "statement of coerced debt" plus adequate documentation (like police reports or certified statements from domestic violence advocates). The bill defines "coerced debt" as debt stemming from unauthorized use of personal information, threats, or economic control in abusive relationships.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that honors the memory of Terje Anderson, a gay rights advocate and political activist who passed away in 2026. It recognizes his significant contributions to social justice, including his leadership roles in AIDS service organizations and his service as chair of the Vermont Democratic Party. The resolution formally expresses the General Assembly's condolences to Anderson's family and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to his survivors and the Vermont Democratic Party.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that expresses the General Assembly's best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery to Representative Anne Donahue. It directly affects Representative Donahue, who recently suffered a brain aneurysm but is recovering well as of March 2026. The resolution highlights her long-standing contributions to mental health care, including her work on the Vermont Psychiatric Care Hospital and efforts to address historical injustices related to eugenics. Additionally, it directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Representative Donahue.