Rep. Ela Chapin

Maddy summaryH 262 restricts Vermont employers from using electronic monitoring of employees (like tracking computer use or location) and automated decision systems (such as AI tools for hiring or promotions) without specific limitations. Employers may only use such monitoring if it serves one of seven defined purposes (e.g., safety, compliance, or performance assessment) and is the least invasive method necessary. The bill requires employers to justify monitoring based on objective evidence and prohibits using it for general surveillance or non-essential purposes. It directly affects all Vermont employers, including contractors and job applicants, by imposing new requirements on workplace monitoring practices.

Maddy summaryHCR 21 is a symbolic resolution expressing the Vermont General Assembly's appreciation for school board members' role in public education. It formally designates February as "School Board Recognition Month" in Vermont to highlight their contributions. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely ceremonial, acknowledging school board members' civic service. The resolution was adopted by both chambers on February 7, 2025, and directs the Secretary of State to share it with the Vermont School Boards Association.

Maddy summaryH 246 requires all postsecondary schools in Vermont to designate a Student Liaison Officer to assist students experiencing homelessness and those exiting the foster care system with financial aid, housing, and academic resources. Schools must implement policies providing these students priority access to class enrollment, on-campus housing (with a half-time enrollment requirement), and housing during breaks. The bill also mandates fee waivers for registration and laboratory costs for eligible students. These requirements will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 29) is a ceremonial gesture congratulating Montgomery runner Elinor Purrier St. Pierre on her eighth-place finish in the women's 1500m at the 2024 Paris Olympics. It recognizes her athletic achievements, including American records and prior Olympic participation, as detailed in the resolution's "whereas" clauses. The resolution directs Vermont's Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Ms. Purrier St. Pierre. As a symbolic tribute with no policy changes or direct effects, it does not alter laws or affect any constituents beyond expressing legislative recognition.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution honors the Vermont Old Cemetery Association (VOCA) for its 65+ years of preserving Vermont's historic cemeteries. VOCA provides restoration grants, veteran burial support, and educational resources (like its newsletter and book *Burial Grounds of Vermont*) to local cemetery groups and municipalities. The resolution formally recognizes VOCA's work without creating new laws, funding, or policy changes. It serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation for the organization's contributions to cemetery preservation and public education.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires online businesses likely to be accessed by children to avoid using design features that are harmful or overly invasive of children's privacy. It defines "covered businesses" as those with online services reasonably likely to be used by minors and mandates that these businesses set privacy settings to the most protective default for children. Key provisions prohibit design features causing compulsive use (like endless scrolling) and require businesses to handle children's personal data with heightened safeguards. The law applies to Vermont-based businesses offering online products or services to minors, aiming to protect children's privacy through proactive design standards.

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.194 requires any nonemergency school construction project receiving Vermont state aid to include a high-capacity, all-gender restroom with fully enclosed stalls. This applies directly to public schools planning new construction or major renovations funded by state capital construction grants. The law amends existing approval standards for school projects, effective July 1, 2025, and does not apply to emergency repairs or existing building modifications.

Maddy summaryH.185 proposes creating a universal primary care program in Vermont, requiring the Green Mountain Care Board to develop a system that provides all Vermonters with free access to primary care services - including mental health, substance use treatment, and preventive care - without needing insurance enrollment. Key provisions eliminate cost-sharing for primary care, reduce administrative burdens on providers and insurers, and fund the program through allocated health insurance premiums and public funds. The bill also directs the Board to separate primary care practices from hospital control and fund medical training to increase provider supply. This program, planned to launch by 2028, directly affects all Vermont residents, primary care providers, and health insurers.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 20) formally honors Vermonters involved in creating the Tony Award-winning musical *Hadestown* and recognizes Montpelier High School's participation in Washington County teen theater productions of the musical. It specifically acknowledges Anaïs Mitchell (a Vermont native), collaborators like Ben T. Matchstick, and Montpelier High School Theater Director Maren Langdon Spillane for their roles in the musical's creation and a 2024-2025 teen performance partnership with U-32 Middle and High School. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to Montpelier High School and the theater director, serving as a ceremonial tribute with no policy or funding changes.