Rep. Topper McFaun

Maddy summaryHCR 30 is a memorial resolution honoring Donald H. Turner Jr., a former Vermont Representative, House Republican Leader, and Milton Town Manager. The resolution expresses the General Assembly's condolences to his family following his death in November 2024 and directs copies of the resolution to his family, the Milton Town Clerk, and the Milton Fire Department. This procedural resolution commemorates his public service, including his 30+ years with the Milton Fire Department and his legislative career representing Milton.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HCR 26) honoring Burlington High School alumna Ilona Maher for winning a bronze medal with the U.S. women's rugby sevens team at the 2024 Paris Olympics. It formally congratulates her on this achievement and directs Vermont's Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to her. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely serves to recognize her athletic accomplishment and community ties. It was adopted by the Vermont House and Senate in February 2025 as a symbolic gesture.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows retired Vermont teachers (Group A or C members) who have received retirement benefits for at least six months to work as interim school educators for up to one year while continuing to receive their full retirement allowance. It requires school districts to confirm they exhausted all options for hiring active teachers before hiring a retired beneficiary. The provision, extending an existing 2022 law, expires on June 30, 2031. It applies specifically to interim educators in Vermont public schools who are already retired and receiving benefits.

Maddy summaryH 305 requires enhanced oversight and informed consent procedures for prescriptions of psychotropic medications (medications for mental health conditions) given to children and youth enrolled in Vermont's Dr. Dynasaur program. The bill mandates that healthcare providers obtain specific, documented consent from parents or guardians before prescribing these medications and establishes clearer accountability measures for monitoring their use. This directly affects children in the Dr. Dynasaur program, their families, and the healthcare providers prescribing these medications. The bill aims to strengthen safeguards around medication management for vulnerable youth without specifying new treatment protocols. (Introduced February 2025, currently before the Health Care Committee.)

Maddy summaryH 272 would amend Vermont's zoning law to prevent municipalities from banning development on steep slopes. It removes a current provision (24 V.S.A. § 4411(3)(C)) that allowed towns to prohibit construction in such areas, replacing it with language permitting only regulation (like setting limits), not outright prohibition. This change directly affects local governments (municipalities) and developers seeking to build on sloped land, shifting zoning authority from local bans to regulatory standards. The bill is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025, and is currently under review by the Environment Committee.

Maddy summaryH 267 establishes the Vermont Hospital Security Plan, creating a state-administered program to provide hospital coverage for all Vermont residents regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. The plan requires hospitals to accept the state's negotiated annual payments (based on global budgets) for services provided to all patients, prevents balance billing for Vermont residents beyond set cost-sharing amounts, and includes out-of-state hospital coverage for Vermont residents. Key mechanisms include annual global hospital budgets limiting cost growth to the Consumer Price Index plus 3.5%, a dedicated trust fund financed by state transfers and federal Medicaid/Medicare funds, and appeal processes for denied claims. This directly affects Vermont residents seeking hospital care and Vermont hospitals receiving state payments.

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 summaryThis bill (H 252) prohibits individuals convicted of a second or subsequent felony from earning time off their prison sentence through Vermont's earned time program. It amends 28 V.S.A. § 818 to explicitly exclude people sentenced for a felony after a prior felony conviction from participating in the program. The key change removes this group from eligibility, meaning repeat felony offenders cannot reduce their sentences via earned time. This applies to all current and future offenders meeting this criteria, excluding them from the standard earned time provisions. The bill is currently pending referral to the Committee on Corrections and Institutions.

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.