Rep. Laura Sibilia

Maddy summaryH.829 requires businesses or organizations making robocalls with artificial voices (generated or altered using AI) to first play a natural, unrecorded voice announcement before delivering any prerecorded message. This announcement must state the call’s purpose, the caller’s name/address/phone number, ask if the recipient consents to hear the message, and disclose that an artificial voice will be used. The law applies to all robocallers in Vermont using AI-generated voices and imposes civil penalties of $500 for a first violation (rising to $1,000 for repeat offenses), plus potential criminal penalties of up to 90 days in jail or $1,000 per call for willful violations. It directly affects telemarketers, debt collectors, and other entities using automated calls with artificial voices within Vermont.

Maddy summaryThis Vermont bill (H.822) requires providers of generative AI systems (like chatbots or image generators) to give consumers a tool to detect if content was created or altered by AI, and to offer users an option to add a watermark to AI-generated media. It directly affects AI companies and their users within Vermont. The key provisions are mandatory content detection tools and optional watermarks to identify AI-generated content, aiming to increase transparency for consumers.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H.825) simplifies the process for property owners to install wheelchair ramps by removing the requirement to submit a zoning permit application. It directly affects property owners seeking to make accessibility improvements and the municipal panels that review development projects. The key provision requires these panels to allow ramp construction without permits and mandates they receive training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as it relates to zoning. This change aims to reduce barriers for accessible home modifications while ensuring local officials understand ADA compliance.

Maddy summaryH.821 establishes an updated Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council in Vermont, requiring it to study AI's impacts on education, finance, and public health. The bill mandates that businesses using generative AI in consumer services must disclose this usage to customers. The Council must submit a report by January 15, 2027, with recommendations for ethical AI use in public services and pilot projects for public finance engagement. The bill also specifies the Council's membership composition, including state agency representatives and experts in ethics, health, and education. This legislation directly affects Vermont state agencies, healthcare providers, educational institutions, and businesses offering consumer services using AI tools.

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 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 summaryH.791 establishes the "Vermont Government Data Practices Act," setting privacy standards for how state agencies handle personal information. It requires all Vermont state agencies (including departments, boards, and commissions) to only collect and store necessary personal data - such as health records, biometrics, location data, or financial details - directly from individuals when possible, and to maintain accuracy and relevance. The bill prohibits agencies from disclosing personal information without justification and mandates that contractors handling state data follow the same rules. This directly affects how Vermont's government manages citizen data across all executive branch operations.

Maddy summaryH.793 removes Vermont corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and similar business entities' legal authority to spend money on election activities (like supporting candidates) or ballot-issue activities (like funding ballot measures). It amends Vermont's business corporation laws to explicitly revoke any prior broad powers that could be interpreted as allowing such spending, defining these activities clearly to prevent misuse. The bill ensures these entities can only engage in activities necessary for their lawful business, charitable, or organizational purposes - without political spending authority. It preserves natural persons' rights and political parties' activities while applying uniformly across all business entity types.

Maddy summaryVermont's Joint Resolution JRH 7 expresses strong support for the existing U.S.-Denmark treaty governing Greenland and opposes any U.S. efforts to secure sovereignty over the island. It specifically references recent statements by President Trump and his administration suggesting potential military action or purchase of Greenland, which Vermont lawmakers characterize as disregarding Greenland and Denmark's sovereignty. The resolution directs Vermont's Secretary of State to send a copy to President Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. This non-binding resolution directly addresses U.S. foreign policy toward Greenland and NATO allies, reflecting Vermont's position on current diplomatic tensions. It does not alter laws but formally states the state's opposition to moves that could disrupt the current treaty framework.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires chatbot providers operating in Vermont to protect users' data privacy and security, clearly disclose when users are interacting with an AI (not a human), and allow users to access their own chat logs. It defines key terms like "chatbot" (AI systems simulating conversation) and "affirmative consent" (clear permission, not hidden terms of use), and prohibits deceptive "dark patterns." The law applies to all chatbot providers within Vermont, directly affecting users who interact with these services. Key provisions mandate transparent data handling, user access to their input/output data, and strict rules against misleading consent practices.