Rep. Leslie Goldman

Maddy summaryVermont's House of Representatives passed JRH 8, a non-binding joint resolution condemning a U.S. military operation in Venezuela on January 3, 2026. The resolution demands the immediate release of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores from U.S. custody, the withdrawal of all U.S. military forces from the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean, and respect for Venezuela's right to political self-determination. It urges the U.S. government to abandon plans for similar interventions that disrupt other nations' sovereignty. As a symbolic resolution, it directs Vermont's Secretary of State to send a copy to President Trump, Secretary of State Rubio, and Defense Secretary Hegseth.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H.868) would require Vermont public schools to phase out ultra-processed foods - like packaged snacks, pre-made meals, and sugary drinks - from school meals and replace them with foods made from scratch using whole, fresh ingredients. It directly affects all Vermont public school food programs, including cafeterias serving students. The key mechanism is establishing new guidelines to gradually eliminate ultra-processed items while increasing the use of unprocessed or minimally processed foods. The bill aims to improve student nutrition by prioritizing fresh, whole foods over highly processed options in school meals.

Maddy summaryHCR 177 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Twin Valley High School's Athletic Director and boys' soccer coach Buddy Hayford for achieving 500 career coaching victories. It recognizes his 43-year coaching career, including 10 divisional titles, two state basketball titles, and his status as Vermont's first high school soccer coach to reach 500 wins. This resolution, offered by all House members and sponsoring senators, formally congratulates Hayford and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to him and his school - **it is not a law but a symbolic gesture of appreciation**.

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 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 (H 782) modifies Vermont's requirement for school nurses by eliminating the need to hold both an educator license and a nursing license. It directly affects school nurses employed in Vermont public schools, allowing them to maintain only a valid nursing license. The key provision removes the dual licensure mandate, streamlining the credentialing process for these healthcare professionals. The bill focuses on updating licensing rules to better align with the nursing role in schools.

Maddy summaryHCR 169 is a House concurrent resolution recognizing certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) for their role in Vermont's healthcare system. It honors CRNAs' contributions, noting their 150+ years of providing anesthesia care, advanced training, and critical service in rural communities and for veterans. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the Vermont Association of Nurse Anesthetists. As a symbolic gesture with no policy changes or funding, it does not affect legislation or alter healthcare delivery.

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 Vermont inpatient health care facilities to allow patients to continue taking all medically necessary medications prescribed for rare diseases - even if the facility doesn’t normally stock those drugs. It directly affects hospitals and patients receiving treatment for rare conditions who enter facilities while on specific medication regimens. The key provision mandates that facilities must accommodate these medications to prevent treatment disruptions during hospital stays. This ensures continuity of care without requiring facilities to maintain stock of every rare disease medication. The bill aims to address documented shortages of rare disease drugs in hospitals.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Vermont's definition of "victim" to include individuals affected by officer-involved shootings when the person shot was experiencing a mental health crisis. It requires the Victims Compensation Board to provide these individuals with access to services and compensation similar to other crime victims. The bill also mandates mental health crisis training for law enforcement officers as part of certification requirements and incorporates de-escalation techniques into the state's use-of-force policy. These changes directly affect victims of such incidents and their families, ensuring they receive support previously available only to traditional crime victims.