Rep. Ian Goodnow

Maddy summaryH.823 requires social media platforms operating in Vermont to display mental health warning labels each time a user accesses the platform. These labels must warn users about potential mental health risks from social media use, provide crisis resource information (including the 988 hotline), and remain visible until the user exits or acknowledges the warning. The bill also mandates pop-up notifications every 30 minutes (customizable up to 60 minutes) showing cumulative daily usage time. The Attorney General must develop guidelines by April 2027, with the law taking full effect July 1, 2027. It applies to platforms meeting Vermont's definition of social media (user-generated content sharing sites/apps).

Maddy summaryH 760 creates a new "Vermont Green FC" license plate for eligible vehicles (pleasure cars, trucks under 26,001 pounds, and state agency vehicles), requiring a $45 initial fee and $45 annual renewal. The majority of these fees (77% initially, 84% annually) will fund a new Vermont Green FC Special Fund. This fund will provide grants to support environmental justice and Vermont’s outdoor recreation economy, managed by a board including state officials and representatives from the Vermont Green Football Club and the Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance.

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 (H.728) allows landlords in Vermont to obtain a "no trespass" order barring a tenant’s guests or licensees from entering the dwelling unit or its common areas under specific conditions. Landlords may seek such orders if the tenant consents, the guest violated the lease terms, or the guest broke state/federal law on the property. The order can be appealed only through a small claims court action within seven days, with the court’s decision being final. This directly affects landlords, tenants (who control guest access), and guests/licensees who may face trespass restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis Vermont bill (H 637) amends laws governing driving under the influence (DUI) by clarifying that "under the influence of a drug" means any slight impairment of driving ability from drugs (not just alcohol), per Section 1201. It updates testing procedures, requiring blood or saliva samples when breath tests aren't feasible or when drugs (not alcohol) are suspected, while preserving rights to challenge warrants (Section 1202). For penalties, it increases mandatory minimum jail time for repeat offenses: 80 hours for a second offense, 96 hours for a third, and 192 hours for a fourth or subsequent offense, with no suspension allowed except under specific court findings (Section 1210). The bill directly affects drivers suspected of DUI involving drugs or alcohol, focusing on clearer definitions, testing protocols, and stricter penalties for repeat violations.

Maddy summaryH.624 creates a 10-member working group to study Vermont's adult guardianship system. The group will examine whether to consolidate involuntary guardianship cases under Title 14 (general adults) with guardianships for people with developmental disabilities under Title 18, or amend laws to ensure equal access to voluntary guardianships for both groups. The working group, including judges, disability officials, legal experts, and community representatives, must report recommendations by December 15, 2026, addressing judicial resources, appellate jurisdiction, and legislative changes needed. This bill does not change current law but sets up a study to evaluate potential reforms in how guardianship cases are handled. The direct effect is on Vermont's probate court processes and future legislative decisions regarding adult guardianship access.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 543) would allow a diagnosed case of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to count as "actual injury" in negligence lawsuits, directly affecting plaintiffs who suffer PTSD due to others' negligence. It amends Vermont law (12 V.S.A. § 1036a) to explicitly state that a PTSD diagnosis satisfies the legal requirement for proving injury in such cases. The bill aims to reverse a recent Vermont Supreme Court ruling (Zeno-Etheridge v. Comcast Corp.) that previously required additional proof beyond a PTSD diagnosis. This change would streamline negligence claims for PTSD victims without altering other elements of negligence law.

Maddy summaryH 397 updates Vermont's emergency management and flood response systems. It requires the Division of Emergency Management to annually report on mitigation plans to legislative committees and revise the State Emergency Management Plan every five years to cover response coordination, preparedness, and local planning templates. The bill expands grant funding for flood mitigation projects, including voluntary buyouts for flood-affected properties, and mandates new assistance for municipalities to access river monitoring and weather alert systems. It also provides municipalities with greater flexibility to borrow funds for emergency-related expenses and manage unspent budget balances. These changes directly affect state agencies, local governments, and communities in flood-prone areas.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 151) is a ceremonial gesture congratulating Casella Waste Systems, Inc. on its 50th anniversary. It formally recognizes the company's founding in 1975, growth to over 5,000 employees across 10 states, sustainability initiatives (including EV fleets and the Casella Center for Circular Economy), and community contributions. The resolution has no legislative effect - only directing the Secretary of State to send a copy to the company. It directly affects Casella Waste Systems, Inc., as the recipient of this symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Maine's adoption and guardianship laws. It allows parents to finalize certain adoptions without court approval and enables parents to designate standby guardians for their children without requiring court involvement. The changes affect families seeking to formalize adoptions or plan for child care in emergencies. The bill became law when the Governor signed it on May 22, 2025.