Rep. Elizabeth Burrows

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 limits tuition rates charged by Vermont public schools that receive students from other districts, requiring them to set rates at the average tuition of similar union schools. It prohibits these schools from charging additional fees for special education, facility reservations, or other unaccounted costs. The bill also removes tuition paid by nonoperating school districts from their education spending calculations when determining excess spending under state law. These changes directly affect receiving school districts, sending districts, and nonoperating districts with students.

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 184 proposes a $500,000 community health center pilot program administered by Vermont's Department of Health. The bill directs grants to develop health and wellness programming specifically for marginalized communities facing health disparities. It requires the Department to seek input from the Health Equity Advisory Commission when designing the program. The bill was introduced by several representatives and referred to the Human Services Committee on February 11, 2025.

Maddy summaryH 180 creates a structured process for Vermont school districts to close elementary schools, directly affecting districts, students, parents, and communities. It requires districts to publish a detailed closure report at least 9 months before a decision, demonstrating how the closure would impact student outcomes (especially for at-risk and marginalized students), comparing financial savings to alternatives like staff consolidation or regional collaboration, and evaluating transportation feasibility. The report must include specific data on educational effects, credible financial analysis, and a plan for student placement and building use. This ensures communities have meaningful input and decisions are based on evidence, not just cost savings. The bill is currently under review by the Education Committee.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 12) is a non-binding ceremonial resolution expressing legislative congratulations to the University of Vermont (UVM) men's soccer team for winning their first NCAA Division I men's soccer championship (College Cup) in 2024. It formally recognizes the team's achievement, including their "Cardiac Cats" nickname and championship victory over Marshall University. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to UVM Athletics but does not create any new policy, funding, or legal obligations. It is purely symbolic recognition of the team's athletic accomplishment.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow Vermont SNAP (food assistance) recipients to use their benefits at participating restaurants instead of purchasing groceries. It directly affects SNAP recipients (including seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income households) and restaurants that choose to join the program. Key provisions require restaurants to be licensed, promote locally sourced and culturally diverse food options, and be located in areas with many eligible participants. The bill also authorizes $100,000 for a new coordinator position and $75,000 for restaurant start-up costs, with implementation starting July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryH 130 expands Vermont's Advisory Council on Harassment, Hazing, and Bullying Prevention in Schools by adding 12 new member positions representing diverse groups, including student advocates from specific youth organizations, disability rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy, racial equity, and domestic violence prevention. The council must now review model prevention policies every two years, develop school resources (like restorative practice guides), and annually solicit student and parent input on bullying issues. The expanded council will submit detailed reports to education committees by January 15 each year, including recommendations for policy changes. This bill directly affects all Vermont public and independent schools, school staff, students, and families by strengthening coordinated prevention efforts and accountability. The changes take effect July 1, 2025.