Rep. Elizabeth Burrows

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that designates April 2026 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month in Vermont and honors Prevent Child Abuse Vermont for its 50 years of community service. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but instead formally acknowledges the organization's work in preventing child abuse through family support programs and community partnerships. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Prevent Child Abuse Vermont as official recognition. This type of bill is non-binding and serves primarily to express legislative appreciation rather than to implement specific regulatory changes.

Maddy summaryH.861 would create an independent position for an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator within Vermont's state government. The coordinator's role would focus on ensuring state agencies comply with federal and state disability rights laws. This bill directly affects how state services are delivered to Vermonters with disabilities by requiring a dedicated official to oversee accessibility. The bill summary does not specify additional duties, funding, or implementation details beyond establishing the position.

Maddy summaryThis bill recognizes March 25, 2026, as National Medal of Honor Day in Vermont to honor the state's military history and Medal of Honor recipients. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the Green Mountain Submarine Veterans and the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs. The resolution commemorates Vermont's 64 Medal of Honor recipients, including the youngest recipient, Willie Johnston, and acknowledges the significance of March 25 as the date the first medals were issued in 1863. This is a commemorative resolution that does not change laws or create new programs but serves to formally acknowledge the state's military heritage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont's Division of Fire Safety to create and adopt a residential universal design building code. It mandates that any housing development receiving state funding must incorporate designs meeting this new code. The legislation directly affects state agencies responsible for building codes and developers or builders of publicly funded housing projects. By establishing universal design standards, the bill aims to ensure housing is accessible to people of all abilities, though the specific design requirements will be determined through future rulemaking.

Maddy summaryThis bill welcomes the officers and crew of the U.S. submarine USS VERMONT (SSN 792) to the Vermont State House on March 17, 2026, and designates April 18, 2026, as USS VERMONT Day in the state. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to the submarine's commanding officer and support group as an official acknowledgment. It recognizes the vessel's recent achievements, including its participation in the AUKUS security partnership and its completion of maintenance in Australia. The bill also notes that an information display about the submarine will be shown at the State House the day before the designated USS VERMONT Day.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes creating a 150-member Vermont Citizens’ Assembly composed of randomly selected residents (via sortition) to develop policy recommendations for the state legislature. The Assembly would operate independently for one year (mid-June to mid-November, meeting two weekends monthly), with members receiving a daily wage equal to the median Vermonter’s wage plus reimbursements for expenses. It would address significant public issues chosen annually by the Assembly itself, with recommendations submitted to the Vermont General Assembly. The body would be funded through state appropriations and have its own staff and website. The bill directly affects Vermont residents selected for membership and the General Assembly, which would consider the Assembly’s proposals.

Maddy summaryHCR 178 is a ceremonial resolution honoring former Vermont State Senator William H. Carris of Wells. It commemorates his life and service, including his career as a business leader (founder of Carris Reels, which implemented an employee stock ownership plan), his philanthropy, and his three terms in the Vermont Senate (2006-2016). The resolution extends the General Assembly's sympathy to his family and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to them. As a non-binding tribute, it has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents or legislation.

Maddy summaryHCR 209 is a memorial resolution honoring Matthew T. Birmingham III, a former West Windsor Town Moderator who served for 34 years. The resolution extends the Vermont General Assembly's condolences to his family and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to his family and the West Windsor Town Clerk. This procedural resolution does not create policy changes or affect any specific group beyond commemorating his service. It formally recognizes his civic contributions, including his leadership in municipal meetings and community involvement.

Maddy summaryHCR 196 is a ceremonial resolution honoring U.S. Army Major General Gregory Knight, Vermont's Adjutant and Inspector General, for his 43-year military and public service career. It formally commends his service - including deployments to Iraq, academic achievements, leadership in the Vermont National Guard, and his seven-year tenure as the state's top military officer - and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to him and the Vermont National Guard. This resolution does not create new laws or affect policy; it is a symbolic gesture of recognition. The bill was offered by all members of both the House and Senate.

Maddy summaryH.905 is a Vermont civil rights bill that updates and integrates protections against discrimination across state laws. It creates a statutory definition of "disparate impact" for civil rights violations, allows individuals to sue for discrimination (private right of action), and requires state/municipal employees to complete bias training. The bill mandates annual law enforcement reports on certain offenses, requires contractors and grant recipients to obtain equity certifications, and establishes new entities including a Civil Rights Data Repository and a Civil Rights Fund. It also prohibits unauthorized federal agreements that would weaken Vermont’s civil rights standards.