Rep. Heather Surprenant

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 summaryJRH 2 is a Vermont legislative resolution urging President Trump to avoid imposing tariffs on goods and services imported from Canada. It directly affects Vermonters by highlighting the state's deep economic ties with Canada, including $2.6 billion in annual imports, 17,000 jobs supported by Canadian investments, and critical energy imports (100% of Vermont Gas Systems' supply). The resolution formally requests the President refrain from tariffs, citing risks to Vermont's economy and longstanding cross-border trade relationships, and directs the Secretary of State to send it to the President, Governor Scott, and Canadian officials.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution designates February 12, 2025, as "Farm to School and Child Awareness Day" at the Vermont State House. It recognizes Vermont's existing Farm-to-School programs, which connect schools with local farmers to provide healthy meals and support agricultural sustainability. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the Vermont Farm to School & Early Childhood Network. As a ceremonial designation, it does not create new laws or funding but highlights ongoing initiatives benefiting schools, early childhood programs, and Vermont farmers.

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 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 summaryH 169 amends Vermont's anti-discrimination laws to prohibit landlords from requesting Social Security numbers on residential rental applications and requires them to accept all government-issued identification. It also adds "citizenship and immigration status" to the list of protected characteristics in housing and public accommodations, expanding existing protections against discrimination. The bill directly affects landlords, renters, and businesses serving the public by banning specific discriminatory practices in housing applications and services. Key provisions include banning SSN requests for rentals (§ 4456a) and updating definitions to include immigration status in housing (§ 4501, § 4503) and public accommodations (§ 4502). These changes aim to reduce barriers for renters, particularly immigrants and non-citizens, while clarifying prohibited discrimination.

Maddy summaryH.147 establishes the Recreational Trails Compensation Study Committee to examine whether landowners who allow public recreational trails on their property should receive compensation or benefits. The committee, composed of state officials, trail organizations, landowners, and experts, will review current trail access costs, economic impacts on Vermont, and compensation models used in other states. It must submit a report to the legislature by December 2026 with recommendations on potential compensation systems, trail standards, and new trail development criteria. This bill does not create immediate compensation requirements but mandates a study to inform future policy. The study will be funded with $250,000 in state funds for consultant support.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands eligibility for Vermont's Dr. Dynasaur program to cover pregnant individuals with incomes up to 312% of the federal poverty level (FPL), effective January 2026. It also requires the Agency of Human Services to study and report by January 2026 on the feasibility and costs of expanding Dr. Dynasaur to all Vermont residents under 26 with incomes at or below 312% FPL, and Medicaid to adults aged 26-64 with incomes at or below 312% FPL. The bill appropriates $600,000 for implementing the pregnant individual eligibility change, with $180,000 from the General Fund and $420,000 in federal funds. The report must address federal waiver needs, cost estimates, and implementation timelines for potential broader expansions. This is a policy change focused on expanding healthcare access for specific income groups, not a procedural measure.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Vermont farms to host weddings, concerts, and similar events as part of their accessory on-farm businesses. It exempts these events from requiring a state land-use permit if the local town has adopted performance standards and site plan review. The change applies to construction for event spaces and farm stays (overnight accommodations for guests participating in farm activities). The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.