Rep. Kirk White

Maddy summaryThis House resolution reaffirms the friendship between Vermont and Taiwan on the 27th anniversary of their sister-state partnership and calls for stronger bilateral ties. The bill highlights existing economic benefits, such as Vermont's significant trade with Taiwan, and supports future cooperation in areas like business, education, and Mandarin language teaching. Additionally, the resolution advocates for Taiwan's participation in international organizations, citing its contributions to global efforts in aviation, health, and climate change. Finally, it directs the Clerk of the House to send copies of the document to various state and national officials, including the President of the United States and the President of Taiwan.

Maddy summaryThis bill reaffirms the friendship between Vermont and Taiwan and supports stronger bilateral ties between the two regions. It highlights existing cooperation such as trade agreements and driver's license reciprocity while proposing the establishment of a Vermont trade office in Taiwan to further enhance economic and educational exchanges. The resolution also expresses support for Taiwan's participation in international organizations, citing relevant U.S. laws that permit such engagement. The document serves as a formal statement of support rather than creating new legal obligations, and it directs copies to relevant state and federal officials.

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 summaryH.649 regulates captive insurance companies and risk retention groups in Vermont. It bans risk retention groups from making loans or investments in their parent companies or affiliates (except existing arrangements before 2026) and revises reporting requirements. Captive insurance companies must now file annual financial reports by March 1 (or March 15 for specific types), using standardized accounting methods, while risk retention groups must submit annual and quarterly reports to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). The bill also requires certification statements for each "protected cell" within sponsored captive insurance companies. These changes directly affect Vermont-based captive insurers, risk retention groups, and their financial reporting obligations.

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 summaryVermont's H 205 bill prohibits most noncompete agreements that restrict franchisees from operating their businesses after leaving a franchisor or employees from competing after leaving a job. It exempts agreements protecting trade secrets, reasonable nonsolicitation agreements (like preventing employee poaching), and noncompetes for employees earning $100,000+ annually (with a 3-day job offer notice requirement). The bill requires franchisors and employers to notify affected individuals that existing noncompete clauses are void and unenforceable. It takes effect on July 1, 2025, with specific exceptions for business sales, dissolutions, and severance agreements containing reasonable time, geographic, and scope limits.

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 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 summaryThis bill is a non-binding symbolic resolution designating February 2026 as "School Board Appreciation Month" in Vermont. It recognizes the work of locally elected school board members, who manage district budgets and make educational decisions affecting students and communities. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the Vermont School Board Association, with no new policies, funding, or obligations created. It serves purely as a commemorative gesture to acknowledge school board service.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution designates February 11, 2026, as "Disability Advocacy Day" at the Vermont State House. It recognizes the work of disability rights groups like the Vermont Coalition for Disability Rights (VCDR) and highlights ongoing challenges such as educational disparities and barriers in employment, housing, and transportation faced by Vermonters with disabilities. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges these issues and the contributions of people with disabilities. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to VCDR.