Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale

Maddy summaryVermont's S.201 requires all postsecondary schools (colleges and universities) operating in the state to adopt an academic freedom policy by August 1, 2027. The policy must guarantee faculty the freedom to discuss relevant course materials, use any reasonable instructional methods, and express views outside work as private citizens - while requiring faculty to clarify when speaking as individuals, not as representatives of the institution. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and directly affects all Vermont colleges and universities by mandating specific institutional policies aligned with state policy supporting open inquiry and free expression in education.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Vermont Prescription Drug Discount Card Program, administered by the State Treasurer, to help residents reduce prescription drug costs. It creates a program that pools Vermont's purchasing power with other states and organizations to negotiate lower prices directly with drug manufacturers, aiming to lower costs for all Vermont residents. The program will require the Treasurer to collect reasonable fees to cover costs, report annually on participation and savings, and submit an implementation report by 2027. The bill also allocates $50,000 for initial program development in fiscal year 2027.

Maddy summaryS.167 prohibits Vermont residents from possessing semiautomatic assault weapons, defined as rifles, pistols, or shotguns with specific features (like detachable magazines plus a folding stock, pistol grip, or high-capacity magazine). Violators face up to one year in jail or a $500 fine. The law exempts federal and certified Vermont law enforcement officers, active National Guard members, and certain manually operated or antique firearms. It also excludes weapons that cannot hold more than five rounds in their magazine.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 17) honoring Chrissy Gilhuly for her 7+ years of nonpartisan legislative staff service in the Vermont General Assembly. It recognizes her roles as Supervisor of Committee Services, Joint Fiscal Office Staff Associate, and Senate Operations Manager/Journal Clerk, and extends best wishes as she transitions to a new position at the Agency of Administration. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely symbolic recognition of her professional contributions.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution urges Vermont state agencies to protect the civil rights, medical confidentiality, and personal privacy of residents diagnosed with autism, in response to federal plans for an autism research database. It specifically addresses concerns that the federal database - collecting medical records and wearable device data - could use sensitive health information without explicit consent. The resolution directs agencies to safeguard this data and references Illinois' similar privacy protections for autism-related information. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but calls for proactive privacy safeguards.

Maddy summaryHCR 106 is a ceremonial resolution congratulating the Mount Mansfield Union High School Cougars dance team for winning their 10th consecutive Vermont State championship in the hip-hop category. It formally recognizes the team's achievement at the February 2025 championship, where they scored first place overall (259-253) and named the 15 student dancers and five coaches. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the school, as part of Vermont's tradition of honoring athletic and academic accomplishments. This is a non-binding, symbolic gesture with no policy or funding changes.

Maddy summaryHCR 100 is a non-binding ceremonial resolution passed by the Vermont General Assembly to formally congratulate the Mount Mansfield Union High School (MMU) girls' Nordic ski team for winning the 2025 Division I championship. The resolution specifically recognizes the team's victories in both freestyle and classic racing events, highlighting their 23-62 lead over competitors and their 44-120 championship win. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to MMU, honoring the 16 athletes and their coaches for their athletic achievements. This resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as an official expression of support for the team's accomplishments.

Maddy summaryHCR 108 is a ceremonial resolution congratulating Namo Seibert, a Mount Mansfield Union High School senior and four-time Vermont high school girls' golf individual state champion. The resolution formally recognizes her achievement of winning the state title for four consecutive years, starting in ninth grade. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Seibert. As a commemorative measure with no policy impact, it does not create new laws or affect any programs.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 99) formally congratulates the 2025 Mount Mansfield Union High School (MMU) boys’ Nordic ski team for winning the Division I championship. It specifically recognizes their team victory and individual achievements at the Vermont Nordic championships, naming all 22 athletes and coaches. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to MMU as a formal acknowledgment of their athletic accomplishment. This is a standard recognition measure with no legislative or regulatory effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state-funded program to provide medical debt relief for eligible Vermont residents. It appropriates $1 million to contract with a nonprofit entity to acquire and abolish qualifying medical debts, ensuring these debts are removed from individuals' credit reports. The legislation also prohibits credit reporting agencies, large healthcare facilities, and medical debt collectors from reporting medical debt information. Furthermore, large healthcare facilities are restricted from selling medical debt unless it is to a nonprofit for the express purpose of debt abolition. Finally, the bill clarifies the definition of "behavioral health" in state statutes to avoid stigmatization.