Sen. Brian Collamore

Maddy summaryThis bill shifts certain juvenile cases to criminal court, requiring that offenses like firearm use, drug trafficking, or aggravated stalking committed by youth aged 14-22 begin in the Criminal Division instead of the Family Division. It restricts judges from suspending or deferring sentences for repeat offenders (e.g., those with prior escape convictions or three+ felony convictions), mandating written findings if such sentences are granted. The bill also changes how recidivism is calculated, establishes a classification system for repeat violent offenders, and creates a forensic facility for certain criminal justice-involved individuals. These changes primarily affect juvenile offenders aged 14-22 and repeat offenders with specific prior convictions, altering court jurisdiction and sentencing options.

Maddy summaryS.267 modifies Vermont's land use laws to streamline housing development. It repeals a rule requiring permits for road construction under certain conditions (e.g., roads over 800 feet long), while extending exemptions for housing projects until 2030. Specifically, it exempts accessory dwelling units (like in-law apartments) in single-family homes and small housing projects (75 units or fewer) in designated downtown, neighborhood, or growth areas with adequate infrastructure - until July 1, 2030. These changes primarily affect developers, homeowners, and municipalities by reducing permitting barriers for housing in targeted zones. The bill does not alter zoning requirements but simplifies processes for projects meeting specific criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows emergency involuntary psychiatric medication for patients in mental health crises when they cannot consent, directly affecting individuals in hospitals or secure facilities during acute emergencies. It requires physicians to explain medication details (name, risks, benefits) to patients, document refusal or inability to refuse, and confirm less restrictive alternatives were considered before administration. Medication may be given for up to 72 hours without court approval, but facilities must seek a court hearing within five business days if continuation is needed beyond that period. Strict documentation and 12-hour reporting requirements for physicians, along with joint medical director approval, are mandated to ensure oversight. The law also specifies that medication cannot exceed 10 days without a court order.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds noncommercial aircraft (like private planes used for personal travel) to Vermont's existing sales and use tax exemption currently available to commercial aircraft. It also creates a new business personal property tax for noncommercial aircraft owners, while requiring a study on sharing tax revenue generated from air commerce with Vermont airports. The study, due by December 2026, will assess how to identify and distribute sales/use tax and property tax revenue from airports and air commerce operations. The tax changes and study will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Vermont hospitals and health systems to collaborate on specific health policy goals - such as reducing costs, improving care access, preserving rural hospitals, or advancing the state’s health strategic plan - while qualifying for legal protection from antitrust lawsuits. To qualify, collaborations must be approved by the Secretary of Human Services, who must confirm they align with state health goals and approve each initiative before implementation. The bill also permits participating hospitals to share cost, quality, and workforce data without violating antitrust laws. The Agency of Human Services will actively supervise these collaborations to ensure compliance with state policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Vermont probation and parole officers to carry firearms while on duty after completing a required training course. The training, developed by the Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council, covers defensive firearm use, appropriate force, reporting, and liability. Officers must successfully complete this course to be authorized to carry a firearm. The policy takes effect on July 1, 2026.

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 summaryS.45 protects Vermont farmers from nuisance lawsuits by establishing that agricultural activities are presumed not to be nuisances if conducted responsibly. It directly affects farmers (who gain legal protection) and neighbors (who must first attempt mediation before suing). Key provisions include requiring activities to follow state regulations and "generally accepted practices," mandating mediation before filing suit, and limiting protection if negligence or health impacts occur. The law aims to prevent lawsuits from forcing farms off agricultural land while preserving local farming operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 69 (Vermont Age-Appropriate Design Code Act), requires online services popular with minors to redesign their platforms to protect children’s privacy and safety. It directly affects businesses that generate most revenue from online services likely accessed by Vermont minors under 18 and collect their personal data. Key provisions mandate age-assurance methods to identify minors, set default privacy settings to the most protective level, ban features causing "compulsive use" (like addictive content algorithms), and restrict data collection for minors. The law also defines strict rules for handling biometric, genetic, and derived data of minors, ensuring data processing aligns with their developmental needs. It applies broadly to digital products like apps and websites, excluding physical products and basic internet services.

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.