Sen. Nader Hashim

Maddy summaryHCR 38 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Clara Robinson, a longtime Jamaica, Vermont community volunteer and leader. It recognizes her decades of service in roles including justice of the peace, school board member, youth group leader, and church trustee, highlighting her dedication to local youth, schools, and community events. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies to Clara Robinson and the Jamaica Town Clerk. This is a purely symbolic gesture with no policy changes or legislative effect.

Maddy summaryS.78 establishes the Vermont-Ireland Trade Commission within the State Treasurer’s office to advance trade, investment, and cultural exchange between Vermont and Ireland. The commission, composed of 10 members appointed by the governor, House speaker, and Senate committee, will promote business partnerships, policy collaboration, and infrastructure investment between the two regions. It may raise funds through donations and submit annual reports to the governor and legislature, with appointments required by October 2025. The commission will cease operations on June 30, 2030, and the law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Vermont bill (S 70) requires data brokers - businesses that collect and sell personal information about consumers without a direct relationship (like a customer or employee) - to take specific steps to protect residents' privacy. It mandates that data brokers notify consumers of security breaches involving personal data, certify that data is used for legitimate purposes, and provide an accessible way for consumers to request deletion of their information. The bill directly affects Vermont residents whose personal data is collected by these brokers and sets clear rules for how brokers must handle and protect that information. It does not apply to businesses sharing publicly available business or professional information or those maintaining directory services.

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 summaryThis bill (S.7) changes Vermont's automobile insurance rules to better protect injured drivers. It prohibits insurers from reducing underinsured motorist coverage by subtracting payments received from the at-fault driver's liability insurance. It also prevents insurers from claiming back medical costs paid under medical payments coverage from third parties. These changes directly affect Vermont drivers injured in accidents involving underinsured or uninsured drivers, ensuring they receive full coverage without double deductions. The law takes effect for new policies on or after January 1, 2026.

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 summaryThis bill expands Vermont's hate crime law to include offenses targeting a "group of particular persons" (like a religious community or LGBTQ+ group), not just individual victims. It increases penalties for crimes motivated by bias against protected categories - such as race, religion, sexual orientation, or disability - based on the original crime's severity. For example, a misdemeanor hate crime could now carry up to two years in prison or a $2,000 fine, while felony-level offenses face enhanced sentencing. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and defines "protected categories" to include both actual and perceived membership in these groups.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Vermont law to require courts in adoption termination cases to consider whether a parent made "reasonable and consistent payments" for their child's support when deciding if termination is in the child's best interests. It directly affects parents whose parental rights are being challenged during adoption proceedings, particularly those who failed to provide financial support. The key change adds financial responsibility as a specific factor courts must weigh alongside other considerations like visitation and custody willingness. This policy update clarifies that courts must evaluate payment history (based on the parent's financial ability) when determining if parental rights should be terminated.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts U.S. military retirement income and survivor benefit income received by Vermont residents from state income tax. It directly affects Vermont veterans and their surviving spouses or dependents who receive these benefits. The bill amends Vermont's tax code to add these income types to the list of exclusions from taxable income under § 5811, specifically adding a new exclusion (vii) for military retirement and survivor benefits. The change takes effect retroactively for taxable years beginning January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally congratulates Brattleboro Memorial Hospital on its 120th anniversary. It does not create new laws, funding, or obligations - it is purely ceremonial. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the hospital. It affects no individuals or entities beyond acknowledging the hospital’s milestone.