Sen. Wendy Harrison

Maddy summaryS 74, the Vermont My Health My Data Act, regulates how businesses collect, share, and sell Vermont residents' health data. It directly affects Vermont residents and any company handling their health information within the state. Key provisions require clear consumer consent before collecting or sharing data (prohibiting deceptive "dark patterns" in terms of use), grant consumers the right to delete their data, and ban selling health data without explicit authorization. The law specifically protects sensitive health information - including reproductive care, gender-affirming treatment, and biometric data - and prohibits tracking near healthcare facilities through geofencing.

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 summaryVermont's S.72 requires the state pension investment commission to review the fossil fuel holdings in three public retirement systems (state employees', teachers', and municipal employees' funds) by December 2025. The bill mandates a plan to fully divest these systems from fossil fuels by December 2030, with a longer-term goal to divest private investments containing fossil fuels by December 2040, unless holdings are below a "de minimis" threshold (less than 2% of portfolios). The commission must submit annual progress reports to legislative committees starting in 2027. This directly affects Vermont's public employee pension funds, not private retirement accounts.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new requirements for Vermont state agencies when entering contracts to outsource services previously performed by state employees (called "privatization contracts"). It requires agencies to provide 35 days of notice to employee unions before bidding begins, during which alternatives to outsourcing can be discussed. Contracts must save the state at least 20% in costs compared to using state employees, guarantee private contractors pay at least the average wage for comparable state positions, and provide health insurance benefits equal to those offered to state workers. The bill also mandates quality standards, non-discrimination protections, and a review panel to ensure compliance before contracts are finalized.

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 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.

Maddy summaryThis Vermont bill establishes an age-appropriate design code that requires online companies to protect the privacy and safety of children under 18. It applies to any business that offers online services, products, or features likely to be accessed by minors, including social media platforms, gaming sites, and apps with targeted advertising. The law mandates that companies avoid using manipulative design features that exploit children's developing brains, such as endless scrolling or autoplay functions, and requires them to set age-appropriate defaults for privacy settings. Companies must also limit the collection of personal data from minors and prohibit the use of precise geolocation tracking for users under 16. The bill defines specific age ranges for different developmental stages and requires businesses to consider these needs when designing their digital products and services.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the life of Senator Richard Sears, who passed away in June 2024 at age 81. The document formally acknowledges his career as a state senator, his work as a youth counselor, and his leadership on the Judiciary Committee where he helped advance legislation on civil unions, marriage equality, and juvenile justice. It also notes his personal history, including being adopted as an infant and later establishing a mentoring program for boys in the justice system. The resolution expresses the Senate's sadness at his passing and directs that a copy be sent to his family.