Rep. David Durfee

Maddy summaryH.747, the "No Secret Police Act," requires all Vermont local, state, and federal law enforcement officers to visibly display their agency name and either their name or badge number during public interactions. It prohibits wearing masks or disguises that conceal identity, except for specific safety-related exceptions like medical masks, fire operations, or declared weather emergencies. Law enforcement agencies must create and publicly post written policies ensuring compliance with these identification standards. The bill aims to promote transparency and trust between officers and the public during routine engagements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont inpatient health care facilities to allow patients to continue taking all medically necessary medications prescribed for rare diseases - even if the facility doesn’t normally stock those drugs. It directly affects hospitals and patients receiving treatment for rare conditions who enter facilities while on specific medication regimens. The key provision mandates that facilities must accommodate these medications to prevent treatment disruptions during hospital stays. This ensures continuity of care without requiring facilities to maintain stock of every rare disease medication. The bill aims to address documented shortages of rare disease drugs in hospitals.

Maddy summaryH 401 raises the weekly sales exemption limit for home-based food businesses (cottage food operations) from $125 to a higher amount adjusted for inflation. This change directly affects small-scale home bakers and producers of non-refrigerated foods like baked goods, jams, and dried snacks who currently must pay licensing fees once weekly sales exceed $125. The bill amends licensing fee rules to exempt these operations from fees when annual sales remain below the new threshold. It aims to support small producers by reducing regulatory barriers as economic conditions have changed since the original exemption was set. The bill passed both chambers and was signed into law in June 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Vermont House resolution (HR 9) urges all state agencies to protect the privacy and medical confidentiality of Vermonters diagnosed with autism, specifically in response to federal plans for an autism research database. It directly affects autistic Vermonters by seeking to prevent their personal health data - like medical records, insurance claims, and wearable device information - from being collected or shared without informed consent. The resolution emphasizes that autism is a neurological difference, not a disease, and highlights concerns about federal data collection practices that lack explicit privacy safeguards. As a non-binding resolution, it directs state officials to uphold privacy rights and has been formally adopted by the House.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a permanent state grant program at Vermont's Agency of Agriculture to fund the existing "Vermonters Feeding Vermonters" program operated by Vermont Foodbank. The grant will provide annual funding for Foodbank to directly purchase local produce from Vermont farms and distribute it through food banks, while also offering smaller grants to Foodbank's partners for similar purchases (including culturally preferred foods). Annual reports to legislative committees will track food purchases, farms supported, and distribution sites. The program aims to address food insecurity while supporting Vermont's agricultural economy, contingent on future state funding.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HCR 153), not a policy bill. It formally expresses the Vermont General Assembly's praise for Ronald Loomis, recognizing his decades of community service in Shaftsbury. The resolution specifically highlights his donations of vehicles to the fire department, creation of police training facilities, support for schools and youth programs, and other volunteer work that earned him the 2025 Shaftsbury Ordinary Hero Award. The legislature directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Mr. Loomis.

Maddy summaryHCR 134 is a House concurrent resolution that honors Cassandra Polhemus for her exemplary leadership as the chief executive officer of the Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA). It recognizes her achievements, including overseeing VEDA's lending commitments and its response to the pandemic.

Maddy summaryHCR 124 is a House concurrent resolution that congratulates the Bennington Free Library on its 160th anniversary. It recognizes the library's history and contributions to the community, and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the library.

Maddy summaryHCR 125 is a House concurrent resolution commemorating the 30th anniversary of Garlic Town U.S.A., a festival celebrating "flavor, community, and tradition." The General Assembly acknowledges the festival's history and growth, directing the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce.

Maddy summaryHCR 122 is a House concurrent resolution that officially recognizes the week of May 6-12 as National Nurses Week in Vermont. This resolution serves to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of nurses within the state.