Rep. Sarita Austin

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 211) requires data brokers in Vermont to notify consumers if their personal information is involved in a security breach, certify that data is used for legitimate purposes, and provide an accessible way for consumers to request deletion of their information. It directly affects Vermont residents whose personal data is collected and sold by businesses without a direct customer relationship (e.g., companies selling addresses, phone numbers, or biometric data). Key provisions define "data brokers" narrowly to exclude businesses with direct customer ties (like retailers or employers) and clarify that publicly available business information isn’t covered. The bill aims to strengthen protections for consumer data by adding specific obligations for brokers handling sensitive information like Social Security numbers or biometric identifiers.

Maddy summaryH.778 requires Vermont's Division of Emergency Management to create emergency response plans (EOPs) for high-hazard dams with significant population at risk: all dams affecting 1,000+ people must have plans by 2030, and those affecting 100-999 people by 2031. The bill also clarifies that the Governor or Emergency Management Director can order evacuations without municipal approval during dam failure risks. Additionally, it mandates a pilot project developing EOPs for two state-owned high-hazard dams with over 1,000 people at risk, due by July 2028. These plans must identify flood zone structures for emergency alerts and include regular training exercises for responders.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that honors Representative Kevin "Coach" Christie of Hartford for his civic leadership and extends best wishes for his future. It recognizes his long history of public service, including his work as an educator, his role on the Hartford School Board, and his legislative focus on education and social equity. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Representative Christie.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors the life and public service of former Representative Francis Matthew "Topper" McFaun. It recognizes his long career in Vermont, which included roles in the executive branch, local government, and coaching, as well as his nearly 11 years serving in the House of Representatives. The resolution formally acknowledges his contributions to the community and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to him.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a formal recognition by the Vermont legislature of the value of the Department of Fish and Wildlife's fish culture program. It highlights how the state's five fish hatcheries produce over 1.5 million fish annually to support sustainable populations and provide recreational fishing opportunities. The resolution notes that these efforts also benefit local economies, promote public health, and encourage conservation education. Ultimately, the bill directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of this acknowledgment to the department.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that honors the memory of Terje Anderson, a gay rights advocate and political activist who passed away in 2026. It recognizes his significant contributions to social justice, including his leadership roles in AIDS service organizations and his service as chair of the Vermont Democratic Party. The resolution formally expresses the General Assembly's condolences to Anderson's family and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to his survivors and the Vermont Democratic Party.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that expresses the General Assembly's best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery to Representative Anne Donahue. It directly affects Representative Donahue, who recently suffered a brain aneurysm but is recovering well as of March 2026. The resolution highlights her long-standing contributions to mental health care, including her work on the Vermont Psychiatric Care Hospital and efforts to address historical injustices related to eugenics. Additionally, it directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Representative Donahue.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors Eric Palmer, the Director of Fisheries for the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, for his leadership and contributions to the state's fisheries management. It recognizes his career achievements, including the successful restoration of lake trout in Lake Champlain and his role in advancing staff development and conservation projects. The resolution formally thanks him for his service as he concludes his tenure in 2026 and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the honor to him.

Maddy summaryThis Senate concurrent resolution honors the life and service of former Washington County Senator Mary Just Skinner. It formally expresses the General Assembly's condolences to her family following her unexpected death in January 2026. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to her family as a gesture of respect.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates Terese Black on being named the 2026 Vermont Mother of the Year. It recognizes her extensive community service, including her work as a former teacher and director of a program helping formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate into society. The text highlights her dedication to various volunteer roles and her faith as reasons for receiving this honor. Finally, it directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Ms. Black.