Rep. Doug Bishop

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 657) enables unaccompanied homeless youth aged 16+ to access key services without parental consent. It creates a certification process where youth verified as homeless by school liaisons, shelter directors, or homeless service providers receive a standardized form from the Department for Children and Families. This certification allows youth to obtain medical/dental care, mental health services, driver’s licenses, housing, school enrollment, banking services, and vital records - without needing parental permission. The bill clarifies that parental consent is not required if parents forced the youth out, neglected them, or refused support, with the Department acting in place of a guardian.

Maddy summaryThis bill, H.639 (Genetic Information Privacy Act), requires direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies to protect the genetic data of Vermont residents. It mandates that companies obtain clear "express consent" from consumers before collecting or sharing their genetic data (defined as information from DNA analysis, including SNPs and inferred data), prohibits using "dark patterns" to manipulate consent, and limits data sharing without permission. Consumers gain the right to access their own genetic data and must actively authorize its use. The law applies specifically to companies offering genetic testing directly to Vermont residents, excluding deidentified data and research conducted under federal human subjects protections.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates funding from Vermont's Opioid Abatement Special Fund for fiscal year 2027. It specifies the appropriations for this dedicated fund without detailing specific programs or recipients. As a procedural appropriations bill, it focuses solely on authorizing the use of existing funds for opioid-related initiatives in the upcoming fiscal year.

Maddy summaryH 606 (Vermont) updates firearms laws by making the theft of any firearm a grand larceny (previously requiring $900+ value), increasing penalties for repeat firearm possession by prohibited individuals, and banning firearm possession for people ordered by a court to be restricted due to mental health risks. The bill also prohibits machine guns and devices mimicking them, while allowing firearms manufacturers to face liability in public nuisance lawsuits. These changes directly affect individuals with prior violent crime convictions, those subject to court-ordered mental health restrictions, and firearms manufacturers. The bill aims to strengthen enforcement around firearm theft, prohibited possession, and specific weapon types without altering federal firearm restrictions.

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 asks the Vermont General Assembly to officially recognize May 2026 as National Tennis Month in the state. It directly affects the United States Tennis Association and local tennis programs by directing the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to USTA New England. The measure is a commemorative action that highlights the sport's growth and benefits without changing any laws or policies.