Sen. Ruth Hardy

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Vermont's Open Meeting Law to require all State nonadvisory public bodies (like state agencies and boards) to hold meetings in a "hybrid" format, combining in-person and online access. It mandates that these bodies electronically record all meetings, retain the recordings for 30 days, and make them publicly accessible online. The bill also requires posting meeting details and agendas in physical public locations (like town offices) and specifies that executive sessions - where the public is excluded - can only occur for limited reasons (e.g., security risks or confidential financial matters) and with strict voting rules. These changes apply exclusively to State-level nonadvisory bodies, not local governments or advisory groups.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution urges Vermont state agencies to protect the civil rights, medical confidentiality, and personal privacy of residents diagnosed with autism, in response to federal plans for an autism research database. It specifically addresses concerns that the federal database - collecting medical records and wearable device data - could use sensitive health information without explicit consent. The resolution directs agencies to safeguard this data and references Illinois' similar privacy protections for autism-related information. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but calls for proactive privacy safeguards.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the size limit for solar net metering systems eligible for expedited registration from 15 kilowatts (kW) to 25 kW, directly affecting residential and small commercial customers installing solar systems under this capacity. It requires the Public Utility Commission to update rules to allow 25 kW and smaller ground-mounted solar systems to use a faster approval process. The bill also adjusts setback requirements (minimum distances from property lines and highways) based on system size and adds a 45-day requirement for certificate holders to record facility locations in local land records. These changes streamline approvals for smaller solar projects while maintaining regulatory standards for larger installations.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Vermont's legislative structure to establish an Office of New Americans Study Committee, not a new agency. It requires the Governor to appoint six committee members, including one New American with lived experience nominated by a specific community organization (e.g., Association of Africans Living in Vermont or Migrant Justice). The committee's purpose is to study issues affecting New Americans in Vermont, with membership directly reflecting input from key immigrant-serving organizations. The bill passed both chambers and was signed into law by the Governor on May 21, 2025.

Maddy summaryBill S 155 authorizes municipal law enforcement agencies to use Automated Traffic Law Enforcement (ATLE) systems, such as traffic cameras, as part of a pilot program until July 1, 2027. These systems can be deployed in municipal work zones to enhance worker safety and at other locations with high rates of crashes or speeding where traditional enforcement is impractical. The bill requires clear signage notifying drivers of ATLE use, engineering analysis for deployment locations, and that systems in work zones only operate when workers are present. It also mandates annual calibration, daily logs of activity, and an annual report from the Agency of Transportation detailing system usage, violations, and collected penalties.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state-funded program to provide medical debt relief for eligible Vermont residents. It appropriates $1 million to contract with a nonprofit entity to acquire and abolish qualifying medical debts, ensuring these debts are removed from individuals' credit reports. The legislation also prohibits credit reporting agencies, large healthcare facilities, and medical debt collectors from reporting medical debt information. Furthermore, large healthcare facilities are restricted from selling medical debt unless it is to a nonprofit for the express purpose of debt abolition. Finally, the bill clarifies the definition of "behavioral health" in state statutes to avoid stigmatization.

Maddy summaryHCR 89 is a House concurrent resolution that congratulates the 2025 Fair Haven Union High School Slaters girls’ basketball team for winning their second consecutive Division II championship. It also directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the high school.

Maddy summaryHCR 82 is a House concurrent resolution that congratulates the 2025 Fair Haven Union High School Slaters State championship bowling team for winning their State title. The resolution formally recognizes the team's achievement and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the school.

Maddy summaryBill S 18 establishes a licensing framework for freestanding birth centers in the state. It requires facilities providing midwifery care and low-risk deliveries, independent of hospitals, to obtain a license from the Department of Health. Operators must apply, pay a $250 fee, and pass inspections to ensure compliance with safety and health standards. The bill specifically prohibits these licensed birth centers from offering epidural anesthesia or performing cesarean deliveries. The Department of Health is authorized to conduct inspections, enforce compliance, and revoke licenses for non-adherence to the established requirements.

Maddy summaryThis House concurrent resolution formally congratulates the 2024 Fair Haven Union High School Slaters boys' football team for winning the Division II championship. It recognizes their achievement and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the high school.