Sen. Andrew Perchlik

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits civil arrests (arrests for civil matters like court appearances) in specific sensitive locations, including schools, shelters, health care facilities, government buildings, and court proceedings. It directly affects individuals visiting these locations, law enforcement officers, and civil courts by restricting arrests in those settings. Key provisions define "civil arrest" and allow exceptions for judicial warrants, contempt of court, or maintaining safety in court. Violations could lead to contempt charges or civil lawsuits for false imprisonment. The law applies immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all Vermont law enforcement officers (including local, state, and federal officers working in the state) to clearly display their name or badge number on their uniform during public interactions. It prohibits wearing masks or personal disguises while performing duties, with exceptions for medical masks (surgical/N95), fire/smoke protection, water rescues, chemical/biological hazard protection, and cold-weather emergencies. Officers violating these rules face fines up to $1,000 or loss of licensure. The law aims to enhance public transparency and safety during officer-public encounters, effective July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryVermont's S.230 requires most employers to consider employee requests for flexible work arrangements - such as adjusted hours, remote work, or job-sharing - twice yearly, provided the request doesn’t conflict with business operations. Employers must discuss requests in good faith and can only deny them if the arrangement would cause specific business impacts, like increased costs, reduced morale, or inability to meet customer demand. The bill excludes routine scheduling changes, vacation, or other standard leave from its definition of flexible arrangements. It takes effect July 1, 2026, directly affecting employees seeking schedule changes and employers with regular workforces.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates Vermont's Voting Rights Act to protect voters from discrimination. It requires municipalities to get Attorney General approval before changing election districts or methods (a "pre-clearance" system), bans racial gerrymandering, and prohibits at-large voting systems that weaken minority voting power. The law mandates language assistance for voters in minority languages and new voting accessibility for seniors and people with disabilities. It also criminalizes voter intimidation and spreading false election information. The bill directly affects all Vermont towns, cities, and school districts that hold elections.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes transforming Vermont's career technical education (CTE) system to ensure all high school students have equitable access to CTE programs. It mandates expanding CTE opportunities to middle school and early high school years, removing barriers like transportation and scheduling conflicts, and requiring high schools to award credits recommended by CTE centers. The bill also directs CTE programs to align with Vermont's current workforce needs and establishes flexible delivery models (including hybrid options) to improve accessibility. It aims to create a sustainable funding system and strengthen coordination between secondary and adult CTE programs. The changes will take effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryVermont's S.157 establishes a voluntary certification program for recovery residences (temporary housing for people recovering from substance use disorders) through the Department of Health. To become certified, residences must meet standards including peer-support certification, compliance with health/safety rules, transparent complaint procedures, and annual reporting of resident data like stay length and employment outcomes. The bill also requires certified residences to follow specific exit policies for residents violating safety or substance use rules, with strict conditions for immediate transfers. This applies directly to recovery residences seeking certification, not to residents themselves, and mandates annual data reporting to both the Department of Health and state legislative committees.

Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a Senate concurrent resolution that formally honors Professor Jessica Holmes for her public service on Vermont's Green Mountain Care Board. The document recognizes her contributions to healthcare regulation, including her work on reducing wait times and managing resources, as well as her role as interim chair during leadership transitions. It highlights her professional background in health economics and her academic achievements at Middlebury College, Yale, and Colgate. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the honor to Professor Holmes, serving as a commemorative gesture rather than a change in law or policy.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors Dennis Miles, the General Assembly Doorkeeper, for his long service to the Vermont legislature and its staff. It recognizes his 41-year career as an educator and coach before he joined the General Assembly in 2014, where he has managed building security and mentored legislative pages for over a dozen years. The resolution formally acknowledges his dedication and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to him as a gesture of appreciation.