Sen. Becca White

Maddy summaryHCR 30 is a memorial resolution honoring Donald H. Turner Jr., a former Vermont Representative, House Republican Leader, and Milton Town Manager. The resolution expresses the General Assembly's condolences to his family following his death in November 2024 and directs copies of the resolution to his family, the Milton Town Clerk, and the Milton Fire Department. This procedural resolution commemorates his public service, including his 30+ years with the Milton Fire Department and his legislative career representing Milton.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Vermont municipalities from enacting rules that limit or ban the use of hygienic face masks. It directly affects local governments (cities and towns) and residents by preventing them from adopting mask restrictions through ordinances or other local regulations. The law adds a new provision to state law (24 V.S.A. § 2295a) that overrides any conflicting local charter provisions. The bill would take effect on July 1, 2025, and currently awaits committee review after its first reading on February 25, 2025.

Maddy summaryS 84 requires Vermont's State Commissioner of Buildings and General Services to spend at least 80% of the annual budget for print, digital, radio, and television advertising on local news and broadcast organizations. It directly affects all state agencies purchasing advertising, mandating they contract with organizations meeting specific local criteria (e.g., producing original local content, employing dedicated staff, meeting publication frequency standards, and disclosing ownership). The bill exempts tourism-focused ads from the 80% requirement and mandates an annual report to the legislature by June 30 detailing all state advertising spending. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new enhanced incentive within Vermont's Vermont Employment Growth Incentive Program (VEGI) specifically for employee-owned businesses. It directly affects qualifying employee-owned businesses (including worker cooperatives and ESOPs) applying for VEGI funding by increasing their share of state funds from 80% to 90% of new revenue growth generated. Key changes include a modified payroll calculation method and a specific definition for "employee-owned business" that aligns with federal tax definitions. The goal is to support these locally controlled businesses, which typically offer higher wages and benefits, by providing a stronger financial incentive for growth. The incentive becomes effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HCR 34) that formally congratulates the Green Mountain Union High School Chieftains boys' soccer team for winning the 2024 Division III championship. It does not create new laws or affect policy; it is solely a symbolic gesture of recognition by the Vermont legislature. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the high school, with no financial or regulatory impact. It directly honors the team, coaches, and school for their athletic achievement.

Maddy summaryS 80 establishes Vermont Digital Addictions Awareness Day on the last Saturday in July to raise public awareness about digital addiction, particularly among younger people. The bill directly affects Vermont families and residents by waiving one-day entry fees at all state parks and historic sites on this designated day, encouraging outdoor activities. Key provisions include designating the last Saturday of July as the awareness day (per 1 V.S.A. § 378) and requiring the Commissioner of Forests, Parks and Recreation to waive park fees on that day (per 10 V.S.A. § 2603(c)(5)), though waivers may be limited to Vermont residents based on department funding. The policy change takes effect July 1, 2025, with the goal of promoting outdoor engagement as a counter to excessive digital use.

Maddy summaryS 54 would repeal Vermont’s laws criminalizing consensual sex work between adults and "indiscriminate sexual intercourse" for hire, while maintaining felony penalties for human trafficking. It directly affects adult sex workers who engage voluntarily, removing criminal penalties for their work. The bill replaces outdated laws (dating to the early 1900s) with a focus on protecting those compelled into sex work through force, fraud, or coercion. The legislation cites research showing criminalization increases health risks and safety threats for sex workers, aligning with a 2018 Johns Hopkins study on the harms of sex work laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S.75, funds and expands Vermont’s transportation programs to reduce emissions and improve equity. It allocates $10 million for new electric vehicle incentives, $3 million for mileage-based rebates, $1 million for vehicle replacement programs, and $150,000 for e-bike incentives in fiscal year 2026. The bill also imposes a $0.30 fee on taxable retail deliveries (like online orders) and provides $1.28 million to maintain public transit service levels. Key provisions require agencies to prioritize emissions reductions in project planning, expand electric vehicle charging access, and support "complete streets" infrastructure. These changes directly affect Vermont residents, businesses, transit agencies, and local municipalities through new funding streams and fee structures.

Maddy summaryS.78 establishes the Vermont-Ireland Trade Commission within the State Treasurer’s office to advance trade, investment, and cultural exchange between Vermont and Ireland. The commission, composed of 10 members appointed by the governor, House speaker, and Senate committee, will promote business partnerships, policy collaboration, and infrastructure investment between the two regions. It may raise funds through donations and submit annual reports to the governor and legislature, with appointments required by October 2025. The commission will cease operations on June 30, 2030, and the law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Vermont bill (S 70) requires data brokers - businesses that collect and sell personal information about consumers without a direct relationship (like a customer or employee) - to take specific steps to protect residents' privacy. It mandates that data brokers notify consumers of security breaches involving personal data, certify that data is used for legitimate purposes, and provide an accessible way for consumers to request deletion of their information. The bill directly affects Vermont residents whose personal data is collected by these brokers and sets clear rules for how brokers must handle and protect that information. It does not apply to businesses sharing publicly available business or professional information or those maintaining directory services.