Sen. Joe Major

Maddy summaryS.227 requires all Vermont public and approved independent schools to adopt policies preventing the sharing of student information with federal immigration authorities without a judicial warrant. It prohibits schools from collecting immigration status data, designating such information as "directory information" under federal privacy law, or sharing student records with immigration agencies except as legally required. The bill mandates schools to provide immigration resources to staff and students, designate staff as immigration resource officers, and block federal agents from entering nonpublic school areas (like classrooms or cafeterias) without a warrant naming a specific individual. Schools are also barred from entering agreements that aid federal immigration enforcement, with the superintendent as the sole authority to approve any required federal agreements.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the third Monday in October as "Vermont Libraries Day" to raise awareness about library services. It expands funding access for public libraries by explicitly including them as eligible recipients for the Universal Afterschool and Summer Special Fund (supporting after-school/summer reading programs) and early education grants. The bill updates the definition of "collection" to include digital materials in all library statutes, requires the Department of Libraries to publish funding guidance for municipalities, and authorizes towns to issue bonds for library facility improvements. These changes directly benefit Vermont's public libraries and the communities they serve by enhancing their access to resources and infrastructure support.

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 summaryThis Vermont bill (S 64) creates a new "advanced therapeutic procedures specialty" for optometrists, allowing them to perform specific eye treatments currently restricted to ophthalmologists. It permits optometrists with this specialty to conduct procedures like removing superficial eye foreign bodies, minor lesion excisions (e.g., chalazia), corneal crosslinking, certain laser treatments (capsulotomy, iridotomy), and targeted injections (e.g., for chalazia or subconjunctival therapy). The bill explicitly prohibits optometrists from performing complex surgeries such as LASIK, corneal transplants, retinal procedures, or injections into the vitreous chamber. This directly affects licensed optometrists in Vermont who pursue the specialty and expands patient access to certain eye care services within defined boundaries.

Maddy summaryVermont's S.71, the Vermont Data Privacy Act, creates new rules for businesses handling personal data of Vermont residents. It requires businesses to obtain clear, affirmative consent (not dark patterns or broad terms) before collecting personal data, with special protections for sensitive information like reproductive health, gender-affirming care, and precise location data (within 1,750 feet). The law prohibits using geofencing to track individuals near sensitive locations like abortion clinics or mental health facilities. It directly affects all businesses processing personal data of Vermont residents, including tech companies, retailers, and health services, by mandating transparency and restricting how they can use or share consumer information.

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 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 bill is a formal resolution that congratulates the 2026 Hartford High School Hurricanes girls' basketball team for winning the Division II state championship. It specifically recognizes the players, coaches, and staff who contributed to their victory in the final game against Lamoille Union High School. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Hartford High School as an official record of the General Assembly's appreciation.