Rep. Mari Cordes

Maddy summaryH 158 prohibits Vermont towns, cities, and counties from passing rules that limit or ban the use of face masks. It directly affects all local governments and residents who might have faced restrictions on mask use. The bill adds a new law (24 V.S.A. § 2295a) stating municipalities cannot regulate mask use through ordinances or rules, and overrides any conflicting local charter provisions. This law takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryVermont's H.155 reauthorizes the state's Standard Offer Program, which provides long-term contracts for new renewable energy projects. It sets a 227.5 MW cumulative capacity limit for new projects (primarily solar and wind), with annual capacity increases phased from 5 MW to 20 MW starting in 2013. The program reserves specific portions of annual capacity for utility-owned projects (10-20%) and independent developers, while also allowing exceptions for agricultural methane projects and grid-benefiting installations. This directly affects renewable energy developers and Vermont utilities by creating a structured pathway for new clean energy generation.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 9) formally honors Vermonters involved in creating the Tony Award-winning musical *Hadestown* and Vermont youth theater groups performing teen versions of the show. It specifically recognizes creators like Anaïs Mitchell (Middlebury College alum), Michael Chorney, and Ben T. Matchstick, along with Vermont youth ensembles including Peoples Academy, Very Merry Theatre, and U-32/Montpelier High School productions supported by *Hadestown* creators. The resolution has no legal effect - it is purely ceremonial, celebrating their artistic achievements and community impact without enacting new policy. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies to the honorees.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H.115) would allow Vermont's Commissioner of Taxes to forgive income tax debt for individuals who lost income due to fraud. It directly affects victims of fraud who have unpaid tax liabilities tied to stolen funds. The key provision gives the Commissioner authority to waive these specific tax debts upon verification of fraud. The bill does not change tax rates or create new taxes, but provides targeted relief for fraud victims. It was recently referred to the Committee on Ways and Means for review.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health care sharing organizations that aren't licensed insurance providers in Vermont to annually report detailed financial and operational data to the state's Financial Regulation Commissioner. It affects entities offering "health care sharing plans" that facilitate payment for health care costs but operate outside standard insurance regulations. Organizations must submit specific information including participant numbers (individuals, households, employers), total fees collected, reimbursement requests processed, denied claims, and details about third-party partners. The Commissioner will compile these reports into a public annual summary posted online. This aims to increase transparency for Vermont residents using these non-insurance health care arrangements.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands eligibility for Vermont's Dr. Dynasaur program to cover pregnant individuals with incomes up to 312% of the federal poverty level (FPL), effective January 2026. It also requires the Agency of Human Services to study and report by January 2026 on the feasibility and costs of expanding Dr. Dynasaur to all Vermont residents under 26 with incomes at or below 312% FPL, and Medicaid to adults aged 26-64 with incomes at or below 312% FPL. The bill appropriates $600,000 for implementing the pregnant individual eligibility change, with $180,000 from the General Fund and $420,000 in federal funds. The report must address federal waiver needs, cost estimates, and implementation timelines for potential broader expansions. This is a policy change focused on expanding healthcare access for specific income groups, not a procedural measure.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a voluntary certification process for community-based perinatal doulas in Vermont who serve under-resourced and marginalized populations at low or no cost. It creates a registry managed by the Office of Professional Regulation, requiring applicants to meet age, competency, and background check standards (with $75 application and $120 biennial renewal fees). The certification is optional - doulas can continue practicing without it, but cannot use the title "certified" unless they hold the credential. The system takes effect July 1, 2026, after rulemaking.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health care entities (like hospitals, clinics, and insurers with $1 million+ in annual revenue) to notify Vermont's Green Mountain Care Board and Attorney General before certain major transactions, such as mergers, acquisitions, or ownership changes. The Board, working with the Attorney General, must review these transactions and decide whether to approve them, approve with conditions, or disapprove them. It also prohibits corporations from interfering with doctors' clinical decisions or professional judgment. Additionally, the bill mandates public reporting on ownership and control of covered health care entities.

Maddy summaryH 75 would expand which healthcare providers can participate in Vermont's end-of-life care processes. Specifically, it would authorize naturopathic physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants to engage in patient choice discussions and issue DNR (do-not-resuscitate) and COLST (clinician orders for life-sustaining treatment) orders - currently limited to physicians under Vermont law. The bill amends definitions in Vermont's Patient Choice at End of Life chapter to include these provider types under the term "clinician." This change would directly affect patients seeking end-of-life care planning and these healthcare professionals who currently cannot sign such orders. The bill is currently pending before the Committee on Health Care.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 77) creates a new 8.75% income tax bracket for Vermont taxpayers earning above $237,950 annually (for married couples filing jointly), with corresponding thresholds for other filing statuses. It directly affects higher-income earners by increasing their tax rate on income above these thresholds. Revenue from this new bracket will be allocated as follows: 2% to the Education Fund, 1% to the Transportation Fund, and 1% to the Higher Education Endowment Trust Fund. The bill also updates annual inflation adjustments for tax brackets using the Consumer Price Index. The bill is currently pending in the Committee on Ways and Means.