Rep. Rob Hunter

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 Vermont legislative resolution (HCR 15) formally honors Wally Mattison, a former Bennington Police Department acting chief, on his 100th birthday. It recognizes his military service during WWII - including combat in Normandy, a Purple Heart, and a French Medal of Honor - and his 40-year career with the Bennington Police Department. The resolution, passed unanimously by both the Vermont House and Senate in January 2025, expresses the state's appreciation for his service and includes a directive for the Secretary of State to deliver a copy to Mr. Mattison. It does not create new laws or policies, as it is a ceremonial expression of respect.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution honoring James H. Colvin, a former Bennington Select Board Chair, Vermont House Representative (1998-2000), and Bennington County Assistant Judge (2002-2023). The resolution expresses the Vermont General Assembly's condolences to his family following his death in September 2024 and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to his family. It has no policy impact or funding provisions - it solely commemorates his public service career. The resolution was adopted without debate on January 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryH.112 provides medical debt relief for Vermont residents by appropriating $1 million to contract with a nonprofit to purchase and erase qualifying medical debt. It directly affects Vermonters with household incomes at or below 400% of the federal poverty level or those owing medical debt equal to 5% or more of their household income. The bill prohibits credit bureaus from reporting medical debt on credit reports and bans healthcare providers from submitting such debt to credit agencies. It requires debt relief contractors to remove adverse credit information after debt abolition, ensuring no cost or tax impact for affected residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont Medicaid to cover medically necessary play therapy services for eligible patients. It directly affects Vermont Medicaid recipients, particularly children and adolescents receiving mental health treatment. The law mandates coverage for play therapy provided by specific licensed professionals (such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and clinical social workers) and defines play therapy as using toys, games, and role-playing to address mental health challenges. The coverage becomes effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require Vermont public schools, independent schools, career and technical centers, and prequalified private prekindergarten programs to ban student use of cell phones and personal electronic devices during the entire school day, from arrival to dismissal. It also prohibits schools from using social media to communicate with students directly. Exceptions are permitted for students with documented medical needs (requiring physician documentation) or for those using devices as part of an individualized education program (IEP) or 504 plan. The policy aims to reduce distractions and support student well-being, aligning with findings about youth mental health and social media use.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts U.S. military retirement income and survivor benefit payments from Vermont income tax for eligible residents. It adds these income types to Vermont’s list of excluded income in the tax code (specifically amending 32 V.S.A. § 5811), meaning military retirees and surviving spouses won’t pay state tax on these payments. The change applies retroactively to tax years beginning January 1, 2026. It directly affects Vermont taxpayers who receive military retirement or survivor benefits, providing them tax relief on this specific income source.