Rep. Sandy Pinsonault

Maddy summaryH 139 creates a working group to study whether Vermont's secondary schools should require licensed athletic trainers at all athletic events and practices. The group, made up of education leaders, athletic directors, and athletic trainers, will examine the need, available resources, and cost-effective ways to share trainers across school districts. They must submit a report to lawmakers by December 1, 2025, but the bill itself does not require trainers to be present - only study the possibility. This affects all Vermont public secondary schools, particularly rural districts facing medical access challenges.

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 summaryHCR 17 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the Green Mountain Hometown Heroes Banner Program, which displayed banners along Route 7 in Bennington recognizing military veterans from conflicts dating back to the Civil War. The resolution specifically acknowledges the program's organizers (Green Mountain Hometown Heroes Corporation, Bennington American Legion, and VFW) and partners (Bennington Town, Green Mountain Power) for creating a public tribute to veterans and their families. It has no policy impact or new requirements; it simply expresses legislative support for this commemorative effort.

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 summaryThis bill requires Vermont school districts to include military career options in students' personalized learning plans and career planning resources starting in grade 7. It amends education law to mandate that schools provide specific information about military admissions processes and requirements as part of postsecondary planning. The policy affects all Vermont public schools serving students in grades 7-12, integrating military opportunities alongside other career pathways. The change takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont's Office of Veterans Affairs to create and maintain a database of state veterans, collecting personal information from state agencies. It mandates that all state agencies provide veteran data "to the maximum extent practicable" while keeping all personally identifying details exempt from public records requests under Vermont law. The database will be confidential, with information protected from public inspection or copying, even overriding standard public records exemptions. The law takes effect on July 1, 2025, and directly affects Vermont veterans whose personal details are collected, as well as state agencies responsible for sharing that data.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 85) expands Vermont's tax exemptions for vehicles used in forestry operations. It adds motor trucks, semi-trailers, tractors, truck cranes, and other specific forestry equipment (like skidders, log loaders, and whole-tree chippers) to the list of vehicles exempt from sales tax and purchase/use tax. The exemption applies to businesses engaged in forestry activities, including timber cutting, removal, processing, and transportation of forest products. The bill modifies existing tax code sections to include these vehicles and requires state agencies to publish application guidance.

Maddy summaryH 68 expands Vermont's National Guard Tuition Benefit Program to cover graduate degrees and second bachelor's degrees, directly affecting Vermont National Guard members who meet eligibility criteria. The bill allows members to receive tuition benefits for graduate studies or a second undergraduate degree, provided they haven't previously used the program for an undergraduate degree. Key provisions include requiring a two-year service commitment for each year of tuition benefit received and mandating repayment if members leave service early or fail to complete their degree while employed in Vermont. This update extends existing coverage beyond undergraduate programs without altering the core structure of the benefit program.

Maddy summaryH 64 creates a process for victims of sexual assault to obtain emergency protective orders outside regular court hours, weekends, and holidays. It requires the Court Administrator to establish procedures where an authorized person can receive requests (including electronically), administer a sworn statement over the phone, and relay the case to a judicial officer for a decision. This directly affects individuals seeking immediate protection from sexual assault when courts are closed. The judicial officer decides solely based on the submitted information, and if approved, the order is delivered to law enforcement for service. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryH 74 would phase in full exemption of Social Security benefits from Vermont income tax over eight years. Currently, Vermont partially exempts Social Security benefits for lower-income seniors, but this bill raises the income thresholds where full exemption applies - increasing the single filer threshold from $65,000 to $77,000 and married filer threshold from $80,000 to $92,000. The change applies to all Vermont residents receiving Social Security benefits, with full exemption becoming effective by the eighth year. The bill amends Vermont’s tax code (32 V.S.A. § 5830e) to adjust the income-based exclusion rules. It is currently referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.