Rep. Greg Burtt

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution honors the Vermont Old Cemetery Association (VOCA) for its 65+ years of preserving Vermont's historic cemeteries. VOCA provides restoration grants, veteran burial support, and educational resources (like its newsletter and book *Burial Grounds of Vermont*) to local cemetery groups and municipalities. The resolution formally recognizes VOCA's work without creating new laws, funding, or policy changes. It serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation for the organization's contributions to cemetery preservation and public education.

Maddy summaryThis bill bans all forms of geoengineering in Vermont, including solar radiation modification (like stratospheric aerosol injection), cloud seeding, and other atmospheric experiments that release pollutants. It directly affects anyone conducting such activities - individuals, companies, or government entities - within Vermont's airspace or territory. Key provisions require Vermont State Police or sheriffs to issue immediate cease-and-desist orders for violations and mandate reports of suspected violations to law enforcement. The bill defines prohibited activities broadly to cover interventions using aerosols, chemicals, electromagnetic radiation, or "chaff" (including PFAS-containing materials) that could harm health, environment, or agriculture.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution designates February 12, 2025, as "Farm to School and Child Awareness Day" at the Vermont State House. It recognizes Vermont's existing Farm-to-School programs, which connect schools with local farmers to provide healthy meals and support agricultural sustainability. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the Vermont Farm to School & Early Childhood Network. As a ceremonial designation, it does not create new laws or funding but highlights ongoing initiatives benefiting schools, early childhood programs, and Vermont farmers.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 12) is a non-binding ceremonial resolution expressing legislative congratulations to the University of Vermont (UVM) men's soccer team for winning their first NCAA Division I men's soccer championship (College Cup) in 2024. It formally recognizes the team's achievement, including their "Cardiac Cats" nickname and championship victory over Marshall University. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to UVM Athletics but does not create any new policy, funding, or legal obligations. It is purely symbolic recognition of the team's athletic accomplishment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H.150) reinstates an exemption allowing firearm transfers at gun shows to bypass Vermont's standard 72-hour waiting period. It directly affects gun show organizers, vendors, and attendees participating in firearm transactions at events sponsored by firearm-focused organizations (like competitive shooting clubs or collector groups). The key mechanism adds a specific exemption to Vermont law, stating that firearm transfers at qualifying gun shows are not subject to the 72-hour waiting period requirement. This policy change reverses a prior removal of this exemption, returning to a previous regulatory approach for gun show transactions.

Maddy summaryVermont's JRH 1 is a joint resolution applying to Congress for a Convention of the States under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. It requests that such a convention propose constitutional amendments specifically focused on imposing fiscal restraints on the federal government, limiting federal power and jurisdiction, and establishing term limits for federal officials and members of Congress. The resolution states this application remains active until two-thirds of U.S. states apply for the same purpose, and directs the Secretary of State to send copies to federal officials and other state legislatures. This is a procedural step seeking to initiate a potential constitutional convention, not a direct policy change affecting residents.

Maddy summaryH.117 would prevent candidates who lose a major party primary election from appearing on the general election ballot as independents or for another party for the same office. This rule directly affects candidates who compete in a primary but do not win their party's nomination. The bill amends Vermont election law to explicitly bar such candidates from being listed on the general ballot under any other party or as independents. The change would take effect immediately upon the bill's passage.

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 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.