Rep. Barbara Rachelson

Maddy summaryHCR 13 is a non-binding memorial resolution honoring Robert Louis Picher, the former Clerk of the Vermont House of Representatives. It commemorates his 30 years of service (1963-1993, plus 2002 acting role), military career, legal background, and community contributions. The resolution expresses the Vermont General Assembly’s condolences to his family and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to them. This is purely ceremonial with no policy changes or affected constituents.

Maddy summaryVermont's H 440 bill would protect residential renters by restricting landlords from evicting tenants without a valid reason. Landlords could only terminate tenancies without cause for specific reasons like major renovations (exceeding 50% of unit value), owner-occupancy by the landlord or immediate family, or if a tenant refuses reasonable lease renewal terms. Tenants would receive 60 days' notice for stays under two years or 90 days for longer tenancies, plus relocation assistance equivalent to one month's rent. The bill does not apply to the first six months of a rental agreement.

Maddy summaryHCR 48 is a ceremonial resolution honoring former Vermont House Representative Curt McCormack of Burlington, who died in September 2024. It recognizes his environmental advocacy (including pioneering work on chlorofluorocarbon limits), transportation leadership (as Bicycle-Pedestrian Coordinator and House Transportation Committee Chair), and service as a Peace Corps volunteer in Senegal. The resolution extends condolences to his family and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to them. This procedural resolution does not create policy changes or affect any constituents.

Maddy summaryH 377 creates a refundable income tax credit for Vermont small businesses that advertise in qualifying local media outlets. Small businesses (defined as those with under $10 million in gross income and fewer than 100 full-time employees) can claim a 50% credit on advertising expenses, capped at $250 per year. To qualify, media outlets must meet specific criteria, including producing original local news content and meeting audience or publication requirements. The credit applies to advertising in local broadcast organizations or news organizations that serve Vermont communities, effective January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryVermont's H.381 prohibits the manufacture, sale, transfer, and import of gas-operated semiautomatic firearms, which are defined as weapons using gas pressure to automatically reload after each shot (e.g., certain rifles and pistols). The bill requires the Attorney General to publish a list of prohibited firearms by October 1, 2025, with exemptions for law enforcement, military personnel, federal entities, and immediate family transfers. It applies to owners and dealers, with penalties including up to one year in jail or a $1,000 fine for violations. The law takes effect on October 1, 2025, and does not apply to firearms legally possessed by licensed dealers before that date.

Maddy summaryHCR 30 is a memorial resolution honoring Donald H. Turner Jr., a former Vermont Representative, House Republican Leader, and Milton Town Manager. The resolution expresses the General Assembly's condolences to his family following his death in November 2024 and directs copies of the resolution to his family, the Milton Town Clerk, and the Milton Fire Department. This procedural resolution commemorates his public service, including his 30+ years with the Milton Fire Department and his legislative career representing Milton.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H.322) prohibits individuals from using the title "social worker" or advertising services as such without holding a valid license under Vermont law. It requires that all social work programs leading to licensure must be accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) or its successor. The law applies directly to social workers, employers, and agencies using the title, with violations subject to penalties under existing law. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025, and aims to standardize licensure requirements for the profession.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont prosecutors to inform victims of certain crimes when a defendant appeals or seeks postconviction relief, explaining the process and providing hearing details. It mandates that courts at these hearings ask victims if they wish to speak about the case and consider their statements. Victims who cannot attend must have their written or oral views considered by the court. The law applies to victims of specified crimes and takes effect July 1, 2025. This changes how victims participate in legal proceedings after a conviction.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets maximum fees for towing and storing abandoned vehicles in Vermont, capping towing at $130 or $4.50 per mile (whichever is greater) and storage at $35 per day. It directly affects crime victims by exempting them from paying towing and storage fees if they reported their stolen vehicle to law enforcement before it was towed, including fees accrued prior to seven days after a second notice to the owner. The bill also creates a working group of state officials to study funding mechanisms for reimbursing towing services when they cannot collect fees for stolen vehicles. The group must report by November 15, 2025, with recommendations for legislative action.

Maddy summaryThis Vermont bill (H 329) creates new consumer protections for owners of vehicles deemed "abandoned" and towed under state law. It directly affects towing companies, property owners who remove vehicles, and vehicle owners. Key provisions require towing services to document removals (including photos and caller details), securely store vehicles, and let owners retrieve specific personal items (like medical devices, licenses, or cash) before paying fees. Owners can also challenge removals or fees in court. The bill updates definitions of "abandoned vehicles" and adds requirements for the state to notify owners.