Rep. Leonora Dodge

Maddy summaryH.426 provides funding for electric vehicle and eBike incentive programs, including $6 million for new plug-in electric vehicle purchases and $150,000 for eBike incentives in fiscal year 2026. It imposes a $0.30 fee on retail deliveries (subject to sales tax) to generate revenue for transportation initiatives and allocates $2.8 million to public transit agencies to maintain service levels. The bill also requires updated transportation standards to include complete streets and green infrastructure, establishes rules for electric vehicle charging equipment installation, and directs evaluations of projects to reduce vehicle miles traveled and emissions. These changes directly affect vehicle buyers, retail delivery vendors, public transit agencies, and municipalities seeking infrastructure funding.

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 summaryThis bill imposes an 11% excise tax on the retail sale of firearms, firearm precursor parts, and ammunition in Vermont. Licensed firearm dealers and ammunition vendors must collect the tax at the point of sale (during background checks) and remit it quarterly to the state. The tax applies to all retail transactions except those exempt under Vermont law, such as transfers to law enforcement or immediate family members. Revenue from the tax will be deposited into the Domestic and Sexual Violence Special Fund, which supports victim services. The tax takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryH 399 strengthens tenant protections in Vermont by banning rental application fees and requiring landlords to provide written rental agreements for 12+ month leases. The bill limits no-cause evictions with mandatory notice periods (60-90 days based on how long a tenant has lived there), prohibits charging for background checks, and adds citizenship/immigration status to discrimination protections. It creates a Rental Registry and an Office of Tenant’s Rights Advocate to help tenants navigate disputes. Tenants in Vermont rental housing will directly benefit from these concrete changes to agreements, evictions, and discrimination safeguards.

Maddy summaryH 375 creates a temporary committee to study the need for an independent "Office of New Americans" in Vermont. The committee, composed of refugee service leaders, legislators, agency representatives, and community members (including refugee organizations), will research current challenges faced by immigrants and refugees (referred to as "New Americans" in the bill), successful service models in other states, and potential structural changes. It must submit a detailed report by September 1, 2026, with recommendations on creating the new office, including its structure, funding, and how it would improve access to services like workforce support and housing. The bill does not create the office itself but sets up a process to evaluate its necessity.

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 summaryH 227 creates a two-bed residential peer respite facility in southern Vermont to provide short-term support for people experiencing mental health crises, avoiding hospitalization. The facility will offer two types of stays: one bed for up to four weeks and another for up to two weeks, operated by a provider selected through a state contract. The bill appropriates $515,000 for fiscal year 2026 to fund this facility, requiring the Department of Mental Health to contract with an eligible provider by January 1, 2026. It aims to expand access to peer-supported care in southern Vermont, reducing reliance on emergency hospital settings for crisis care. The facility will become operational on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HCR 26) honoring Burlington High School alumna Ilona Maher for winning a bronze medal with the U.S. women's rugby sevens team at the 2024 Paris Olympics. It formally congratulates her on this achievement and directs Vermont's Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to her. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely serves to recognize her athletic accomplishment and community ties. It was adopted by the Vermont House and Senate in February 2025 as a symbolic gesture.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows retired Vermont teachers (Group A or C members) who have received retirement benefits for at least six months to work as interim school educators for up to one year while continuing to receive their full retirement allowance. It requires school districts to confirm they exhausted all options for hiring active teachers before hiring a retired beneficiary. The provision, extending an existing 2022 law, expires on June 30, 2031. It applies specifically to interim educators in Vermont public schools who are already retired and receiving benefits.