Rep. Lisa Hango

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 House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 2) formally congratulates the 2024 Missisquoi Valley Union High School Thunderbirds softball team for winning the Division I championship. It directly recognizes the team members, coaches, and staff who achieved this victory, including specific player names and support personnel listed in the resolution. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the school, serving as a ceremonial acknowledgment with no policy changes or funding impacts. As a symbolic gesture, it does not alter laws or affect broader legislation.

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 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.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts Vermont National Guard members' state active duty subsistence and quarters allowance from the state's personal income tax. It directly affects Vermont-resident National Guard members who receive this specific allowance during state active duty. The key provision adds this allowance to Vermont's list of exempt military income, removing it from taxable income calculations. The exemption applies retroactively to tax years beginning January 1, 2025, and takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a symbolic resolution congratulating the 2024 Richford Junior-Senior High School Falcons boys' track and field team for winning the Division IV championship. It recognizes their victory after a nine-year championship drought, highlighting specific achievements like winning the 200m, 400m, and relay events. The resolution directs Vermont’s Secretary of State to send a copy to the school, with no policy changes or direct impact beyond ceremonial recognition.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 5) formally congratulates the 2024 Richford Junior-Senior High School Rockets softball team for winning the Division IV championship. It specifically recognizes their victory over West Rutland in the championship game, highlighting their scoring performance and key players. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the school, making it a ceremonial acknowledgment with no policy impact or direct effect on individuals beyond the team and school. As a purely symbolic resolution, it contains no substantive legislative provisions.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 4) is a ceremonial expression of congratulations from Vermont's General Assembly to the 2024 Richford Junior-Senior High School Division IV girls' soccer team for winning their championship. It specifically honors the team's 3-2 victory over West Rutland in the championship game, noting their comeback from a 2-0 deficit. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Richford Junior-Senior High School. As a non-binding ceremonial measure, it does not create new policy or affect any laws.

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.