Rep. Wayne Laroche

Maddy summaryH.407 protects Vermont farmers from nuisance lawsuits by establishing that agricultural activities generally do not constitute a nuisance if they follow "generally accepted agricultural practices." This applies to routine farm operations like crop cultivation, livestock management, and equipment use, directly affecting farmers and neighboring property owners who might otherwise file lawsuits. The bill requires parties to attempt mediation before filing a lawsuit and excludes protection if negligence or violations of water quality rules occur. It also ensures protection continues through ownership changes, farm method shifts, or temporary operational pauses (up to 10 years), preserving farm continuity.

Maddy summaryH.415 provides $350,000 for purchasing land and $350,000 for relocating existing fair structures from the Franklin County State Airport to support the Franklin County Field Days agricultural fair. The bill directly funds the Franklin County Field Days agricultural fair association for land acquisition and physical relocation costs. It appropriates these funds from the General Fund for fiscal year 2026, effective July 1, 2025. The bill focuses solely on providing specific grant funding for infrastructure needs of the fair association.

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 summaryHCR 3 is a ceremonial resolution congratulating the 2024 Enosburg Falls High School Hornets Division II softball team on their championship victory. It specifically recognizes their dramatic 10-8 comeback win in the championship game against Lyndon Institute. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the school, formally acknowledging the team's achievement without creating any new laws or affecting policies. This is a symbolic gesture with no binding effect, solely honoring the team's athletic accomplishment.

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 summaryH.310 requires Vermont public schools (K-12) to address antisemitism through updated policies and education. It amends the harassment definition to explicitly include antisemitic harassment - covering slurs, stereotypes, and threats targeting Jewish heritage - and mandates the Secretary of Education to develop a curriculum on antisemitism's evolution, effects, and legal consequences. The bill also requires training for school staff, age-appropriate teaching materials, and technical assistance for implementation. This affects all Vermont public school students and educators, aiming to prevent antisemitic incidents amid rising national hate crime statistics cited in the bill. The proposed curriculum would be developed in coordination with Shalom Alliance of Vermont.

Maddy summaryH 282 creates a new driver education program for students in Vermont's home study programs, requiring the Motor Vehicles Commissioner and Education Secretary to approve a course for parents or guardians to teach their children. The approved course must cover alcohol/drug effects on driving, motor vehicle insurance laws, and the environmental impact of vehicle idling. Parents teaching the course must not have recent DUI convictions, six or more traffic points in three years, or certain felony convictions. The bill mandates course approval by July 1, 2025, and requires a report comparing driving records of home study students with traditional program students by November 2029.

Maddy summaryHCR 21 is a symbolic resolution expressing the Vermont General Assembly's appreciation for school board members' role in public education. It formally designates February as "School Board Recognition Month" in Vermont to highlight their contributions. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely ceremonial, acknowledging school board members' civic service. The resolution was adopted by both chambers on February 7, 2025, and directs the Secretary of State to share it with the Vermont School Boards Association.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $1,000 income tax deduction for Vermont taxpayers who cover qualified home study program expenses for their dependent children. It directly affects parents or guardians who educate their dependents through home study programs (as defined under Vermont law), provided the child is not claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer. The deduction covers costs like educational materials, equipment, and software required for home study, but does not include full tuition. The provision applies retroactively to taxable years beginning January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 252) prohibits individuals convicted of a second or subsequent felony from earning time off their prison sentence through Vermont's earned time program. It amends 28 V.S.A. § 818 to explicitly exclude people sentenced for a felony after a prior felony conviction from participating in the program. The key change removes this group from eligibility, meaning repeat felony offenders cannot reduce their sentences via earned time. This applies to all current and future offenders meeting this criteria, excluding them from the standard earned time provisions. The bill is currently pending referral to the Committee on Corrections and Institutions.