Rep. James Gregoire

Maddy summaryH.638 establishes a voluntary certification program for recovery residences in Vermont through the Department of Health. It defines recovery residences as peer-support living spaces for people recovering from substance use disorders and sets six standards for certification, including meeting safety/sanitation rules, having a complaint process, and maintaining certification via a Vermont-approved organization. Certified residences must annually report data to the Department (e.g., resident numbers, employment changes) and undergo inspections with 10 days' notice. The bill directly affects recovery residences operating in Vermont, requiring them to meet these standards to participate in the program.

Maddy summaryH.643 redirects all revenue from Vermont's purchase and use tax to the Transportation Fund instead of the Education Fund, phasing out the education allocation over six years. The bill gradually reduces the annual cap for education funding - from $50 million in 2026 down to $10 million in 2030 - before fully repealing it by 2031. This change directly affects state budget allocations, shifting funds from education to transportation infrastructure without altering the tax itself. The policy change takes effect annually starting July 1, 2026, with full implementation by 2031.

Maddy summaryH.248 amends existing laws regarding child care grants and financial assistance programs. It allows the Commissioner for Children and Families to provide supplemental financial relief to child care programs at risk of closing, particularly those in high-poverty areas. The bill also expands eligibility for the Child Care Financial Assistance Program, enabling families with incomes up to 575% of the federal poverty level to receive subsidies for child care needed for employment or training. Additionally, it revises payment schedules for child care providers, requiring timely payments and reducing the rate difference between family child care homes and center-based programs.

Maddy summaryH 397 updates Vermont's emergency management and flood response systems. It requires the Division of Emergency Management to annually report on mitigation plans to legislative committees and revise the State Emergency Management Plan every five years to cover response coordination, preparedness, and local planning templates. The bill expands grant funding for flood mitigation projects, including voluntary buyouts for flood-affected properties, and mandates new assistance for municipalities to access river monitoring and weather alert systems. It also provides municipalities with greater flexibility to borrow funds for emergency-related expenses and manage unspent budget balances. These changes directly affect state agencies, local governments, and communities in flood-prone areas.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 151) is a ceremonial gesture congratulating Casella Waste Systems, Inc. on its 50th anniversary. It formally recognizes the company's founding in 1975, growth to over 5,000 employees across 10 states, sustainability initiatives (including EV fleets and the Casella Center for Circular Economy), and community contributions. The resolution has no legislative effect - only directing the Secretary of State to send a copy to the company. It directly affects Casella Waste Systems, Inc., as the recipient of this symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryH.518 proposes to repeal the State Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Program. If enacted, the Agency of Natural Resources would not be required to establish or implement this program. The bill would also eliminate the requirement for the State Treasurer to assess the cost of greenhouse gas emissions to Vermont and its residents. Any state positions authorized for the program or assessment would be terminated, and appropriated funds would be returned to the General Fund.

Maddy summaryHCR 145 is a House concurrent resolution that celebrates the 35th anniversary of the installation of the first piece of art for the Art in State Buildings Program. The resolution also directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the Vermont Arts Council.

Maddy summaryH 219 establishes the Department of Corrections’ Family Support Program, providing free parenting and trauma-informed family support services to all incarcerated individuals who are parents or guardians. The program aims to increase parents' knowledge and skills, offer resources for communicating with their children and caregivers, and create child-friendly visitation spaces. It also includes outreach for children's services and reentry support for parents. The bill directs the Department to include funding for these services in its annual budget, with initial implementation at the Chittenden Regional and Northern State Correctional Facilities and an intent to expand statewide by 2028, contingent on appropriated funds.

Maddy summaryThis resolution, HCR 81, honors the life and public service of Brenda Churchill, a former Bakersfield Select Board member and advocate for transgender rights. It extends the Vermont General Assembly's condolences to her family and recognizes her contributions to local and state government, including her work on the Vermont Commission on Women.

Maddy summaryThis resolution congratulates Caitlin MacLeod-Bluver of Winooski High School on her selection as the 2025 Vermont Teacher of the Year. It also recognizes Jeremy DeMink of Edmunds Middle School and Sonya Shedd of Wolcott Elementary School as Distinguished Finalists for the award.